Christians & Politics

“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by incompetents.” – Plato

When I decided, after much prayer, to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, I approached my pastor about hosting a town hall meeting for my opponent and me at the church. After all, throughout American history, churches have often been the central meeting place for a community… partly because they were often the largest venue and partly because they were often one of the first buildings to have indoor lighting. And yes, partly because we are called to be salt and light in a dark and dying world (see Matthew 5:13-16).

My pastor suggested that I meet with the deacons to state my case, which I gladly did. Much to my disappointment – but not to my surprise – they turned me down flat. However, they didn’t stop there. The following week, during the evening service, the head of the deacon board addressed the congregation and said that, “The only political responsibility a Christian has is to vote.” Doing more than that, he said, was unbiblical, a conflict of interest, and a complete waste of time.

As you can imagine, I was furious that he would take a direct shot at my political aspirations from the pulpit. I had searched my heart and knew that I was running for Congress for the right reasons: to stand up for our founding Judeo-Christian principles and to protect the lives of precious unborn babies. Simply put, I saw public service as a ministry opportunity; nothing more and nothing less.

Fortunately, a friend of mine who pastored a nearby church jumped at the chance to host a forum for my opponent and me. And, when my opponent chose to ignore the invitation, the pastor placed her name card in front of an empty chair… and I had the audience of potential voters to myself.

Frankly, I don’t understand why Christians aren’t more active in politics. Every year, tens of millions of professing Christians neglect to vote, a number that could easily change the results of local, state, and national elections. Just as many believers base their votes on the economy and other secular issues, instead of on the great moral issues of our time such as abortion.

Here is what Bishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said about Christians and politics…

“I am puzzled by which Bible people are reading when they suggest that religion and politics don’t mix.”

And Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” put it this way…

“I often hear it said, ‘Do not bring religion into politics.’ This is precisely where it ought to be brought, and set there in the face of all men as on a candlestick.”

In case you’re wondering, I lost that election, but fought hard for my faith. I also changed churches.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President