Why (and How) Christians Should Talk About Politics
Welcome to the final post in our series on politics. (Woohoo!)
So we know that our hope is in Christ alone and that politicians and laws cannot establish a wholly perfect, righteous, peaceful society. Still, the Bible is clear that we should pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–4) and seek the welfare of our communities (Jeremiah 29:7). So, as we operate as temporary strangers in this earthly realm (Philippians 3:20), I feel we have a responsibility to prayerfully exercise the voting power we are gifted with in the United States of America.
Part of prayerful consideration about policies and politicians should include discussing these topics with other members of our Church family.
Did that last sentence make you uncomfortable?
You’re not alone.
But why? If our fellow Christ-followers are all reading the same Bible and seeking His kingdom, shouldn’t they come to the same conclusions about the best policies and leaders?
If you’ve ever been on social media or had a conversation about controversial topics, I’m sure you know that this is far from reality.
Some of my dearest friends view political issues in a very different way. I respect and care for them immensely, yet we have different ideas about the ways we ought to contribute to the coming of Jesus’ kingdom on earth.
But why should we engage in political conversations with brothers and sisters who view things differently?
1) You don’t know everything.
If this is not obvious to you, refer to Scripture on the value of being a teachable, open learner.
“... a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance” (Proverbs 1:5, HCSB)
Moreover, one of our primary platforms for sharing opinions—social media—is an echo chamber. Social media apps show you content you are likely to engage with. So if you often post about or comment on ideas that resonate with you, you will continue to see messages you agree with. This creates the illusion that your opinion is the only one—or, at least, the majority opinion—and therefore, the correct one. There may be “facts” you have heard that conflict with “facts” told to others, and it may be helpful to put both out in the open in order to become informed to the best of your ability.
2) God created diversity in humanity.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 4:12–8, ESV)
Along with these varying gifts, we have differing perspectives, personalities, and passions. Individuals who are passionate about different causes may see certain policies in very different ways.
This was intentional!
Not so that we would waste time arguing about whether it is more important to protect the sanctity of life or eradicate racism—but because none of us can tackle all of these issues alone. I believe that God calls individuals to a unique purpose, one (or more) that He created them for. We need every one of our uniquely talented and passionate members of our collective Body to, together, bring hope and healing in our broken world.
It’s okay that different topics will resonate differently with different people. It does not mean that any of these issues is more important to God, but perhaps that He has simply appointed you to focus your energy and skills on a particular purpose.
What makes you burn with “righteous anger”? Think of the hill you would (figuratively) die on. What news stories make you hot, sweaty, and nauseous or make you want to punch a wall? How has God gifted you to make a difference for this area of earthly brokenness?
We need each other. We must be wary not to discount the causes that are important to others just because they aren't the things we are most passionate about. We can respect and appreciate the passions and perspectives of others in the Church because we know that we are all on the same team, and if these causes are biblically based, they are each important to our King.
Now, a couple of tips for how to engage in this weighty ocean of political conversation.
1) Goal: Understanding, not Agreement
“Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by members of Chloe’s household, that there is rivalry among you. What I am saying is this: Each of you says, ‘I’m with Paul,’ or ‘I’m with Apollos,’ or ‘I’m with Cephas,’ or ‘I’m with Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was it Paul who was crucified for you? Or were you baptized in Paul’s name? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say you were baptized in my name. I did, in fact, baptize the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t know if I baptized anyone else. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to evangelize—not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:10–17, HCSB)
I believe the point of this passage is that we should not allow our different perspectives to divide us, but instead cling to unity in the Gospel. While we may not agree on the best presidential candidate, we all have the same King. We all serve Christ. While I believe it is highly valuable to seek the perspectives of others who differ from you, we should never elevate any of these secondary issues (the primary issue being the Gospel) to be divisive.
Still, I think it is okay to have different ideas of which policies may be best. Naturally, with our varied knowledge and experiences, we will have varying perspectives on the degree to which certain laws or regulations glorify God. Particular individuals may have thought through—to different extents—the motives behind, practical implementation of, and unintentional effects of certain policies. It is valuable to listen.
2) Strategy: Listen, don’t Persuade
In entering a conversation with a brother or sister in Christ who may have differing political opinions, listen with an open heart. Respectfully ask questions. Sincerely seek understanding. (Who could be offended by that?) And, hopefully the other party will see the value in asking your thoughts as well . . . but if not—let it go. The Bible has so much to say on being careful with your words and not wasting your breath on those who aren’t ready to hear them.
“My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” (James 1:19–20, HCSB)
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2, ESV)
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6, ESV)
One More Thought
Finally—after engaging in this courageous discussion with other believers, have peace. Have peace that God is sovereign, that He has a purpose and will ultimately bring good for those who follow Him.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, HCSB)
But also remember that the United States of America is going to get what she has asked for.
As a democracy and a nation comprised of a vast diversity of people with differing beliefs and values, the U.S. will pass the laws and elect the leaders whose values align with the majority of Americans. We see a similar effect many times in the Old Testament. Israel requested earthly kings and turned from following God. They wanted to go their own way. They rejected God as their King. So what they got was what they asked for—a kingdom that is not God’s.
So, do your best to use your voting power in accordance with your conscience in the Holy Spirit. But know that, when terrible people are put into powerful positions, or when laws are passed that seem upside down, it’s not necessarily because God is validating these things or desires for them to be put in place—but because America has received what she has asked for.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4–9, HCSB)
Comments