The Intersection of Heaven and Earth
The Permanent Things: Reflections on Tradition, Culture, and the Good Society
The Bridge Between Faith and Politics
I’ve often been asked how a Christian should engage in politics. It’s a weighty question. The two spheres - faith and politics - seem distinct at first glance. Faith feels deeply personal and spiritual, while politics appears public and often contentious. But the reality is, they are profoundly intertwined. Faith informs how we live, and politics governs the structures in which we live. The two can’t be separated without doing harm to both.
Jesus himself didn’t avoid the political world of his time. Consider his response to the Pharisees when they attempted to trap him over taxes: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). This wasn’t a call to disengage from politics. Rather, it was a reminder that while we operate in a temporal, political world, our ultimate allegiance is to God.
The Importance of Stewardship in Civic Life
At the heart of Christian political engagement is the principle of stewardship. God has given us authority over our communities, our cultures, and our political systems. As stewards of these gifts, it’s our responsibility to care for them, ensuring that justice, mercy, and truth prevail. This isn’t a radical idea. Rather, it’s the very foundation of what it means to be both a citizen of heaven and an inhabitant of the earth.
For those of us who live in democratic societies, voting, advocacy, and political participation are all part of that stewardship. When we engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in the political realm, we’re not just advancing a party or a platform - we’re seeking the good of our neighbors. Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Christians, far from being outsiders in the political conversation, are called to be agents of peace and justice.
Avoiding the Pitfall of Ideological Idolatry
But here’s where the rubber meets the road. As much as we should engage in politics, we must be careful not to let it consume our identity or cloud our ultimate mission. Too often, people fall into the trap of ideological idolatry, where political allegiance overshadows their faith. Whether on the left or the right, many are tempted to baptize their political ideology as if it were the pure Gospel itself. But my friends, no political party, no politician, no system of governance is infallible.
Russell Kirk, one of my intellectual heroes, once said that conservatism was not a system or ideology but “a disposition” rooted in an “affection for the permanent things.” Our faith teaches us to be anchored in eternal truths - not the fleeting platforms of this or that political movement. As Christians, we must carefully discern where our political leanings align with biblical principles, and where they diverge. This takes humility and prayer.
Principles of Christian Political Engagement
There are a few key principles that I believe should guide our engagement in the public square:
1. Politics is rife with half-truths, manipulation, and spin. As followers of Christ, we’re called to be people of truth. This means not only speaking the truth but also seeking it, even when it’s uncomfortable. We must avoid falling into echo chambers that only confirm our biases.
2. The prophet Micah calls us to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). These aren’t mere abstractions. Justice is about seeking what’s right, and mercy is about showing kindness, especially to the vulnerable. We should advocate for laws and policies that reflect these priorities, whether in healthcare, criminal justice reform, or economic fairness.
3. We live in a polarized age. Political discussions often devolve into shouting matches, with little room for grace. But as Christians, we’re called to a higher standard. We must engage with others - especially those we disagree with - with humility, knowing that we don’t possess all the answers. In all our conversations, whether about politics or otherwise, let’s “let [our] speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
A Practical Call to Action
Now, what does this look like in practice? How can we live out our faith in the public square in a way that honors God?
1. As stewards of both faith and politics, it’s vital to stay informed. Don’t just read the headlines - dig deeper. Study the issues, understand the implications of policies, and weigh them against Scripture. And remember, it’s okay to admit that some issues are complex. That’s where grace comes in.
2. National politics grabs the headlines, but local politics often has a more direct impact on our daily lives. Get involved in your community. Whether it’s supporting a local candidate, attending city council meetings, or volunteering at a polling station, these small acts of civic engagement can have a profound ripple effect.
Closing Thoughts
In the realm of politics, Christians must be strategic, disciplined, and united in seeking the common good. And while the political “game” may be frustrating at times, our victory is assured - not because of our strategy, but because we’re following the King of Kings.
I hope this reflection has encouraged you to think more deeply about your role in both faith and politics. If it has, I’d be grateful if you shared it with others and encouraged them to subscribe for more reflections on how we can live well in the world we’ve been given. You can always find more at Walking Points.