16th June, 2005

JIM REIHER

To answer this question we need to define what we mean by 'the church'. There is a difference between the individuals who make up the body of Christ - the 'church'; the local congregation that meets weekly - the local 'church'; a denominational institutional organisation - such as the Catholic 'Church'; and, all denominations and all believers through all time and all places - the universal church.

Should all the above levels of 'church' be involved in politics, or just some, or none?

PICTURE: Derek Boggs (www.sxc.hu)   "A critic of Christianity once said to me: 'What right have Christians got to try to change things and make society like they want it?' I answered by saying: 'They have as much right in a democracy as any other group of people'."

When it comes to individual Christians, the answer is that some should. Jesus taught the disciples that they are the salt of the earth and a light to the world (Matthew 5:13-15). We are meant to impact the world where-ever we are placed by God. Some people will have a call to serve God in the political arena. They should do it as to the Lord (Colossians 3:17,23). Yes, certain individual Christians should be involved in politics.

What about local churches? Some will say that as a group, it is not the primary function of the local church. As an organisation, the church is meant to be facilitating worship, teaching, prayer, Christian maturity, evangelism, and missionary activity. Part of that overall task will be to encourage individual Christians to be active in whatever realm the Lord has placed them in, including the political realm. But should the local church be involved as something that the church itself spends a lot of time and effort on? Some say no. In theory, if a church does not loose its focus on the other important tasks mentioned above, then there is no problem in getting involved in politics as well. In practice, it might be argued that getting involved in politics as a church body will automatically distract that church from its real calling. On the other hand, a body that lobbies the government is often more influential than individuals doing the same thing. (More votes at stake worry the politicians more). So to have an impact in our community, it might be appropriate for a church to get political. By being involved in government and the political processes, we make our society a freer and safer place, to do the other tasks in. Perhaps?

A critic of Christianity once said to me: 'What right have Christians got to try to change things and make society like they want it?' I answered by saying: 'They have as much right in a democracy as any other group of people'. And they do. But those who spend a lot of time and effort in this realm have to know it is God's plan and purpose for their lives. And if a local church spends a lot of time and effort in this realm, they too must be sure it is God's purpose for them. (I do believe that different local churches can have a different focus).

Should whole denominations try to influence the political realm? Should the Assemblies of God or the Anglicans or the Catholics or the Baptists work as an institution to try to 'take over' governments and make laws that they see as fitting? Is Family First a good example and are they the kind of party Christians should support? They came out of the Assemblies of God, and they had other conservative Christian groups assist in their election campaign in the 2004 Federal election. Perhaps they are a good example of Church and politics working well together. On the other hand, they did not openly admit that they were a Christian party, and various candidates seemed to go to great length to hide their Christian connections. Some other Christians felt uncomfortable with the apparent reluctance to admit to being committed to the faith and the preference deals done to help them secure their first senate seat has also been seen by some commentators as compromise from the outset and a sacrifice of Christian ethics.

Personally, my knowledge of church history makes me very wary of such a focus for a denominational institution. The Catholics got very involved in politics and running things for society - for whole nations - during the Middle Ages. They had power, influence, material prosperity, their own court system for trying clergy, and great impact. But they became hopelessly corrupt. Carnal, ambitious men were attracted to the Church because it was a ladder to power, wealth and fame. Popes became warriors who sent out armies to further the influence of 'the church' (really their own power and influence, one might argue). When the church at the highest level of organisation focuses on the world, there is a very real danger of the church becoming just like the world. The Church of the Middle Ages did not change the world for Jesus: the world changed the church. I personally think that we kid ourselves if we think that somehow we won't be corrupted in our generation if we try it again!

What about the Church universal? Well, of course, that is unable to be politically active because of its very nature though one day - when Jesus returns - the universal church will rule the world with Christ, the head of that Church (Revelation 20:4-6). The Millenium reign of Jesus will occur and his saints will be there with him.

This should remind us of another important truth: we are in the Kingdom of God now, but it is not yet revealed in its fullness. We should not try to pre-empt the future reign of the Church with Christ by trying to get the institutional Church to reign now. That would be repeating the mistakes of the Middle Ages.

But in the meantime, let every disciple individually be salt to the earth and light to the world - where-ever God has placed them! And for some, that will mean in the political arena. God bless them and help them!

Jim Reiher (BA (double major in history), BA in Theology, Dip Ed. MA in Theology (Hons)) is a full time lecturer for Tabor College Victoria, lecturing in church history and New Testament; and also has speciality interest areas in women’s ministry, creative ministry, and the New Age movement. His views are not necessarily those of other Tabor faculty members or of Tabor College.

Got an issue you're struggling with? Simply send an email to editor@sightmagazine.com.au.