Political Passivity Of Christians Dangerous To Common Good

Evangelical Greg Koukl went on record again this week condemning the dangerous thinking of political passivity.

I know from personal experience that such passivity is a very real possibility for the Christian. We must make very serious efforts to educate and convince fellow Christians of the urgency of their involvement in the political process, particularly at the most basic level of voting.

Greg pointed to the confused teaching of one evangelical leader who offered this stern warning:

“There should not be even a hint of anything political in our public discourse.”

Greg tackles the biblical response to the serious error contained in that leader's teaching:

The New Testament tells us that government is for “the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.” The book of Proverbs reminds us that, “The king gives stability to the land by justice” and, “The execution of justice is joy for the righteous.”

Biblical teaching is clear: God intends government to use law to enforce morality. Informed Christian people are essential to that process because the concept of justice that grounds good government can be twisted by evil men in power. If the Church doesn’t stand in the gap giving substance to the words “good” and “evil,” then nothing prevents leadership from reversing the definitions, praising evil and punishing good. Tragically, this is already happening.

Then Greg proceeds to explain how Christians have been deceived and intimidated into surrender, such that evil has taken precedence in so many areas of our society.

The Church was told, “Abortion is not merely a moral issue anymore. It’s political.” What about the morality of alternate sexuality like lesbianism, homosexuality, man-boy ‘love,’ and incest? “That’s ours, too.” Same-sex marriage? “A civic concern. No place for the church.” Family issues like divorce and child support, reproductive technologies, and the education of our children? “Back off.” Stewardship of the environment, the care of the poor, sex education, birth control, sexual harassment, pornography—including child porn? “All politics.”

Notice the outcome. When Christians follow a policy of “no politics,” it’s easy to silence the moral voice of the Church. Simply label any issue “political” and followers of Christ wave the white flag.

There's so much more in this article that can be helpful to every Christian in understanding the dynamics of politics and religion!

What's at stake in this debate? Nothing less than the righteousness of a nation and the protection of every human life, at every stage of development! Clarity on this subject is essential for the serious Christian, and remember, if we aren't serious as Christians, should we expect God to take us seriously on the day when all things are judged?

Greg's article is a must read for every Christian and a great resource for the entire Vote Life, Canada! project.