Rethinking the Church’s Role in Politics
In the wake of the Visigoths’ sack of Rome in 410 AD, the Roman Empire was left reeling. Many Romans blamed the Christians for their downfall, claiming that their abandonment of traditional Roman gods and values had weakened the empire. It was in this context that St. Augustine wrote his classic work, The City of God.
A Tale of Two Cities
Augustine’s masterpiece contrasted the earthly kingdom with the heavenly kingdom, highlighting the fundamental differences between the City of Man and the City of God. He argued that the City of God is a place of truth, holiness, peace, and eternity, whereas the City of Man is marked by falsehood, sin, conflict, and mortality. This distinction has profound implications for how we approach politics.
The Gospel and Politics
As Christians, we are often tempted to put our hope in the political arena, thinking that if we can just get the right laws passed or the right leaders elected, everything will be okay. But this approach is misguided. The gospel is not about achieving power or influence; it’s about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and living out our faith in obedience to him.
Peter’s Counsel
The apostle Peter offers valuable guidance on how to navigate the complexities of politics. In 1 Peter 2:11-17, he urges believers to live as sojourners and exiles, abstaining from the passions of the flesh and keeping their conduct honorable among the Gentiles. He also reminds us that we are subject to human institutions for the Lord’s sake, and that we should use our freedom to serve God, not to indulge in sinful behavior.
Honoring Everyone
Peter’s counsel is not limited to our relationships with fellow believers. He also instructs us to honor everyone, including those in positions of authority. This means treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs. As Christians, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, seeking to bring people together rather than driving them apart.
Speaking Truth to Power
However, honoring everyone does not mean compromising our values or remaining silent in the face of injustice. As servants of God, we are called to speak truth to power, boldly proclaiming the gospel and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
The Church’s Unique Role
The church has a unique role to play in politics, one that is distinct from other institutions. We are not called to be a voting bloc or a lobbying group, but rather a community of believers who seek to live out our faith in every area of life. Our primary allegiance is to God, not to any particular party or ideology.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complex and often contentious world of politics, let us remember that our hope is not in the City of Man, but in the City of God. May we be faithful proclaimers of the gospel, living out our faith in obedience to Christ and seeking to bring people together rather than driving them apart.
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