On Faith and Politics

Many of us have been told there are two topics that are simply too personal to discuss publicly: faith and politics. Between now and Reformation Day 2020 (October 31), I am writing a series of reflections on this topic. Why? Simply, because I believe that what many of us have been told is unbiblical and that a devoted Christ follower must live out their faith through their political actions and ideology.

For those that follow Jesus Christ, it is important for us to visit the crossroads of faith and politics and to spend time meditating on where, and how, these two topics intersect. In fact, would the salvation narrative of the Gospels even be possible without this intersection? Is it not political comments (and, debatably, even motives) that put a mark on Jesus’ back and lead to His public execution on a cross?

At the crossroads of faith and politics we see the cross lifted high, and it is ugly and horrific. Which is perhaps why we have been told to not mingle these two topics. However, it is also at these crossroads where we have witnessed the birth of salvation—through the death and resurrection of Jesus—and, perhaps, we too can help birth a better world.

Now, to be clear, faith is by far a higher calling than politics. Faith is what provides us hope, drives us forward, and brings about the Eternal Kingdom. Yet, Jesus still found merit in merging politics into His message.

In the Gospel narratives, Jesus begins His movement by claiming that the “kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15). Of course, when we see this today, our initial reaction is to think of it as an other-worldly spiritual statement and we quickly desire to skip towards the end of Jesus earthly ministry when He says to the political rulers of His day, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33-38). Did Jesus not also say that His Kingdom is “at hand”? If it is all spiritual, how can it also be at hand…arriving…present…visible on earth?

As we dig into the Gospels more, it eventually becomes crystal clear that Jesus’ Kingdom is, and should be, manifest now and that it also will become more manifest in the future. (One example of this I was recently reminded of is from Matthew 16:24-28. Jesus says that His followers must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Him; and that following is not easy but meaningful; and that in the end God will be the judge the righteous and unrighteous; and, at the same time, some will not taste death before seeing a glimpse of this Kingdom.)

Some might say that Jesus’ use of the word “kingdom” does not carry any political weight. However, what if Jesus said one of these statements…?

The presidency of God is at hand.
My constitution is not of this world.
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the republic of God.
The democracy of God is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.

All of a sudden, it all becomes more political, and perhaps more personally relevant. Imagine what the people of Jesus’ time must have initially thought. It must have sounded quite provocative. Or, radical and revolutionary. Or, treasonous and dangerous. More-than-borderline political.

Side note: The “Kingdom of God” is a massive topic and could be explored from many angles. The point of this reflection is to think about the political spear-tip the phrase carry’s with it, and not to exhaustively examine the topic. Perhaps there will be time for that in the future on this blog.