How and why should Christians engage with politics?

Political engagement among christians

Christians engage with politics for various reasons, including fulfilling their civic duty, advocating for justice, and influencing policies that align with their values. They can do so by voting, participating in advocacy groups, and running for office. However, they should also be mindful of maintaining integrity, respecting diverse perspectives, and prioritizing principles of love, compassion, and humility in their political engagement.

Political engagement refers to the active involvement of individuals or groups in the political process. This can include activities such as voting in elections, participating in political campaigns, contacting elected officials, attending public meetings or protests, joining advocacy organizations, and even running for political office. Essentially, political engagement encompasses any action taken to influence or contribute to the governance and decision-making processes of a society.

Whether engaging in politics is considered "godly" can depend on one's interpretation of religious teachings and beliefs. Some Christians believe that participating in politics is a way to fulfill their moral and ethical responsibilities as citizens, advocating for justice, compassion, and the common good. Others may see it as a distraction from spiritual matters or worry about the potential for corruption and compromise in the political arena. Ultimately, it's a personal decision guided by one's understanding of their faith and the principles they hold dear.

Politics can be relevant to Christians for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an avenue for them to advocate for policies and values that align with their religious beliefs, such as social justice, care for the marginalized, and protection of human dignity. Additionally, politics often intersects with moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, poverty, and environmental stewardship, which are of concern to many Christians. Engaging in politics allows them to contribute to the shaping of society in accordance with their faith principles. However, Christians should also be mindful of maintaining integrity, humility, and love in their political engagement.

In fact, Christians have debated the role of government for millennia. Famous theologians of history have debated whether human forms of government were always intended by God or are a concessional grace, required because of our fallen nature as humans. Either way, there is a strong sense throughout the Bible that God is the highest power and therefore it is he who allows human governments their power.

One of the most significant push-backs to the notion of engaging politically is often taken from the apostle Paul's writing in Romans 13:1-7. Paul states that Christians should be subject to the authority of the government as it has been given its authority by God.

More over, politics is important because it shapes the way societies are governed and how resources, rights, and responsibilities are distributed among individuals and groups. Political decisions impact various aspects of people's lives, including healthcare, education, economic opportunities, social justice, and the environment. Engaging in politics allows individuals to have a voice in these decisions and contribute to creating a more just and equitable society.