A Proper Biblical Understanding of Politics – Part 1
In less than one week our nation will elect one of two men, president, to lead us for the next four years. Unfortunately, many Christians question if they should be involved in politics or even on what level.
From my personal experience, I see two polar opposite ideological camps. The first camp says that Christians have a “higher calling” than politics and should be about spreading the gospel, rather than preaching political policies. The other extreme ideological camp believes that Christians should be vigorously active and involved in the political process, while helping establish policies. Last Sunday I began preaching a two part series in our church titled, “What does the Bible say about Politics?” The two main premises are: 1. Does God care IF I vote? (should Christians be involved in politics at all and if so at what level) and 2. Does God care HOW I vote? (what does the Bible say about current American Political issues). Based on these topics, I will begin this article by answering the first question and follow up next week by answering the second.
If all Christians agree that in order to further understand God we must first look to the Bible as our primary reference. We believe the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind, and, as Christians, it is our sole source for faith and daily living. In essence, as Christians we should allow the Bible alone to guide our doctrine and theology. With this in mind, we must accurately explore what it says about governments and politics. From Genesis to Revelation we find numerous men and women of faith in key government roles and positions. Examples range from Joseph serving as second in command of the mighty nation of Egypt to Israel enstating a monarchy style of government. Also, and perhaps the most notable, would be Nehemiah (who was the chief of staff to King Artaxerxes I of Persia) and Daniel (who was Governor to King Darius & King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon), who were both in very high political positions in government. Perhaps the most famous and notable theologian of the early first century church, the apostle Paul wrote several key passages about Christians and government.
Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-7 that God has given governments to mankind for five primary reasons: 1. Provide peace & prevent chaos 2. Punish evil 3.Praise good 4. Help the helpless 5. To be His & our (the citizens of the government) servants for good.
In Matthew 22:15-22, we see Jesus himself being challenged on this very issue by the Herodians (a type of political party) and Pharisees (a type of religious party). Should followers of Christ pay taxes to Caesar or not? Jesus’ answer is absolutely perfect, he asked for a coin and said, “Whose image is on this coin? They answered, “Caesar’s,” and He said to them, “then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” The coin Jesus was holding up had the image of Tiberius Caesar’s on it and was literally owned, not by the Roman government, but by Tiberius Caesar himself. In other words, Jesus is saying that certain things/issues are a Caesar issue. Therefore, the government and political officials should handle the Caesar issues. However, the real punch of Jesus’ statement was the last part, “give to God what belongs to God.” The Bible plainly states in Genesis 1:27 that “God created man in His image.” In other words, the image that bears government, belongs to and reflects governments, however, mankind, bear God’s image and belongs to Him.
With this in mind, let us harken back to our original statement, “does God care IF I vote, (should Christians be involved in politics at all and if so at what level)? The Christian should understand that the Bible shows us God has given governments for good purposes. However, the governments must also understand that God has given governments the “church”, or Christians, to serve as the moral compass of the nation. The Bible teaches that mankind by nature, (because of sin in chapter three of Genesis) is inherently evil and selfish. It should not be left to man to judge/rule himself. Man (including governments) must look to a higher and purer source for the basis and foundation of his laws, which is God revealed to us in the Bible.
Now after carefully reviewing and understanding what the Bible says about governments, the simple answer is YES, God does desire Christians to be involved in governments, as long as the government does not contradict the Bible’s teaching (this topic I will cover more extensively next week). On a personal side note, I fundamentally believe that as Americans, God has given us the wonderful gift of freedom/democracy and He cares how we use it! Our Delectation of Independence refers to this very statement, “they are endowed by their Creator…” Also, countless men and women have died to help give us this God given gift and when we vote we are honoring their sacrifice!
Finally, I believe that every Christian should understand 4 main principles about their Biblical view of government. 1.Understand, believe, & practice Philippians 3:20, which states that as Christians we are Citizens of Heaven first and as 2 Corinthians 5:20 states, we are Ambassadors to Earth 2.God has given governments to mankind & the Church to governments 3.Christians should ask: What belongs to Caesar? What belongs to God when they are viewing political issues (we will discuss further next week) 4.Christians should be the absolute best citizens of any nation!
Ultimately, it is important that Christians do not become consumed with politics, but rather be consumed with Christ. However, this does not mean we should ignore the political process either for God himself has given us as citizens for our own good! I fundamentally believe that as Christians, we must view the world, and its events, as Christians first and Americans second. As the Bible says we are Citizens of Heaven first and Ambassadors to Earth second.
Christians should be more passionate about the 1st Commandment, than the 1st Amendment.
This Sunday I will be concluding this mini-series with part two, “Does God care HOW I vote (what does the Bible say about current American political issues?)
James Dale Barrington
11:58 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Reverend Bryan -- You purport to be in the middle of extreme positions and perhaps you are -- as you are defining the Christian and his/her response to government. The 'bible says' equals 'god says,' and what god says is what the bible says you imply. Your confidence that both are 'god's word' doesn't bold well with me. A cursive review of the Hebrew/Jewish religion, and the Christian religion along with their scriptures, which evolved through all forms of assimilation, and redaction, and copying and recopying the materials over and over again as the last best version you can depend on is enough. As you define god and scripture I am sure 'God and Truth' will prevail without worry. -- I speak to this because this is the place you move from. Since god and the bible 'says it' about the Christian in the world then it must be so. I question how far such rhetoric goes back historically, I suspect most of the things you say when speaking of the bible is anachronistic more then not. -- 'Citizens of heaven' huh. Actually, my confidence is in the ordinary citizen who belongs to the earth to the point of trying to make a better world, and that means passionately involved in the less mundane things of working 24/7 to keep the lights on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. as well as at home. -- You took the teacher's mantle and instead preached to/at us. I'm not a Christian, but I am a follower of Jesus. Christ is not Jesus' last name. 'Christ' is a myth, but Jesus was very political.
MSgt. John DeLallo
12:00 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
After seeing Billy Graham's full page ad, on the eve of his 94th birthday, exorting us to get to the polls and vote for those who respect the Judaeo-Christian and Biblical teachings regarding the sanctity of marriage, the protection of the sanctity of life, and the defense of our religious freedoms, I think you likely have seen the same Light that the elder statesman did. Graham goes on to say, in total agreement with you, that "The Bible speaks clearly on these crucial issues.", and he tells us all to return to a more Godly way of life. Pretty tough to argue with a fellow, who will turn 94 on the 7th of November, and has never been a phony or a money grubbing televangelist. Pastor, your words ring true, and know that at last night's meeting of Veterans and Patriots United we prayed, many of us with tears in our eyes, for this Republic. May God bless and direct each of us on election day.
LeonA
5:24 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
This country is not made up of only those who follow the Bible.
MSgt. John DeLallo
10:24 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
LeonA:
Valid observation. And therein lies the beauty and simplicity of the First Amendment, which tells us that Congress shall establish no official religion, nor forbid the free expression of religious beliefs. The good Pastor is not reaching out to agnostics, atheists, pantheists, Buddhists, Muslims, and others who do not follow the Bible as their morale compass. You are free to worship the nearest babbling brook if you so desire, or not to worship at all. Much of our law is based upon the Ten Commandments, however, and a strong Judaeo-Christian influence. I should think, though, that even for those who cling to an alternate religion, or none at all, that stealing, killing, adultery, and other sins against our fellow man, are frowned upon. In short, one does not require a Bible to know that sleeping with his neighbor's wife is not correct. Again, you are quite correct. Amazingly, though, most religions' moral compass points in the same direction. Consequently, the man who follows the teachings of Buddha is not so far removed from the man who follows the Old Testament, or the New, or both.
NE12Ukid
6:46 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
That's no reason to preach Bible to all Patch readers, unless this has become a religious publication.
Kathleen Gaberson
8:16 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
This country was founded on the principle of religious freedom, not on Christianity. Our constitution established the separation of church and state, which means that in matters of public policy, a church cannot insist that its beliefs should become law. Ours is a religiously pluralistic society, and what a church considers right behavior for its members may or may not serve the common good. "For example, Christians bless marriages, but marriage itself is a matter of the state. When a pastor officiates, he or she does so because of state authorization. In matters of marriage, therefore, the primary question for voters should not be what the Christian view of marriage is but what serves the interests of the community as a whole" (Darrell H. Jodock, "Lutherans and Politics, " The Lutheran, October, 2012). While the state has a strong interest in stable families as a matter of common good, does the state have a compelling interest in reserving marriage for heterosexuals? This policy decision should not be made solely on the basis of Christian beliefs, because "(t)he state needs to protect non-Christians as well as Christians" (Jodock).
Not all Christians hold your beliefs, M Sgt. DeLallo. On the matter of "the sanctity of life," your argument against the legality of abortion in this country would be more persuasive if "pro-life" extended to abolishing the death penalty and making the sale of assault weapons illegal outside of the military and law enforcement.
James Dale Barrington
10:04 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
Kathleen G. -- Well said. The separation of church and state was certainly implied by our early fathers (and mothers)...
MSgt. John DeLallo
10:13 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
Ms. Gaberson:
There is a de-facto abolishment of the death penalty in Pennsylvania. It remains on the books as a punishment, but no-one has visited "old sparky" for decades. I feel in my heart that one murderer who snuffed out two lives and was sentenced to consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, received a sentence worse than death. He will spend 23 hours of the rest of his life in a 8 X 10 cell, and will exercise individually in the yard for one hour. Every day will be Groundhog Day for him. He's in his mid twenties, and will likely live in that cold cell for 60 years or more. I would agree that his punishment is just, and would likely vote (were I a legislator) for a moratorium on the death penalty. "Other Christians" must follow their consciences.
You picked the wrong guy to start an argument about "assault" weapons. Your very mention of them in this thread is a non-sequitor. Any weapon, be it a kitchen knife, a ball bat, a screwdriver, a chain-saw, or a Chevrolet, that is used to assault another is an "assault weapon". You've been beguiled by those who forget that the Founders gave us a mandate to maintain "weapons suitable for military purposes", ammunition and accoutrements. If you wish to debate the invented term "assault weapon", as described in the Clinton Gun Ban, I'll be more than pleased to pick apart any anti-gun argument you might have, bit, by bit, by bit. Visit www.foacpac.org for the truth about guns in the hands of lawful citizens.
Mark A.
9:25 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Religion shouldn't even be allowed in politics until churches start being forced to pay taxes. If they want to be part of the political process, then let them buy their admission ticket like everyone else.
Ed M
10:03 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
"Our constitution established the separation of church and state, which means that in matters of public policy, a church cannot insist that its beliefs should become law."
The Constitution says nothing about separation of church and state. What it does state is there is freedom of religion and that the government will not pass laws with respect to the establishment of religion.
Mark Trombetta
6:42 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
Ed M and MSgt DeLallo are correct and Ms Gaberson has mistated the First Amendment. The "Separation of Church and State" argument comes from a phrase by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptist community leaders who wanted to establish a State religion. You can download the photo of the original document and read it for yourself. Go to the National Archives website. The phrase does not apper anywhere in the Constitution. This is a myth propogated by Atheists and the ACLU [A Communist heritage organization]. I do agree with Ms Gaberson that true pro-life positions include anti- death penalty positions. The difference is in the innocence of life. Aborted babies have committed no henious crime. The assault weapon statement is a stretch. The Second Amendment memorializes the God Given right to self protection and the weapons of the day [1776] were their "assault weapons". We had very few crimes of violence in those years since the Country respected life much more passionately, yet nearly everyone had an "assault weapon" loaded and ready to go. What also DOES appear in the Declaration and the Consitution are the words "Creator" and "Lord" resepctively. The Founding Fathers depended upon God completely and spoke of Him incessantly. Read George Washington's public speeches and try to find one that does not mention God.
Mark Trombetta
6:43 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
James Dale is all over the map on his thoughts. The Old and New Testament were meticulously copied and translated so as not to revise the Word of God. There are many writings that have been found in Greek and Aramaic that are near exact copies, yet found thousands of miles from each other. If you have confidence in ordinary citizens to guide you, you will be sadly dissapointed as none of us are or ever will be perfect.
James Dale Barrington
11:07 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
Mark T. -- If you are right it would indeed be a miracle and valued as the greatest book ever created. However, the Hebrew language was a dead language in the post-exilic period ( 400- 250 BCE where 90% of the Old Testament was written), and where few could actually read it. This is one of the reasons the Septuagint was written, which was in the 2nd century BCE. It is the translation of the Hebrew writings into Greek, the predominate language throughout the Middle East at the time. This is the translation Jesus was taught from. He most likely spoke Aramaic and maybe Greek. There is no such a thing as having the 'original' text or book of any portion of the bible. 'Autographs' do not exist. The New Testament evolved the last half of the first century (CE) and the first half of the second. In the third and fourth centuries no texts were above the politics of redaction and intentional parley for sectarian benefit. - Personally, I like that. It makes it more vibrant and alive to the times as it was - and makes one appreciate the ills and strengths of humanity trying to make a go of it. We can study history through literature as it always has been. The bible is no different.- If 'God' exist I don't think he/she would want to claim authorship to everything it says, that's for sure. But since I doubt that 'god' does exist that leaves the hard work for me to do - say as in 'investigative journalism.' The odds are that we are both wrong, but I still like my choice.
WW
9:17 am on Friday, November 2, 2012
Mark - That is simply not true, but let's pretend it is for a moment that present day bibles are exact verbatim copies of the "originals." That still doesn't make any of what is contained within any more true, real, or valid, nor give any evidence to validate that it is in fact the "word of god."
They would simply be the original copies of text written by a nomadic tribes thousands of years ago to document their superstitions and mythology in an attempt to explain the world in the absence of science like we know today, while at the same time instituting control and conformity among their people out of fear of repercussion or wrath from an all powerful god who read their thoughts.
Ed M
2:48 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
"but let's pretend it is for a moment that present day bibles are exact verbatim copies of the "originals." That still doesn't make any of what is contained within any more true, real, or valid, nor give any evidence to validate that it is in fact the "word of god.""
Well, WW, you might no believe it, but lots do. It's called faith. Very similar to the faith you have that you will wake up each morning.
James Dale Barrington
3:38 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
Ed M -- Speaking out of collegial respect for each other (since we are both human beings; we do have that in common, and I suspect a lot of other things) I accept 100% you and your faith - as being 'your' faith. I am planning on waking up in the morning, but experience has taught me not to bet my 'life' on it. I'm a 'trusting' individual for the most part, but still, I try to pass most things through the gray matter upstairs before I accept them as a part of my worldview. You are right, though, a lot of people believe the bible like you do. - I love reading it as the sacred literature it is, -- but 'word of god?' - That doesn't exist in 'my book.' -- We just see things differently. -- I am glad you have strong feeling on the subject. I do too. That means our explanations ought to be tempered with the palate's wish for perfect seasoning and good taste. What a subject and dinner we have shared together.
Sven Hartley
4:03 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
While I understand that this essay was written to Christians, as a non-Christian I found a few statements to be incredibly naïve and offensive.
“Christians should be the absolute best citizens of any nation!” Absolutely not. Atheists who are not beholden to anyone else are the in a far greater position to be neutral judges. As such, many atheists (Isaac Asimov, Mark Twain, Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein) were some the greatest thinkers and most revered citizens.
“God has given us the wonderful gift of freedom/democracy”. The Constitution begins “We the People”, which is where freedom and democracy arises. God is not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. (The later does refer to a “creator” but leave it open to as to exactly what the concept refers to). Freedom and democracy did not come from on high, but rather was push by the common man as a radical new form of government in 1776.
NE12Ukid
6:50 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
I think these sermons should be kept to the pulpit.
James Dale Barrington
7:27 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
NE12Ukid -- I have felt that way too many times, but the essay spoke to Christian faith and government involvement. Reverend Bryan used the bible as his place of authority since it was the 'word of god' for him. I wrote to that issue. -- I really don't think to bring critique to the bible as one would other literature is sermonizing. Still, you have made me aware of your feelings and I appreciate that.