CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS

Definition

The meaning of the terms political and politics.

Webster's New International Dictionary (Second ed.)

defines politics and political in the following two ways:

Politics: "The science and art of government."

Political: "Of or pertaining to polity, or politics, or the

conduct of government. . . . Of or pertaining to those who

make a business . . . of politics, or politicians in their

partisan activities; as, he is actuated by merely political

motives.”

The Encyclopedia of Social Sciences (vol. 6, p. 225)

states concerning the import of "politics" and political goals,

"Politics frequently has unpleasant connotations. . . . The

use of the term in the bad sense . . . implies a milieu

hospitable to scheming and manipulations."

BIBLICAL BACKGROUNDJoseph considered his position in Egypt's government to be a direct result of

God's leading. As he tried to calm his brothers' fears after their father's death, he

said to them, "God hath made me lord of all Egypt" (Gen. 45:9). He "[sent] me

before you to preserve life" (verse 5).

Daniel and his three Hebrew companions were selected from among captives in

Babylon for training in civil leadership. They did not refuse this training. After

Daniel was promoted to "ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of

the governors over all the wise men of Babylon," he asked that his three friends

might be "set . . . over the affairs of the province of Babylon," and the request was

granted (Dan. 2:48, 49). The three companions were promoted again after going

through the fiery furnace (chap. 3:30). They did not refuse to serve.

The next ruler of Babylon, Belshazzar, made Daniel third ruler after he interpreted

the handwriting on the banquet wall, and just hours before Belshazzar was

defeated by Darius (chap. 5:29).

Darius, the Mede, recognized leadership in Daniel and made him first of three

presidents of the whole kingdom (chap. 6:2).Later, Daniel became the object of

jealousy of the other presidents and princes when Darius was considering putting

him over the whole realm. This is what led to his ordeal in the lions' den. When he

met this test successfully, he "prospered in the reign of Darius" (verse 28). It is

obvious that Daniel did not refuse civil responsibility when he was called upon to

Mordecai the Jew, "sat in the king's gate" and was one of

King Ahasuerus' "servants" (Esther 2:19; 3:3). The king's

gate was a place where business of the realm was carried

on, and offices were there. When he was given a chance to

replace Haman, who had been hanged, he did not refuse.

Eventually he was placed next to the king in power (chap.

10:3). Esther, of course, was queen of the realm during this

time. A few generations later, Ezra and Nehemiah served

as civil servants in their respective governments.

In the New Testament appears what might be called the

charter of Christian civic responsibility (Romans 13). It

notes that "the powers that be are ordained of God" and in

light of this, "whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God" (verses 1, 2).

ADVENTIST CHURCH HISTORY

At the General Conference in 1865 the following resolution

was adopted under the heading "Voting": "Resolved, That

in our judgment, the act of voting when exercised in behalf

of justice, humanity, and right, is in itself blameless, and

may be at some times highly proper; but that the casting of

any vote that shall strengthen the cause of such crimes as

intemperance, insurrection, and slavery, we regard as

highly criminal in the sight of Heaven. But we would

depreciate any participation in the spirit of party strife."

(Reported in the Review, May 23, 1865.)

"Is it possible to heed this counsel and at the same time exercise our right of franchise in national and State elections? We believe it is. One can vote for certain men and measures, he can give his support by ballot to ways and means which make for the good of the state and society, and at the same time keep free from the control or domination or spirit of some political party which advocates the measures which he approves. We know of many brethren who have done this for years. They engage in no political agitation or discussion, privately or in public. They do not pose as the abettors or supporters of any particular political party. They seek always to recognize principles apart from and above men. If they vote, they do not link their interests with such parties. They cast their votes for the candidates who in their judgment are best qualified for particular offices, without reference to party affiliation. We cannot believe that in so doing they violate the spirit of the instruction which we have received. . . . When one becomes partisan, when he dabbles in politics, seeks to unduly influence votes, links himself with some political party, to work for its measures and its candidates regardless of the principles involved, it is this spirit against which we are warned."

CHURCH HISTORY

Pastor J. Lamar McElhany, president of the

General Conference for 16 years, expressed

himself (in the Review, October 23, 1952) in this

way: "The church has never attempted to

instruct its members as to how they should vote,

or for whom they should vote. These are

matters that must be left to the members'

individual conscience. Nor has the church

placed any ban or censure on its members if

they as qualified citizens choose to exercise

their right to vote, or on any who may choose

not to vote."

1936 Pastor Francis McLellan Wilcox, for 33 years editor of

our major denominational journal, wrote in the Review,

March 26, 1936, an article on "Seventh-day Adventists and

Politics" and another article "The Preacher and Politics," in

the April 2, 1936 issue. "What relation should Seventh-day

Adventists sustain to the question of politics? Is it proper

for them to exercise the right of franchise, to go to the polls

and cast their votes . . . ? We believe that this is their God-

given and undeniable right. And this right they have chosen

to exercise through all the years. . . . Is it right for a

Seventh-day Adventist to hold political office? . . Based

upon the history of the children of God through the

centuries, . . . I must believe that this is consistent with

Christian faith and practice. . . It is not for the church

to advise any man to accept political position, nor . . has

the church the right to deny any of its members this

privilege and right."—March 26, 1936.

Elder McElhany also made this comment: "We

believe every member ... is entitled to exercise

his or her right of franchise. The stability and

foundation of good government rests upon the

people. If those who are stable and law abiding

and have a high regard for the principles of

good government hold themselves aloof from

the task of choosing good and fit men for

governmental leadership, they thereby make

themselves responsible for failures in

government. This is a responsibility good

citizens should seek to avoid in so far as their

votes make this possible. ... It is important that

all issues that are to be placed on the ballot

should be carefully studied by every

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is mindful of

the long history of the involvement of the people

of God in civil affairs. Joseph wielded civil power

in Egypt.Similarly, Daniel rose to the heights

of civil power in Babylon and the nation was

benefited as a result. In our own church

history, Adventists have joined with other

religious and secular organizations to exert

influence over civil authorities to cease

slavery and to advance the cause of

religious freedom. (GC, official statement,

2010).

The growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has resulted in a corresponding growth in our ability to exert political influence in some areas of the world. This political influence is not in itself problematic. Indeed, Adventists may properly aspire to serve in positions of civil leadership.Nevertheless, we must remain ever mindful of the dangers that are associated with religious influence on civil affairs and assiduously avoid such dangers.

When Adventists become leaders or exert influence in their wider society, this should be done in a manner consistent with the golden rule.We should therefore work to establish robust religious liberty for all and should not use our influence with political and civil leaders to either advance our faith or inhibit the faith of others. Adventists should take civic responsibilities seriously. We should participate in the voting process available to us when it is possible to do so in good conscience and should share the responsibility of building our communities. Adventists should not, however, become preoccupied with politics, or utilize the pulpit or our publications to advance political theories. (GC, 2010).

Comments by early Adventists:

JAMES WHITE

During the formative years of the Advent Movement the

United States was involved in turbulent political currents.

The issues that resulted in the outbreak of the

War Between the States were much agitated before the

1860 national election.

James White wrote in the Review, August 21, 1860: "The

political excitement of 1860 will probably run as high as it

has for many years, and we would warn our brethren not to

be drawn into it. We are not prepared to prove from the

Bible that it would be wrong for a believer in the third

message to go in a manner becoming his profession, and

cast his vote. We do not recommend this, neither do we

oppose. If a brother chooses to vote, we cannot condemn

him, and we want the same liberty if we do not."

Ellen G White’s Comments

Ellen White's comments come through

clearly: "The Lord would have His people

bury political questions." "We cannot with

safety vote for political parties." "Let

political questions alone." "It is a mistake

for you to link your interests with any

political party, to cast your vote with them

or for them." Gospel Workers, pp. 391-

393.

EGW

In a statement first published as a tract in 1899, Ellen White said that we are not to vote for men that "use their influence to repress religious liberty," for if we do, we "are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office." "We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes," she said. Christians "will not wear political badges.

WARNING

Strong warnings against becoming involved in

"political issues" or activities: "Let political

questions alone. . . . Every teacher, minister, or

leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire

to ventilate his opinions on political questions,

should be converted by a belief in the truth, or

give up his work." —(FOE., pp. 392, 393). "God

calls upon the teachers in our schools not to

become interested in the study of political

questions."—Fundamentals of Education, p.

484. (Written 1899.)

ELLEN G. WHITE COMMENTS

Discussing the coming political campaign of 1880 in one of his

last editorials, James White said: "We as a people, as Adventists, have before us an all-absorbing subject, and a work of the greatest importance, from which our minds should not be diverted. . . . "It should be our duty to adapt ourselves, as far as possible without compromising truth, to all who come within the reach of our influence, and at the same time stand free from the strife and corruptions of the parties that are striving for the mastery." Ibid., March 11, 1880.

Writing from Australia in 1898, Ellen White emphasized the same points: "We are not as a people to become mixed up with political questions. . . . Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers in political strife, nor bind with them in their attachments. . . . Keep your voting to yourself. Do not feel it your duty to urge everyone to do as you do." Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 336, 337.

WARNING

While Seventh-day Adventists are to vote, they

are to cast their vote with prayerful consideration.

E.G. White, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 337

(admonishing Adventists to vote); E.G. White,

Fundamentals of Christian Education, p 475

(stating that Adventists cannot safely vote for

political parties); & Ellen G White, Last Day

Events, p. 127

(Adventists become partakers in the sins of

politicians if they support candidates that do not

support religious liberty).

The Adventist, if voting, must remain

free and independent. He should not

vote the "party ticket" without

analyzing the individual candidates

and issues. The attitude "right or

wrong, my party" is foreign to the

intelligent Adventist. Adventists, if

voting, cannot participate in under-

handed political practices: "We cannot

with safety take part in any political

scheme.”—(FOE)., p. 391.

Adventists, if voting, must not link their

church with any political party: "God

employs the strongest figures to show

that there should be no union between

worldly parties and those who are

seeking the righteousness of Christ."—

Ibid., p. 392.

Adventists, if voting, must not be

emotionally or violently engaged in

partisan strife: "Those who stand as

educators, as ministers, as laborers

together with God in any line, have no

battles to fight in the political world."—

Should Adventists take a political position

Can Seventh-day Adventists

participate in certain aspects of

politics with good conscience?

Are we ever to help in the

making of laws, and if so, how?

Is it ever proper to hold public

office, either elective or

appointive?

Adventist and Political Position

Careful Study of Two statements by Ellen White . In Education, page 262, we read: "Many a lad of today, growing up as did Daniel in his Judean home, studying God's Word and His works, and learning the lessons of faithful service, will yet stand in legislative assemblies, in halls of justice, or in royal courts, as a witness for the King of kings.” That this witness is not limited to occasional appearances on behalf of specific issues, and in fact includes participation in legislative decisions.

It is evident from another statement Ellen White made in an address to the teachers and students of Battle Creek College, November 15, 1883. She said: "Have you thoughts that you dare not express, that you may one day . . . sit in deliberative and legislative councils, and help to enact laws for the nation? There is nothing wrong in these aspirations."--Fundamentals of Christian

Adventists Higher aspiration

Have you thoughts that you dare not express,

that you may one day stand upon the summit

of intellectual greatness; that you may sit in

deliberative and legislative councils, and help

to enact laws for the nation? There is nothing

wrong in these aspirations. You may every one

of you make your mark. You should be content

with no mean attainments. Aim high, and

spare no pains to reach the standard." (E.G

White, Fundamentals of Christian Education, p.

82).

Ellen White went on to explain the circumstances under which it is proper to accept such responsibilities. She said that we are not to be content with low goals, but we are to remember that "the fear of the Lord lies at the foundation of all true greatness." We are to hold "all temporal claims and interests in subjection to the higher claims of the gospel of Christ.”

She also indicated that "as disciples of Christ, you are not debarred from engaging in temporal pursuits; but you should carry your religion with you." And, "balanced by religious principle, you may climb to any height you please." Notice that the climbing is to be "balanced by religious principle.”

Further, our God-given powers and talents are not to be perverted "to do evil and destroy others" or to be used to "spread moral ruin and corruption." Rather, our responsibilities are to be "faithfully and conscientiously discharged." (See Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 82, 83; Messages to Young People, pp. 36, 37.)

Election of Seventh-day Adventists to public

office goes back at least 88 years. A rather

unusual editorial by Uriah Smith stated: "Elder

William C. Gage has been elected mayor of the

city of Battle Creek." The editorial went on to

explain that the advocates of temperance in the

city had felt betrayed by current officeholders,

and when no other man could be persuaded to

run against them, Elder Gage had been

approached. The editorial continued: "When it

appeared that to decline absolutely would be to

jeopardize the interests of the temperance

cause, he accepted, and the people ratified the

nomination, giving him a plurality." Review and

Herald, April 11, 1882.

Both Uriah Smith and G. I. Butler, president of the General

Conference, appeared apologetic for the election of Gage.

In the same issue of the Review, Elder Butler urged

support of the temperance issues of the day, but cautioned:

"We have not time or ability to waste in the arena of politics

while the cause of God is languishing." Both men stated

their conviction that Adventists normally should not become

involved in politics. Elder Butler stated further that even

though we favor temperance, we are to be cautious "about

being absorbed and carried away in excitements over it or

any other question" (ibid).

Surely, this advice is appropriate in the light of pressing

social and political issues of our day. It may be of interest

to note that halfway through his one-year term as mayor,

Gage was strongly rebuked by Ellen White. She said: "He

has ever been a curse to the church in Battle Creek." She

added: "I warn the people of God not to take this man as

their pattern." Special Testimony to the Battle Creek

VOTING ON SABBATH

Indeed, Ellen White’s plea to Adventists was to vote on

issues of moral imperative beyond temperance: “Every

individual exerts an influence in society. In our favored

land, every voter has some voice in determining what laws

shall control the nation. Should not that influence and that

vote be cast on the side of temperance and virtue?” (EGW,

GOSPEL WORKERS, P.387)

Even voting on the Sabbath was urged, if necessary, if

matters of temperance and virtue arose. Notes, the

pioneers “were very concerned with temperance.”

Interview with Land. The “voting on Sabbath” comment

is related in Herbert E. Douglass, Messenger of the Lord,

chapter 13;

www.whiteestate. org/books/mol/Chapt13.html; accessed

CONCLUSION

The Adventist attitude toward civic and public affairs seems to be that the genuine Adventist is primarily a citizen of the heavenly kingdom, established upon principles outlined in the Bible. The true Christian is a converted man, an ambassador from God to men. The Christian's chief program for national and international betterment is the spiritual gospel, which links man to Christ and liberates man from his dependence upon social and civic measures. The true Adventist is not of this world; he is swiftly on his way out. Yet, while passing through he seeks to attract other men to the heavenly kingdom by translating its divine principles into human action. As a part of this, the true Christian will aid in the proper promotion of sensible plans for the extension of health, for the realization of religious and other proper freedoms, for the relief of want and fear, and for the pacific stability of the social and political order. Peace among men and peace among nations are among his personal concerns. Justice is one of his aims.

Three conclusions seem clear from this

study

1. We are always to vote "on the side of

temperance and virtue.”

2. The decision to vote for candidate(s) is a

personal decision. If you vote, "keep your

voting to yourself. Do not feel it is your duty

to urge everyone to do as you do.”

3. We are to stand free from political strife

and corruption.