Beyond Politics

“Be careful lest in fighting the dragon you become the dragon.” - Nietzsche

Politics and elections really do matter. After all, if the wicked flourish, local communities can be devastated, nations can find themselves at war, and people can be denied hard-won freedoms, peace, and life. People suffer if evil is unopposed and ignoble leaders in office pursue and establish foolish and dangerous policies.

In the face of such possibilities, evading politics as unworthy of our attention or unclean and best to avoid is unwise and unloving. After all, opting out of political engagement is still a political choice. Whether first said by Edmund Burke or John Stuart Mill, the observation “the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” might be an oversimplification, but it isn’t incorrect.

Does this mean that elections and politics should become our chief concern? Does this mean that the Church is to become a center of electoral politics? Is it possible for Christians to work in a political enterprise without compromising their faith? How do we engage in politics, personally and congregationally, for God’s glory?

While it cannot be denied that politics and elections do matter, it is also true that they matter too much for some. Indeed, in certain cases, it appears that politics, far from being informed by faith, has taken the place of faith. There are those for whom politics has become their religion, and even if they give it the name “Christian,” it is no less an idol.

How do we avoid the twin dangers of political idolatry on the one hand and pseudo-spiritual escapism on the other?

Our Dual Citizenship

When Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus, he greeted them as the “saints in Ephesus…faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). This twin identity - united with Christ and seated with him in heavenly places while dwelling as believers in a Roman city well-known for its idolatry and hostility to their faith - is crucial to affirm if we are to find a way forward together.

How, then, do we do politics?

How do we, who possess the dual citizenship of being “in Christ” while also being at home in a particular place, culture, and time, steward the duties of both? How do we, who with Abraham, look for “the heavenly city whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11) also, like Paul, strategically affirm our membership in a very worldly polis - “I am a Roman citizen!” (Acts 22:27-28)?

So many questions! Some key principles will help us discover some helpful answers.

Unchanging Principles

It should be clear that the ancient Christian confession “Jesus is Lord” meant, among other noble truths, that Caesar wasn’t. The Roman government had true authority, much of it manifested in public “virtues” utterly contrary to our Christian faith. Yet this genuine authority was derivative, granted by God. When Pilate informed Jesus that he had authority over him and that it was within his power to free Jesus or condemn him to crucifixion, Jesus boldly rebuffed him. “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above,” said Jesus (John. 19:23). Jesus never denied Pilate had real authority, but he did make clear where it came from, its limits, and who was actually in charge of what was happening.

When it comes to citizenship and supreme loyalties, the Christian likewise knows that while we will always “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, (and) honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13), we will never place loyalty to any citizenship or earthly authority above Christ the Lord. We honor established authorities at every level, but they hold that authority in trust from God and are not gods in whom we trust.

This means that our heavenly citizenship and loyalty are infinitely more valuable than any national identity we might also cherish. All politics and political activity the Christian takes up as part of one’s duty as a citizen is done for God's glory and our neighbor's good. When we “do politics,” we are called to do it Christianly.

The Gospel Reshapes Politics

From the time of Paul to the moment Constantine caught a glimpse of the cross in the sun at the battle of Milvian Bridge and heard the words, “in hoc signo vinces” (by this sign conquer), Christians often suffered under hostile governments. An entirely different situation emerged after the later fusion of the Church with the State under Theodosius. In the late-modern American context, another new era emerged with a quasi-Constantinian situation, which has since given way to a more aggressive secularist view that argues for the excommunication of religion from the public square. Christians are understandably not happy about being boxed out of the conversation in those spaces and are trying to figure out a new relationship between Church and State. Not to put too fine a point on it, but some of that conversation is proving difficult. What should public religion look like in the US?

For us, the primary issue is staying on mission rather than straying into politics as an institution. As I note below, church members serve in government and various political capacities (good), but our shared calling is the Gospel of the Kingdom, not the election of the next President.

Spanish River Church is envisioned by the compelling mission to bring the transforming life and love of Jesus Christ to every generation of our members, neighbors, and the nations through the power of the gospel communicated in word, deed, and sign. Our congregation gathers to glorify God in worship and scatters to glorify him in witness, seeking to embody the call to be disciples of Jesus. That’s our highest priority, and it reshapes our view of and participation in politics.

Some Christians can and often should humbly serve in government for the common good; those who become candidates for office are doing something very difficult—and honorable. This is also true for those who serve in the military and law enforcement. They face danger so that others may enjoy peace. These men and women are “ministers of God,” as Paul writes in Romans 13.

While some Christians might be called to public service, all Christians are summoned to pray for those in authority, honor those in such authority, and work alongside all to foster the good of our neighborhoods, cities, and nations. While we hold that this work is given to all Christians, this doesn’t mean the Church is to engage the political realm as the Church or employ political tactics to achieve its mission-shaped ends.

Historically, when the Church is directly tied to the state or political power, it has frequently led to the corruption of the Church by that power, the degradation of the Church’s mission and message, and even violence against others in the name of the Church.

The Church does engage the political realm but does so differently. Our work together as the Church is expressed through prayer, worship, preaching, service, and equipping members to seek the common good as God gives these Christian citizens the wisdom to do so. The Church is not a department of the State nor its servant. It is the Bride of Christ, and our Bridegroom jealously guards the devotion of our heart and purpose.

Far from promoting the politics of power, the Church takes a very different approach to it through its worship and work. In acknowledging and proclaiming Christ as Lord, we subvert the authorities who exalt themselves as saviors; by proclaiming the Kingdom of God, we offer the true hope of humankind that political agendas never achieve.

The Church’s Head is Christ, and we never give to politics the place that belongs only to him, even when it is demanded or when promised a favored place if we offer them our support. We aren’t looking for a seat at the table; we know the Carpenter who built it and sits at its head. Because our Head is the Lamb on the throne, it isn’t a donkey or an elephant to whom we owe allegiance and look for our marching orders.

The Gospel, Not Politics, Shapes the Church’s Mission

If the Church becomes tethered to a particular party, introduces a note of party political favoritism, or endorses and promotes candidates, that makes our primary message less clear and could impede our mission rather than further it. Such activities divide people in the Church along party-political lines rather than uniting them at the cross of Christ.

Our calling to proclaim Christ and make disciples is a supra-political task, transcending the merely political or national. The Church as the Church has to be known as people who proclaim the name of Jesus and bear witness to him through the unity of the Faith and the Spirit. Attributing to the Church a loyalty other than to Christ or a mission less than gospel proclamation divides and neuters the Church, denying the Savior, who alone is her head.

This does not mean that politics and the concerns expressed by the legislative and societal goals political parties stand for and seek to implement can be ignored. How does the Church respond to this pressing issue? In addition to worship, we make disciples who walk with Christ and work with all for the common good according to God’s revealed will. The goal of equipping believers to integrate their faith with all aspects of their lives, from work and personal relationships to power, personhood, and money, means that politics will inevitably be part of the conversation.

In democratic societies that open avenues of personal participation in ways that were once closed off to all but the powerful, Christian citizens find themselves to be responsible stewards of the civil sphere alongside their fellow citizens. Since we are all inevitably engaged politically (even by refusing to participate), we should be Christianly engaged. Since we and our neighbors are affected by legislative, judicial, economic, and executive actions made by elected and appointed representatives, we can’t personally avoid participating in political processes and outcomes without neglecting our neighbors.

Christians are called to offer the gospel and demonstrate the love of God and his concern for all people, and this is inevitably involved with public policy. Everything from clean water and just weights and measures to the apprehension and punishment of criminals is part of a peaceful and ordered society we desire for ourselves and others. That doesn’t mean there’s a Bible verse for every policy decision; it does mean that Christians can learn to discern wisdom for the best next steps to take by having our desires and understanding shaped by Scripture. Personal political engagement is part of that work. In this realm, natural law and God’s moral law inform our personal work.

A Community United in Our Diversity

However, such individual and personal participation is not the work of the Church. The church I serve is a mosaic of individuals of various political persuasions and backgrounds—Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between, including those unaffiliated with any political tribe. Our members also come from different nations, adding to the rich diversity of our church family. Identifying the Church with a party, candidate, or movement other than the gospel turns party loyalty or national-ethnic identity into the boundary of fellowship. Drawing lines there rather than at faith and baptism mocks the vast mercy of the new covenant and the cosmopolitan character of the Kingdom. It demolishes authentic catholicity, making faith in power and tribe more important than faith in Christ.

While each member is encouraged to engage in the civic realm, our church as the church doesn’t endorse candidates or parties, promote particular legislation, or seek to serve only national concerns. Because our citizenship is heaven, and we are part of a global, eternal communion, our work is to promote Christ and the Gospel of his Kingdom - here and around the world. Individual believer-citizens, on the other hand, are free to explore how they can faithfully steward the duties entrusted to them as citizens and joyfully embrace these as God gives wisdom and strength to do so.

Faith Above Politics for the Sake of All

Many of our members have strong political opinions as individuals and express them as free citizens (hopefully with respect, patience, and humility), working for the common good in the best ways they believe they can. Our work as a church, however, is to anchor these members in Biblical foundations, gathering at the foot of the cross, around the Lord’s Table, attending to the Scriptures, and stooping to serve others.

Our allegiance is not to any candidate or party and isn’t swayed by the changing political climate or party priorities. We do not endorse candidates, provide voter guides, or promote political causes. We focus on the eternal mission only the Church can fulfill: proclaiming the Gospel, administering the sacraments, making disciples, and fulfilling the Great Commission.

While we do not shy away from speaking truth to power as part of our prophetic witness, our ultimate message and mission are clear: to know Christ and make Him known. This mission surpasses all others and remains our central focus and highest privilege. When we fulfill this mission, we best serve the formation of people, families, and societies where helpful politics can be sustained.

Navigating Election Seasons Together with Grace

When election seasons are filled with the turmoil of anger and derision, we urge our members to maintain humility and unity instead of allowing societal divisions to create new boundaries for belonging to Christ’s people. Now is a time to earnestly pray for humble hearts, to listen deeply to loved ones with differing views, and to pursue their good despite remaining differences. Writing off a friend, family member, or fellow believer over party politics does not advance the cause of Christ.

As an American citizen who deeply loves my country, I can’t help observing that divisive and derisive attitudes and words do not lend themselves to the urgent task of repairing the badly frayed fabric of our national unity. Yes, elections divide - always; that’s their nature. Yet, in the leadup to election day and in its wake, we need to recall our bonds of mutual responsibility and respect for one another.

Similarly, the unity of our church does not stem from or depend on nationality, ethnicity, economic status, or political affiliation; it is found in our union with Christ through the Spirit. By embodying Christ’s humble kindness and striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we can rise above temporal and earthly divisions and resist the call to rage, anger, and fear, ensuring our collective focus remains on our shared faith and mission.

The Church must recover its place as a minister of healing in a self-destructive society that’s tearing itself apart. That can only occur when we honor one another with gracious and patient fellowship.

We desire to walk humbly, love mercy, act justly, and help one another through this election season. We don’t have to allow the demonization and hatred stirred up by the political industry and its fellow travelers to undo the mutual bonds of affection we have in families, friendships, and churches.

Arlington

When I was a small boy, my parents took us to Washington, DC, to see the monuments to the sacrifice and wisdom of those who’d preceded us and entrusted us with the duty of citizenship in our Republic by their gift. Like so many, I was stunned into silence and uncomprehending awe at the sea of stones marking the graves of the men and women who gave “the last full measure of devotion” in service to this country, to their families, and, in many cases, to God. As we walked there that day, my dad asked me about the symbols on the stones. “I see names and the branch they served with,” I said. “What else do you see?” he prodded. “I see crosses and stars of David on them,” I replied. After a pause, he asked, “What don’t you see on any of them?” Before I could answer, he said, “There are no “R’s” or “D’s” on any stone. They didn’t die for a party; they fought and died as Americans. Never forget that.”

I haven’t. I never will.

If those who died to preserve our democratic institutions were not in the end known by a political tribe, how much more must we for whom Christ died to preserve our souls and save the world find our primary identity in the cross. The sign of the cross is the banner under which we gather and go; there is no “R” or “D” on a communion table, and no flag from any nation or state is unfurled over a baptismal font. The Church belongs to Christ; we are his kingdom, and we won’t compromise that identity with any power.

Great Expectations (OK, Realistic Ones)

Do not expect me to endorse any candidate or party in print or a sermon, and don’t expect to hear preached from our pulpit a message about national politics. If that’s what you’re hoping for, you’ll be disappointed. People drink deeply from the wells of political news and views pumped into our veins by social, print, and broadcast media outlets all week long. What we need - desperately! - is the renewing, healing, saving message of Jesus. That’s what I promise you will hear. Every. Single. Sunday.

Yes, I know some prominent voices have urged Pastors to tell their congregations how to vote and for whom to vote. I couldn’t disagree more strongly. The message I have to preach is so much more important than an election cycle, and I won’t waste one minute of a sermon to turn from the gospel to the subject of candidates and political parties. Not only is such preaching a violation of the Church’s nature and mission, but it also “binds the conscience” of believers, a dangerous incursion of legalism that every elder should steadfastly oppose.

Don’t expect your Pastors to be experts on everything. We aren’t. We’re not virologists or immunologists with expert advice about vaccinations; we’re not economists making pronouncements about tax policy; we’re not global sit-rep strategists with the inside scoop on national defense policy. We are humble proclaimers of the Gospel and will direct you to the Scriptures to help renew your minds in God’s truth, rest in his mercy, know his will, embrace his ways, and love him supremely.

We will certainly teach what the Bible says about sometimes controversial issues, whether or not a political party or prevailing American culture agrees with it. The intersection of the two isn’t an endorsement of a party, and the one truth on the table that day isn’t necessarily the only truth to consider when deciding for whom one votes. Christians who vote in elections should be moved by the truth that begins with God’s truth given to us in Christ.

Don’t expect the Bible or the example of the ancient Christians to tell us all we’d like to know about how to vote. The early Christians were not asked to vote for who would be the next Roman Emperor…. no one was. Christians have lived under various forms of government over the past two millennia. In each situation, the Church has sought to remain faithful to its calling, sometimes succeeding and failing to do so on other occasions. All along the way, individual believers have served in various ways at all levels of all kinds of governments.

Constitutional democracies in which all citizens have the right to choose the men and women who will serve them in government is a modern phenomenon - one we should rejoice in and maintain. Since it wasn’t the setting for the ancient Church, we face the important work of deriving wisdom from what the Bible tells us about how God’s people have lived and served under all kinds of governments, good and bad. We have examples of competent and courageous service from Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon to Esther in Persia and Erastus in Corinth. We can learn from these without insisting on only one legitimate way Christians participate in the governance process.

Do expect to be equipped to think and act Christianly in your personal stewardship of the citizenship you’ve been given. That will start with supreme loyalty to Jesus Christ, believing and proclaiming the only message that saves, and seeking the Kingdom of God first, not the power of preferred political parties.

That will mean learning to love those with whom you disagree and might even consider to be enemies. It will mean learning to walk to the Lord’s table together despite all the differences that divide the world because, in Christ, those walls have been shattered by the cross.

It’ll mean the end of mockery, malicious, demeaning speech, and being so combative in one’s posture that those who don’t see things your way feel like they can’t worship, pray, or study with you.

It’ll mean loving your brothers and sisters more than politics and being more passionate about eternal destinies than temporary election results.

Moved by our calling to live out the gospel in every aspect of life, affirming that Christ crucified is the risen and reigning Lord, and trusting in his sovereign governance of all persons and nations, we can move forward together in the mission of the Gospel.

As CS Lewis reminds us, love for God and neighbor can settle for nothing less.

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare.

All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.

It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.

There are no ordinary people.

You have never talked to a mere mortal.

Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.

But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

- CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory