Part 1: The Christian Engagement with Politics
The relationship between Christianity and politics is a multifaceted issue that
evolved over centuries. Within contemporary society, Christians exhibit a
diverse range of attitude towards political engagement, influenced by
theological interpretations, historical contexts, and personal convictions. In
many ways, Christian political engagement varies by multiple perspectives
but is advocated in approaches that acknowledge the importance of faith
and civic responsibility. I am convinced that the domains of religion and
politics must be navigated with benevolence and a judicious equilibrium,
fostering a harmonious coexistence reflecting the principles of love, justice,
and humility as espoused in the Bible.
On one hand are Christians who withdraw from political engagement
altogether. This disengagement can stem from a belief that the political
sphere is inherently corrupt and unworthy of Christian involvement. This
perspective may be rooted in the idea that Christians should focus on
spiritual matters rather than worldly affairs. This withdrawal can lead to a
lack of representation for Christian values in the political arena and
inadvertently allow secular ideologies to dominate public discourse.
In opposition, some Christians engage intensely in political work. In Martin
Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail he states, “The answer is found
in the fact that there are two types of laws: there are just laws, and there are
unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "An unjust law is no law at
all." (King, 3) These individuals view political activism to advocate for their
values and to influence societal norms. While this approach can be
commendable, it risks reducing Christian faith, potentially alienating those
who may not share the same priorities. Ultimately, an excessive focus on a
single issue can lead to polarization within the broader Christian community,
undermining the unity that faith should promote.
Another possible perspective is that the political realm should operate
independently of biblical concerns with an example such as “separation of
church and state.” Proponents of this view argue that politics, like any other
societal institution, has its own rules and should not be subjected to religious
influence. While it is important to recognize the autonomy of political
processes, this stance can lead to a disconnect between faith and public life.
Some Christians believe that they have a responsibility to transform every
sphere of life, including the political arena. This view is rooted in the belief
that the Gospel has implications for all aspects of life, including governance
and social justice. Nicholas Wolterstorff writes, “Conventional morals are not
only evil – they are wisdom, but they are wisdom in the state of compromise,
I the state of weakness, of subjection to a foreign law.” (Wolterstorff, 69)
Such Christians often engage in advocacy, policymaking, and community
organizing, seeking to promote a vision of society that aligns with
understanding of biblical principles in hard times. This transformative
approach can lead to meaningful change and a more just society, but it
requires careful navigation to avoid the pitfalls of partisanship and to
maintain a focus on the common good.
Based upon the above positions, I believe the relationship between
Christians and politics is complex and varied. My opinion leans towards a
more responsible view of Christian engagement in the sociopolitical sphere
that recognizes the importance of involvement while also acknowledging the
potential pitfalls of withdrawal, single-issue focus, political detachment, and
overly aggressive transformation. I think Dorothy Day said it best when she
stated, “We find they (the Works of Mercy) all go together.” (Jordon, 444)
Christians are called to engage thoughtfully and compassionately in political
matters, seeking to reflect their faith in their actions while remaining open to
dialogue and collaboration with others.
Part 2: Responses to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a significant test for the sociopolitical
engagement of Christians, revealing both strengths and weaknesses in
various approaches. R. Niebuhr states, “Prophetic Christianity faces the
difficulty that it’s penetration into the total an ultimate human situation
complicates the problem of dealing with the immediate moral and social
situations which all men must face.” (R. Niebuhr, 241) I feel that the
Pandemic “demands the impossible” (R. Niebuhr, 241) and highlights the
importance of community, compassion, and the ethical implications of public
health decisions, providing a unique context for examining Christian
responses to contemporary political issues.
During the pandemic, many Christians have stepped up to provide support
for those in need, embodying the principles of love and service that are
central to the faith. Churches and Christian organizations have mobilized to
offer food, shelter, and medical assistance, demonstrating a commitment to
the common good. In the Didache it reads, “love your neighbor as yourself,
and do not do to another what you would not want done to you.” (Didache,
1) This proactive engagement aligns with the belief that Christians are called
to be agents of change in society, reflecting the love of Christ through
tangible actions.
The pandemic has also exposed divisions within the Christian community
regarding political responses to public health measures. Some Christians
have advocated for strict adherence to health guidelines, emphasizing the
importance of protecting vulnerable populations. This perspective aligns with
the biblical call to care for the least among us and to act with wisdom and
compassion.
Others have resisted government mandates, viewing them as infringements
on personal freedoms and religious liberties. This response reflects a broader
trend within certain segments of Christianity that prioritize individual rights
over collective responsibility. While the concern for personal freedom is valid,
it is essential to consider the broader implications of such resistance,
particularly in terms of public health and the well-being of the community.
The varied responses to COVID-19 also highlight the challenges of navigating
political engagement as a Christian. Those who advocate for a
transformative approach must grapple with the realities of a polarized
political landscape, where differing opinions can lead to conflict and division.
Engaging in constructive dialogue and seeking common ground is essential
for fostering unity and promoting effective solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of thoughtful and
responsible Christian engagement in the sociopolitical sphere. By engaging
thoughtfully with political matters, Christians can contribute to a dialogue
that emphasizes the common good, respects differing opinions, and seeks to
uplift those who are marginalized. This requires humility, a willingness to
listen, and a commitment to working collaboratively with others, regardless
of their beliefs. Ultimately, the challenge for Christians is to remain rooted in
their faith while navigating the complexities of contemporary politics,
ensuring that their actions reflect the love and justice that are central to the
Gospel message.
Works Cited:
1. King Jr., Martin Luther. “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” The Estate of
Martin Luther King, Jr, 1963, 1-9.
2. Wolterstorff, Nicholas. “For Justice with Shalom”, in Until Justice and
Peace Embrace: The Kuyper Lectures for 1981 (Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 1983), 69-72.
3. Jorden, Kathleen. “The Nonviolence of Dorothy Day,” in From Christ to
the World: Readings in Christian Ethics, eds. Wayne Boulton, Thomas
Kennedy, and Allen Verhey (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994), 442-
445.
4. Niebuhr, Reinhold. “The Relevance of an Impossible Ethical Ideal,” in
From Christ to the World: Readings in Christian Ethics, eds. Wayne
Boulton, Thomas Kennedy, and Allen Verhey (Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 1994), 241-247.
5. “The Didache,” https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
