THE CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS

“The one who states their case first seems right,until another comes along and tests them”.

(Proverbs chapter 18 verse 17)

“As a Christian it is relatively easy to construe an apparently sound argument from the Bible against any involvement in Politics, and therefore also against Voting in Elections. However, it is just as easy to reason from the Bible that

involvement in Politics is a good and honourable thing...

So, it is encouraged and allowed? Or is it discouraged and forbidden? Or is it simply a matter of Personal Conscience? This Thesis intends to provide the

answers to these three questions.”

( Adrian Paul Miles, 30th April 2015. )

THE REASONS FOR BEING INVOLVED IN POLITICS (AND, BY EXTENSION, VOTING IN ELECTIONS)

Both the general teaching and spirit of Bible teaching is to help those around you in any way you can and to encourage your fellow Citizens and your Nation as a whole to follow God's Laws, and discourage them to do otherwise. Furthermore, the Bible does not once actually forbid involvement in Politics, whatever anyone might claim or think. Because of this, neither side can truly claim the Bible is conclusive on this matter, so we have to conclude that involvement in Politics is, and should be, a matter of Personal Conscience. Unfortunately, as Christians, some of us have – as Denominations and also individually - mistakenly added involvement in Politics and Voting in Elections as something best to be avoided, or even completely be forbidden and shunned. That needs to change. We claim to be as Christians to base our beliefs and practices upon Truth and we also claim to refuse extra Rules and Regulations, such as those the Pharisees imposed on others. However, how can we – as Christians - continue to allow things to be Rejected that should be at least tolerated as Matters of Conscience, even if not accepted by all? We are not just, Lord willing, future Citizens of God's Coming Kingdom, we are also Citizens of the United Kingdom (or our respective Countries) and we should do whatever we can to encourage God's Laws and Commandments - and more importantly the spirit of those Laws and Commandments - to be respected and

followed, wherever and whenever possible."

( Adrian Paul Miles, 30th April 2015. )

So, here is my fairly exhaustive reasoning for Involvement in Politics not being either discouraged or forbidden by Scripture and the New Testament and, by extension, Voting in Elections is also a matter of Personal Conscience.

I also tackle each of the arguments used against Involvement in Politics and Voting in Elections:

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

A Christian is someone who claims to follow the Teachings of God and Christ and claims to base all of their Beliefs and Practices on the Bible, particularly

the New Testament.

WHAT IS POLITICS?

Politics is … Well, what is Politics?

It comes from the Greek word 'Politikos,' and means “Affairs of State.”

Politics is now a single word used to summarise Debate, Policy, Governance and Law-making within a Democracy;

It is closely associated with the word Policy;

In short, Policies are formed, proposed and discussed in Parliament and some of these then become Law, which can impose things such as taxation or provide

relief to citizens, etc.

WHY SHOULD A CHRISTIAN BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

We are commanded to,

“Learn to do Good; - of course, this could be done in any capacity

Seek Justice, - Politics and Law are great ways to do this

Correct Oppression; - How do we do this without Politics?

Bring Justice to the Fatherless; - How do we do this without Politics?

Plead the Widow's Cause.” - How do we do this without Politics?

(Isaiah 1:17.)

We are also told our priority in life must be on the following basis...

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is Good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To Act Justly and to Love Mercy and to Walk Humbly with your God.

Listen! The LORD is calling you to the City — and Fear(ful Respect of) your Name is Wisdom —

Heed the Rod and the One who Appointed them.”

(Micah 6:8,9.)

Joseph and Daniel accepted positions of considerable Influence, Power and Authority; Esther made a Petition and Request of the King; the Prophet Jeremiah also twice Petitioned the King. Christians have also collectively Petitioned Parliament in the last Century.

(Esther 5:3-7 – the contents of her letter are allegedly contained in the Apocryphal 2nd Book of Esther, also Jeremiah 37:20, 42:1,9-22)

We should do good for everyone and anyone, as we have opportunity.

“Each person should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else...

...Let's not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

(Galatians 6:4-10.)

5. We are taught to “love our neighbours as ourselves.”

(Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 19:19, James 2:8, etc.)

I submit that involvement in Politics is indeed a serious opportunity to "love Our Neighbours as Ourselves."

6. We are told to,

“be wise in the way we act toward outsiders;

make the most of every opportunity.”

(Colossians 4:5.)

7. Key to the matter of Personal Conscience, we are taught,

(a) "Do not let what you regard as good to be spoken of as evil...",

(b) "...Each person should be fully convinced in their own mind..."

(c) "...Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgement on themselves in what they approve."

(Ephesians 6:10-20.)

8. We are also warned that,

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is a sin for them.”

(James 4:17.)

9. We are also told,

“For though we live in the World, we do not wage war as the World does.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the World.

On the contrary, we have Divine Power to demolish strongholds.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and

we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

(2 Corinthians 10:3-5.)

10. We are then taught to,

“...be strong in the Lord and in His Mighty Power.

Put on the full Armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against Flesh and Blood, but against the Rulers,

against the Authorities, against the Powers of this Dark World and against

the Spiritual forces of Evil in the Heavenly Realms.

Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the

Lord’s people.

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel...

Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

(Ephesians 6:10-20.)

11. The Apostle Paul tells us to,

“I urge, then, first of all,

that Petitions, Prayers, Intercession and Thanksgiving

be made for all people —

for Kings and all those in Authority,

that we may live peaceful and quiet lives

in all Godliness and Holiness.

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour,

who wants all people to be saved and

to come to a Knowledge of the Truth.”

(1 Timothy 2:1-4.)

12. It is a serious opportunity to confess Jesus Christ and stand up and be

counted for God's Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ;

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.”

(Matthew 10:32,33, Luke 12:8,9.)

13. It is an opportunity to introduce, or encourage the introduction of, new Laws that protect the Rights, Safety and Liberties of our Country's Citizens;

14. It is an opportunity to suggest amendments to proposed new Laws, in order to make them fairer and kinder;

15. It is an opportunity to object to proposed new Laws that go against fairness and kindness;

16. It is an opportunity to object to proposed new Laws that are in contradiction or opposition to God's Word;

17. It is an opportunity to influence the Government for the better;

18. It is an opportunity to influence Parliament for the better;

19. It is an opportunity to influence fellow MPs for the better;

20. It is an opportunity to influence our Country for the better;

21. It is an opportunity to influence the World for the better.

SO WHAT ARE THE REASONS PUT FORWARD THAT CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

Quite a few arguments are used to suggest that Christians should not be involved in Politics nor, by extension, not Vote in Elections.

Here are all of the ones I have come across to date...

"Come out from among them and be separate.”

(2 Corinthians 6:17.)

Yes, we are, but this is a Spiritual withdrawal – we do not keep company or fellowship with the World, other than at work, or when we are preaching.

This objection is fairly easily dismissed, as we are supposed to be “in the World, but not of it.” Abraham's physical separation was simply an illustration of our future Spiritual separation and holiness in the World. In other words, we are to take a stand and stand out Spiritually. Every opportunity to declare the words and principles of God's Word must be taken. We “shouldn't hide our Light under a cover, we should shine it out from the top of the city!”.

"Our Citizenship is in Heaven.” and “Our Citizenship is of the Household of Israel.”

(Philippians 3:20 and Ephesians 2:19.)

Yes, we await Citizenship from Heaven – however, the context is about the Return of Jesus. It does not say we have no Earthly Citizenship. We still remain Citizens of our respective Countries. The teaching here is surely that we must act as though we were already Citizens of Heaven and the Household of Israel? The objection is, at face value, some will maintain, surely shows we are truly no longer Citizens of our respective countries at all, but simply Citizens of Heaven and even Israel itself? However, patently, this cannot be true, as we are indeed Citizens of our respective countries. We also have inherent Responsibilities and Rights because of this Citizenship, including opportunities to Vote in Elections and be directly or indirectly involved in Politics, if we choose to do so.

In summary then, on the matter of Citizenship...

(a) Ephesians 2:19 speaks of our Citizenship of Spiritual Israel (the Household of Israel). It does not say we are no longer also Citizens of our respective Countries whilst living on this Earth.

(b) Philippians 3:20 shows us that it is our future Citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven that is being referred to. If our Citizenship is in Heaven, it is a future Promise, not a current one. It is our Hope. It is something we are waiting for. The New Jerusalem has not yet come down to Earth, as it is in Heaven.

(c) You are still a Citizen of your respective Country, regardless of your religious beliefs.

Furthermore...

(d) The Apostle Paul asserts and lays claim to his Earthly Citizenship, on more than three occasions, as documented in Acts 21:39, Acts 22:28, Acts 25:11, 12, 21 & 25, Acts 26:32 and Acts 28:19.

“We are Strangers and Travellers in a strange land.”

“They admitted that they were foreigners and strangers on Earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a Heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

(Hebrews 11:13-16.)

All true Christians should feel like foreigners and strangers on the Earth. We are looking for a Country – indeed, a World – where God is King and Christ Reigns over the whole Earth. We are still “in the World,” but should “not be of the World.”

(John 17:11, 2 Corinthians 10:3, James 4:4.)

"We should not/cannot Serve Two Masters."

(Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13.)

The full quotation shows that this is referring to serving either God or money. It is not referring to either working for our Government, Parliament, nor any other Employer...

“No one can serve two masters.

Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve both God and money.”

Politics is about man, not God;

This is not entirely true. Also, we are living in a dispensation when Christ is not yet ruling over the Kingdoms of men, so we have to make the best of the opportunities we have to influence our Country for the good.

Politics is all about Power and Authority – the only Power and Authority we should have is in the Kingdom;

(Revelation 2:26.)

That fact that Politics is often about Power is somewhat irrelevant. The fact that we will have Power and Authority over cities in the Kingdom does not preclude us also having limited Influence, Power and Authority now, if we are chosen as Servants for those roles (as Joseph, Daniel and Gideon were.) We are told that God is in control of setting up Kings, Authorities and Powers.

Politics is corrupt and Politicians are liars;

That fact that Politics can be occasionally about corruption and lies is also somewhat irrelevant. Besides which, if Politics is so much about corruption and lies, then surely the Bible-believing Christians become involved is a good thing, is it not? They can stand out from the rest and encourage other Politicians who also stand against corruption and lies.

Politics is unfair;

Yes, Politics can often be unfair, but so can anything in this life.

Politics is Worldly;

Yes, Politics can sometimes be Worldly. However, often it is not. It is not exclusively “of the World,” because many MPs are Christians or, at least, believers in God.

Politics is about Striving and Competing Against Others;

“...Pursue Righteousness, Faith, Love and Peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a Pure Heart.

Don’t have anything to do with Foolish and Stupid Arguments, because you know they produce Quarrels.

For the Lord’s Servant must not be quarrelsome, but must rather be Kind to everyone, able to Teach, not Resentful.

Opponents must be Gently Instructed, in the hope that God will grant them Repentance leading them to a Knowledge of the Truth, and that they will Come to their Senses and escape from the trap of the Devil, which has taken them captive to do its will.”

(2 Timothy 2:22-26.)

And, so it is true that, as Christians, we should neither “Strive,” nor “Foolishly” or Aggressively “Debate” with others. However, as we have read above, this does not mean we cannot Discuss, Gently Debate and make Arguments For and Against either Immorality or certain Policies and Laws that either do, or do not, marry with the letter and spirit of God's Word.

Also, we are also specifically told that we must,“Fight against Spiritual Wickedness in Heavenly Places” and “Expose the Works of Darkness,” whenever and wherever possible.

As we have also previously read, “Don't cover your Light, but place it (yourself) on the hillside for all to see!”

The Government is of the World and therefore inherently evil;

There is an inherent tendency in us all to sin and please ourselves, and to potentially choose Laws for the sake of Political-Correctness, etc.. This is greatly limited by being held to account by Parliament and the House of Lords, and also by the Press and General Public

Politics is about Respect of Persons;

There is nothing wrong with Respect to those who are in Positions of Influence, Power and Authority. Indeed, we are command to Honour and Respect those in Power and Authority above us, especially our Queen or King and their Elected Government. Impartiality and Fairness are different matters and down to individuals to uphold.

“Give back to Caesar (the King,) what is Caesar's (the King's,) and to God what is God's”

(Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25.)

“...Particularly those who walk after their bodies in contaminated lust, and who despise Governments.”

[ to wit, we should therefore honour and respect Governments ]

(1 Peter 2:10.)

“Let every person be subject to the Governing Authorities.

For there is no Authority except from God, and the Authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Therefore whoever resists the Authority resists the Ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement upon themselves.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the Authorities?

Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

For they are God’s Ministers to you for good.

But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain;

for they are God’s Ministers, an avengers to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Therefore you must be Subject, not only because of wrath but also for Conscience’ sake.

For because of this you also pay Taxes, for they are God’s Ministers attending continually to this very thing.

Render therefore to all their due:

Taxes to whom Taxes are due,

Customs to whom Customs,

Fear(ful Respect) to whom Fear(ful Respect,)

Honour to whom Honour.

Owe no one anything except to Love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the Law.

For the Commandments,

“You will not commit adultery,” “You will not murder,” “You will not steal,” “You will not bear false witness,” “You will not covet,” and if there is any other Commandment,

are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You will Love your Neighbour as Yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbour [to wit, it only does good for them]; therefore Love is the fulfilment of the Law.”

(Romans 13:1-10.)

Politics is a form of Democracy. Therefore you Represent the People (the Citizens of your Nation) and you must therefore do what the Majority tell you to do.

Yes, our Country's Political System is indeed a form of Democracy.

It is accepted that this form of Democracy is by no means perfect but, whilst Christ remains away, it is far better than a Dictator or one King or Queen making all of the decisions.

It is also accepted that without some form of Proportional Representation, Parliament remains biased towards the biggest Parties, thereby marginalising smaller Parties and Independent MPs.

However, being an MP, or even a Prime Minister, does not mean you have to do what they people tell you to do. You make your own choices and decisions. Your Constituents can inform your choices and decisions, but they are still your own to make. Of course, if you displease too many of your Constituents, it is possible you will not be Elected the next time around.

14. Governments are invariably the rich who oppress the poor – they nearly always make the rich, richer and the poor, poorer.

Whilst it appears to generally be true that Governments tend to make the rich, richer and the poor, poorer, they do not deliberately oppress the poor as such, at least, not in our Country. They try to do what's best for the Country as a whole, as well as individual Citizens.

15. God is in control of setting up Kings, Authorities and Powers. We should just let people get on with it and not try to gain Power or Authority for either ourselves or others, nor Vote in Elections, as we might contradict, go against or even potentially thwart God's Plans by doing so.

As God is in control, nothing we can do or say will stop His will being done. We cannot “thwart His purposes.” He can even use us to help choose our Elected Government and MPs, and, if we chose to, we could become Councillors and potentially even MPs, working on His behalf for our Brothers and Sisters and our Fellow-Citizens!

Incidentally, some of the arguments against Voting in Elections are very ironic, as some Churches use Voting to Elect Church Staff (although I am aware a fair few individuals and a small number of Churches who short-Staff, then Cast Lots instead.)

16. If you became a Local Councillor and then went on to become an MP, and the Government of the day decided to go to War against another Nation, what would you do?

I would cite the Teachings of Jesus on Loving your Enemies and not Rendering Evil for Evil. I would then Vote Against involvement in any War on the grounds of Conscientious Objection. If it was a case of Self-Defence as a Nation, I would Abstain on the grounds of Pacifism and Conscientious Objection.

17. If you became a Local Councillor and then went on to become an MP, and the Political Party you belonged to decided to go to War against another Nation, what would you do?

I would cite the Teachings of Jesus. I would then Vote Against involvement in any War. If it was a case of Self-Defence as a Nation, I would Abstain. If it was not Self-Defence as a Nation, but a relatively unprovoked War, I would probably Resign from the Political Party I belonged to, as others have

previously also done.

18. By becoming involved in Politics, this could be used against us at a Military Tribunal.

There are already quite a few MPs who are also Conscientious Objectors and/or Pacifists. They are not forced to enter any form of Military Service, so it would not be a problem for a Christian of pretty much any Denomination either.

19. By Voting in Elections, this could be used against us at a Military Tribunal.

Millions of people already Vote who are also Conscientious Objectors and/or Pacifists. By Voting for a particular Candidate and/or Party, they are not expected to necessarily agree with all of the Policies and priorities of either that Candidate or Political Party. This would be very unlikely to be used against a Christian when they sought Exemption from Military Service on the grounds of Conscientious Objection.

20. By becoming an MP, you would have to Swear Allegiance to the Queen or King.

Actually, it is not true that you have to Swear Allegiance to the Queen or King in order to Serve as an MP, after being duly Elected. Alternatively, you can make an Affirmation. This concession was created through the work of the Quakers. However, the Oath of Allegiance is on the basis of the Bible, before God, that you will do your very best to Serve the people you were Elected by and also the whole Nation. Christians can also choose to just swear (make a promise) over the New Testament, if they wish.

21. “The only person I would Vote for is Jesus.”

Of course, if Jesus were with us here today, and there was a Democratic process to Elect a either King or Prime Minister, of course all Christians would Vote for Jesus! However, Jesus is not reigning over the Kingdoms of Men yet. Meanwhile, I believe we need good and honourable, God-fearing Christian people to step up and be Elected into Government, if their Conscience permits them and they also feel God is calling them to such a Vocation.

22. “Do not put your Trust in Princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”

Yes, we should put our Trust in God. However, let us read a little further from verse 7 to 9...

“..He upholds the cause of the oppressed,

He gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free, The LORD gives sight to the blind,The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,The LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the foreignerand sustains the fatherless and the widow,but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”

(Psalms 146:3, 7-9)

This passages takes us back to my original reference in Isaiah chapter 1 –

Where we are commanded to,

“Learn to do Good; - of course, this could be done in any capacity

Seek Justice, - Politics and Law are great ways to do this

Correct Oppression; - How do we do this without Politics?

Bring Justice to the Fatherless; - How do we do this without Politics and Law?

Plead the Widow's Cause.” - How do we do this without Politics?

(Isaiah 1:17.)

So God primarily helps other THROUGH US. We must trust in Him to guide our steps and give us Understanding and Wisdom in our dealings with others.

SO WHICH ARGUMENTS AGAINST INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS HAVE HELD UP UNDER THE SCRUTINY OF BOTH THE SPECIFIC,

OVERALL TEACHING AND SPIRIT OF BOTH THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS?

“You will not add to the Word which I command you, nor will you take anything from it, so that you may keep the Commandments of the Lord your

God which I Command you.”

(Deuteronomy 4:2.)

I submit that none of the arguments used against involvement in Politics hold up under the scrutiny of both the letter and spirit of God's Word. I humbly submit that none of them have. However, each person must test what I am saying, be fully convinced in their own mind and then, according to their own Conscience, act accordingly, as they feel led by God.

As we have seen, the problem with the arguments against a Christian's involvement in Politics, is that verses and passages are either taken out-of-context, misinterpreted, or they do not mean what some people assume they mean, or they simply do not apply to the issue at hand.

From my reasoning above, for which I have repeatedly read, studied, considered, meditated upon and prayed about, I believe it is quite clear that a Christian's Involvement in Politics and Voting is actually endorsed by Scripture, if they choose to become involved in either or both of these ways.

However, whichever way you interpret the verses and passages, not one of them directly condemns or forbids involvement in Politics, nor do they directly forbid Voting in Elections.

IS A CHRISTIAN'S INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS OR VOTING IN ELECTIONS A FELLOWSHIP ISSUE?

It is accepted that involvement in politics is debatable and also somewhat controversial in any Community that has traditionally discouraged involvement in politics at some point in its history.

However, as we have discovered, nowhere in the Old or New Testament is involvement in politics discouraged or prohibited, and nowhere is it made an issue of Fellowship. The same is true of Voting in Elections.

Someone neutral would say that one side is construing one argument/position and the other construing a different argument/position. I suppose that sums up my feelings on the subject, as to me this further evidences that it should be a matter of Personal Conscience.

On the basis of all of the above, I submit that involvement in Politics and Voting in Elections is clearly a matter of Personal Conscience and should not be made an issue of Fellowship for any Christian.”

( Adrian Paul Miles, improved 4th June 2015, significantly updated 18th May 2015, from an original preliminary draft of 10th January 2013. )