Key Verse: John 18:36
We have all read biblical verses that instruct us to obey government – Romans 13:1-7 directs believers to respect government, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 calls for prayer for rulers, and Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility in civic life – but we must understand the context of these verses which is matter for another newsletter. In the meantime, understand that Christians are called to be involved in politics as a means of exercising civic responsibility, acting as salt and light to influence society with biblical values of justice, mercy, and compassion.
Christina engagement has to be seen as a mandate to seek the welfare of communities (Jeremiah 29:7) by protecting the vulnerable, and influencing law-making, rather than withdrawing from the world.
Recent Australian policy and legislation have been very anti-Christian. Consider the following:
- Federal Government’s Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill
- Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Mr. Aftab Malik’s report on A National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity
- The NSW Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Vilification) Act 2023
- The NSW Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024
- The Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Human Rights Act 2019
Some of these laws are Australia’s worst attacks on religious freedom, reduce exemptions for faith-based schools, and restricting religious freedom.
So, what should be the key reasons for Christian political involvement?
- As Christians we are called to advocate for the family, our faith, the poor, the needy, and the persecuted, and so reflecting God’s character in the public square,
- Our active participation allows Christians to champion values and morals regarding life, family, and ethics, helping to restrain immorality in society,
- As Christians in democratic nations, voting and participating in government is viewed as a stewardship opportunity to appoint leaders who align with godly principles,
- Rather than abandoning politics because it is “dirty,” Christians are called to bring the “aroma of Christ” into it, and
- Politics is a vehicle to seek the peace and prosperity of a flourishing society from a biblical perspective.
As a former adviser to an Australian Prime Minister, I have listened to countless of opinions as to why Christians should, or should not, be engaged in the political arena. Many believe Christians should actively nominate as a candidate and lobby to shape laws that promote human flourishing. As with all good intentions, there is cautionary perspective to consider in that it needs to be emphasised that the primary mission for any Christian member of parliament is evangelism, noting that political power is temporary, whereas the gospel offers eternal transformation. Likewise, there is an argument for warning all political candidates, members of parliament and political activities against letting partisan loyalty supersede Christian convictions.
Ultimately, the goal of political involvement for many is not to establish a “theocracy,” but to contribute to a just society, leaving the ultimate salvation of mankind to Christ.
Imperium et Sacerdotium