Government

I'm not sure why the idea of having Christians in positions of authority within the government is so repulsive, but I find, against logic, that it is. The secularist feels that if a man of God is able to take power, he will attempt to convert the entire nation and enforce strict doctrinal laws requiring church attendance and daily prayer at work and in schools or something of that misguided sort. For whatever reason, it's assumed the Christian cannot possibly hold any capacity for logic, as he maintains at least a few specific stances on certain topics. It's as if the non-Christian politician has no values or beliefs by which he acts in government (sadly, sometimes he doesn't, and that always ends in scandal and corruption). The first hurdle to get over is that both Christians and non-Christians will act in government based on their faith in certain items, the real problem is the object of that faith, and I will not attempt to argue that here. Only it must be said that a Christian politician should be considered no less logical than the atheist politician who considers adultery with a prostitute to be acceptable, in fact, he should be considered much more in tune with reason and dignity.

On the other hand, there is the Christian view of having their own in government, and it is split between two opinions. The first, I think, is based on a false sense of humility, in thinking that the Christian should not accept a position of power whereby he may influence the lives of men. If 'power corrupts' then the Christian should be as far away from power as possible. This view is desperately opposed to the fundamental commandment, "Love thy neighbor" and the great verse, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). Did not God guide the men of power in Scripture? Was not God beside David, Solomon, Moses, Nehemiah and Daniel among others? If a Christian refuses, or fears, authority, he in many cases will be leaving the position open for one who forgets the ultimate Authority. While God is above all leaders, and governs in the affairs of men, there are some who, in authority, will persecute and harass members of society. Harm against the self should be tolerated in Christ, harm against others should be overthrown. The question of rebellion is one almost strictly of human governance, and is open to discussion and consideration as much by Christians as anyone else.

Secondly, even if a Christian brings his values and faith to a public office, he must never mistake office for pulpit. It is not for the Christian politician to preach to, or to convert, the nation. That is for each of us as neighbors, as coworkers, and as friends. Within the political realm it's possible the Christian is able to witness through his personal life, but that is no different from any of us. Politics is his job, and he should carry it out with as much skill as God enables him. As Dr. Ravi Zacharias says in reference to recognizing the personal lives that are brought into politics:

It is a mindless philosophy that assumes that one's private beliefs have nothing to do with public office. Does it make sense to entrust those who are immoral in private with the power to determine the nation's moral issues and, indeed, its destiny? ... The duplicitous soul of a leader can only make a nation more sophisticated in evil.

Therefore, we must have Christians who are both willing and able to lead our cities, states, and country with skill and knowledge in governance, while also living out the personal commitment of salvation. This truth was understood by our founding fathers, who both designed how to govern a nation, and simultaneously lived in submission to the Ruler of that supernal Nation.


What do you think? What role should Christians take in government? How do we reconcile Scriptural teachings of kings and empires with the modern standard of democracy? What other thoughts have you on government?


Jason