CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND POLITICS By Nna O. Uluocha Tel: 08023172089 E-mail: uluocha65@yahoo Paper presented at the Youth Bible Lecture organised by the Church of Christ Agege, Lagos State on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Introduction It is commonly said that man is a political animal. It could, therefore, be said that one way or the other we all play politics or are involved in politics. Nevertheless, opinions are highly divided as to whether or not Christians should be actively involved in politics. The question is often asked: Is it acceptable for Christians to be involved in politics, run for Government office, serve in the military, engage in civic activities and such like? Some Christians are of the strong view that Christians will lose their religious freedoms unless they become actively involved in the political system. On the other hand, some other Christians are strongly opposed to Christians getting involved in active politics. In between are those Christians who are indifferent or ignorant of whether or not Christian individuals should actively participate in the political process. We really need to reflect on how believers should think about and relate to the political sphere. In this lesson, we will attempt to present a balanced view on Christians’ – particularly Christian youth’s – involvement in politics, using the Bible as our basis. What is politics? The Encarta Dictionary defines politics in part as: “the theory and practice of forming and running organizations connected with government; ... activity within a political party or organization that is concerned with debate and the creation and carrying out of distinctive policies rather than merely the administration of the state; ... the use of tactics and strategy to gain power in a group or organization.” In the main, politics is about political dominance and governance. It’s about acquiring power and using it to control people and resources. Politics has to do with managing the affairs of the State. It is a change agent for driving the process of positive social, cultural, political and economic human transformation. Politics could be viewed as peoples agreement to control or allow themselves to be controlled by other people. Politics is somewhat part of the human nature. Wherever there are two or more people there is bound to be some sort of politicking. There is politics in the home, at school, the marketplace, office, and indeed everywhere man is found including the church. However, in this lesson our focus is primarily on politics in the society or the political process in a democratic society. What does the Bible say about Politics? The relationship between Christianity and politics is a historically complex subject and a frequent source of disagreement throughout Church history, and in modern politics between the Christian right and Christian left. It should be noted that human government is Gods institution; it was instituted by God Himself. Civil government began in Genesis 9:1-7, when God instructed Noah after the flood. In Exodus 20-22, God through Moses gives a specific pattern for civil government in Israel. Clearly, human government is not entirely a secular institution but a God-ordained institution. One basic truth amply illustrated in the Bible is the fact that the most High God rules in the kingdom of men and, as the Chief Judge, He gives it to whomsoever He wills (Dan. 2:20-21; 4:17,25; 5:21; Psalm 75:6-7; Proverbs 21:1; Rom. 13:1-4; 1Peter 2:13-17). Civil authorities are ordained or appointed by God; hence they are ministers or instruments of God. The role of a civil leader is to enable government to fulfill Gods purposes (cf Esther 4:14). The main purpose of human governments is to enforce moral law and order among men. It should, however, be noted that though human governments are appointed by God, He is not responsible for their acts. There are examples in both the Old and New Testaments of godly people who were directly involved in government. Joseph in Egypt (Gen. 41:37ff) and Daniel in Babylon (Dan. 6:1ff) are two excellent models of servants God used in top governmental positions to further His kingdom. Zaccheus the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10), Cornelius the centurion (Acts 10), and the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:4-12) all continued in public service even after they experienced the healing or saving power of Christ. Can Christian Youth Engage in Politics? Perhaps one may still be wondering if there is any Biblical basis for Christian involvement in politics and government. In other words, can Christian youth be involved in politics, and is there any justification for such involvement? The answer to that question is a cautious ‘yes’. As earlier noted politics is much about governance; and human governments were instituted by God. According to a Bible commentator, “It is the duty of Christians and others to help establish and support human government for the preservation of society and promotion of the highest good of man (Rom. 13:1; 1Pet.2:13-17).” The Church as a corporate entity may not actively engage in partisan politics, but individual Christians may. A Christian individual may belong to a political party, hold any political office or vote in any election which they are qualified to participate in. The content of Luke 3 suggests that individual believers in Christ can be tax collectors, hold public office, and perform law enforcement or military duties according to John the Baptist. The admonition to do so is that all Christians must do all things to the glory of God (1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17). Christians are believed to be God-fearing. The Bible says when the righteous or God-fearing rule the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule the people groan (Prov. 29:2,7; Job 34:30). In other words, God would prefer the righteous or godly to be at the helm of affairs in human political leadership and governance. Obviously, Christian political leaders are better positioned to fashion out policies that will lead the people out of the shackles of poverty. Christian politicians are more likely to be filled with the fear of God and are, therefore, more ready to hold the plight of the people closer to their hearts than their own ambitions for personal gain and self-aggrandizement. True politics coupled with good governance should be an instrument for building a better society. In line with biblical injunction, a Christian should aim at using their God-given talents and other resources to contribute to the good of the society: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10; cf. Titus 3:1-2). Going into politics per se is not a sin. Rather it is what you do in politics or with politics that will determine whether or not you have sinned. Ordinarily, and under normal circumstance, if a Christian who has reached the age of accountability (18 years as allowed by the Nigerian constitution), and is qualified, decides to stand election in a political process, that Christian has not sinned. If a Christian thinks he/she can successfully wade through the often rough and murky waters of politics (at least in Nigeria), without compromising his/her allegiance to God, then there is nothing wrong in the person taking part in the political exercise. Christians ought to express their political beliefs in the voting booth, and it is appropriate to support legitimate measures designed to correct a glaring social or political injustice. In a democratic dispensation, therefore, a Christian can freely exercise his/her franchise and responsibility by voting for those seeking elective positions. He/she also has the right to stand for election and, hence, canvass for and obtain votes, for a position he/she is interested in and qualified to contest. Simply put, Christians who live in a country that provides them the freedom to govern through voting or holding political office have a right to participate. But the question may be asked: If a Christian youth can participate in politics, then to what extent and in what ways can they do so? Stand in for election and, hence, solicit for and obtain votes from voters. Participate in voting and defending your vote. Encourage a peaceful electoral process by abstaining and also discouraging others from any violent act. Pray for those in authority and for the peaceful conduct of elections (cf 1 Tim 2:1-4). Study or teach political science as a course. As a trained political scientist, Christian youth can serve as political advisers, consultants, or analysts. Speak out objectively against any perceived socio-political injustice. A Christian in politics or governance should be there to make a difference. You should be sincere and worthy enough to be followed as a leader – a leader who leads by good example. You should be a source of refuge, protection, shade and joy to many. (Please reflect on the parable in Judges 9:1-21). In Nigeria we have some examples of Christians who have served or are serving in various political positions such as Ward Councillor, LGA Chairman, Legislator, Governor, etc. What should be the attitude of Christians towards Politics? While it is permissible for Christian youth to engage in politics, they should do so with utmost care and to the glory of God. In politics, just like in every other sphere of human life, a Christian youth should not engage in any unfruitful work of darkness. A common notion in Nigeria is that politics is a dirty game and a do or die affair. This is largely due to the rough and hypocritical manner in which politicians play the political game in the country. However, as much as possible, a Christian should not join in playing dirty politics. As the Bible says, we should not follow the multitude to do evil (Exod. 23:1-2). A common slogan in Nigerian politics is “if you can’t beat them, join them”. But to the Christian, we say “If you can’t beat them, leave them; don’t join them”. The Holy Spirit says, “Wherefore come out from among them [corrupt political groups], and be ye separate”; “Be not ye therefore partakers with them” (2Cor. 6:17 and Eph. 5:7; see also Rev. 18:4). A Christian youth should not act as a political jobber or mercenary to any politician or political group. A Christian youth should not allow himself to be used as cannon fodder by some selfish, evil-minded politicians. A Christian youth must not be involved in any form of political gimmickry, hooliganism, bigotry, thuggery, fanaticism, god-fatherism, etc. A Christian youth aspiring to dabble into politics should be properly guided. He should allow the Holy Spirit and relevant principles as contained in the Bible to direct his political decisions and activities. In other words, no matter his or her level of involvement in politics, a Christian must allow the Word and Will of God to guide and control his/her political conduct and activities. Some of the moral principles that should guide a Christian’s involvement in politics include: Fairness and equity. Sincerity (Let your yes be yes, and no, no. Don’t promise what you know you cannot do). Eschew every form of violence. Don’t follow the multitude to do evil (see Exod. 23:1-2). Avoid engaging in bribery and other forms of inducement or anything that is morally wrong. As Benjamin Rush (1786) once said, “Nothing can be politically right, that is morally wrong.” Don’t engage in any form of ungodly oath-taking or allegiance. Don’t be involved in any malicious act aimed at destroying your opponent. Don’t engage in character assassination. Attack issues rather than personalities. Don’t play politics of bitterness. Your aim for going into politics should not be for personal gain or filthy lucre, but to meritoriously serve God and the people with your God-given resources (talent, skill, money, time, etc.) Be a good ambassador of Christ. Do all things in the name of Christ and to the glory of God (1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17). Always bear in mind that you are ultimately accountable to God. Caution In as much as it is permissible for a Christian to participate in politics, it is highly advisable to sound a note of caution here. In view of the scheming, intrigues and manoeuvres that so much characterize the political landscape, a Christian who wishes to traverse this landscape must do so with utmost caution. If joining the political bandwagon will cost me my place in heaven, then I will have nothing to do with it. It is better for a Christian not to be involved in politics than for them to play dirty politics. It is not mandatory that a Christian must play partisan politics. As the Bible says, “Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power” (1Cor.6:12 Amp). A Christian should not see politics as a do or die affair. It shouldn’t be a matter of achieving victory at all cost and by all means. Sadly, many people have abandoned their ambitions and God-given purposes in life and jumped into politics because they see it as a quick way to make money. No Christians should so entangle themselves with the political or other minor affairs of this life that they would no longer be able to fight the good fight of faith (cf 2Tim. 2:4). Our primary responsibility in life is to worship and serve God; politics is a secondary issue. Perhaps, it will be quite instructive reminding ourselves at this juncture that during His earthly ministry Jesus resisted attempts by mortals to forcefully take and make him an Earthly King. As we read in John 6:15, “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” Please take note of the expression “by force” in that passage. The attempt by the people to seize Jesus and forcefully install Him their Earthly political Leader was contrary to His mission on Earth. He came to establish and superintend over a spiritual kingdom, and not an earthly political kingdom. Jesus Himself said that His kingdom was not (and is still not) of this world (John 18:36). As Christians we should not allow ourselves to be forced into politics by any circumstance; moreover, we should be much more interested in the affairs of the spiritual kingdom of God (the church) than the political affairs and gains of this world. Conclusion Christians should not show apathy towards government and politics. As noted by a commentator: “A certain amount of healthy and balanced concern with current trends in government and the community is acceptable, as long as we realize that that interest is not vital to our spiritual growth, our righteous testimony, or the advancement of the kingdom of Christ.” A Christian youth may participate in a political system. However, a Christian must not sell his/her priceless God-given birthright because of temporary political gains. After all, what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36). Above all, a Christian’s political involvement should never displace the priority of preaching and teaching the gospel and doing the will of God.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:47:28 +0000
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