What Does The Bible Say About Politics?
Politics is a divisive topic for many people, especially when it comes to mixing religion and governance. For Christians who want to understand what stance the Bible takes on political involvement and systems, knowing what Scripture says can bring clarity and wisdom.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible does not promote one political system over another, but it does provide principles for good governance and guidance for Christian participation in government.
Christians are called to be good citizens, work for justice, care for the vulnerable, and live as salt and light in the world.
Biblical Principles for Government
All Governing Authorities Are Instituted by God
The Bible teaches that all governing authorities are instituted by God for keeping order and peace (Romans 13:1-7). Even leaders who do not honor God are used by Him to fulfill His purposes. Believers are instructed to submit to and pray for those in authority over them.
However, when human laws violate God’s commands, the biblical model is to appeal to a higher authority.
Leaders Must Act Justly and Care for the Needy
Scripture calls leaders to act justly and care for the vulnerable (Jeremiah 22:3). They must not oppress the poor, take bribes, or show favoritism in judging others. God will judge rulers who issue unfair laws or mistreat those under their authority (Psalms 72:12-14).
Jesus provided a model of servant leadership that cares for people in need (Mark 10:42-45).
Stats from a 2021 Barna study found that 65% of churchgoers say their faith motivates them to help the poor and oppressed. However, only 49% believe their church is doing “enough to help the poor and needy in the local community.”
Nations Will Be Judged for Evil Actions
The Bible contains examples of God judging entire nations for evil actions such as idolatry, child sacrifice, and oppression (Jeremiah 18:7-10). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the outcry against their grievous sins (Genesis 18:20).
God may use calamity or military defeat to chastise those who defy His standards.
One 2022 survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found 62% of Americans believe God does not punish nations. However, most evangelicals (55%) disagree and say God does punish nations.
Christian Involvement in Politics
Christians Must Be Good Citizens
The Bible encourages Christians to be good citizens and participate in government (Romans 13:1-7). As citizens of an earthly kingdom and God’s kingdom, Christians have civic duties to fulfill. This includes paying taxes, voting, supporting and praying for leaders, and living as a blessing to society.
Christians can have a positive influence in politics. William Wilberforce, a committed Christian, led the campaign to abolish slavery in Britain. More recently, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. fought against racism through Christian peaceful protests.
Such examples show that Christians can help bring justice in society.
Christians Should Work for Justice and Peace
The Bible calls Christians to promote justice and peace. As Micah 6:8 states, God requires us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” with Him. Christians should oppose oppression, inequality, discrimination, and other injustices in society and politics.
Christians can advocate for humanitarian policies that care for the poor and needy. They can support leaders who are peacemakers instead of warmongers. As salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), Christians must season society with righteousness, justice, and mercy.
Caution Against Putting Politics Above God
Though civic involvement is good, Christians must avoid putting politics above their devotion to God. The Bible warns against trusting in chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7)—that is, military might and political power.
Christians should examine policies in light of biblical values. But they must remember that only God can usher in His perfect, eternal kingdom. So while working for a better society, Christians look forward to Christ’s return and put their ultimate hope in Him.
Examples of Politics in the Bible
Moses as Political Leader of Israel
Moses was the first political leader of the nation of Israel. After leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, Moses helped establish Israel as an independent nation with its own laws and system of government.
As recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, Moses communicated God’s laws and instructions to the people, appointed leaders, settled disputes, and directed military campaigns. Moses delegated authority but remained the central governing figure and mediator between God and Israel.
His leadership provided a divine model for just and righteous politics.
Kings of Israel and Judah
After Moses, Israel was led by a succession of kings like Saul, David and Solomon. The histories of these kings are told in 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, and 1-2 Chronicles. Some rulers like David tried to obey God, while others like Ahab were corrupt and idolatrous.
The prophets often denounced immoral politics and called the nation’s leaders to righteousness. Eventually, the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians because of its wickedness, while the southern kingdom of Judah was later conquered by the Babylonians for its sins and failure to uphold godly standards.
Jesus Debates Jewish Authorities
During His earthly ministry, Jesus interacted and debated with various Jewish political and religious authorities, like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. In the Gospels, we read about their attempts to trap Jesus on issues like paying taxes, the source of His authority, and the validity of capital punishment (Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 20).
Jesus evaded their traps and exposed their hypocrisy, while also affirming the proper roles of government and spiritual authority. He taught innovative principles like giving to Caesar and God, respecting governing officials, and prioritizing love and justice above legalism.
His life modeled engaged political participation with moral courage.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible provides wisdom and principles for government, though it does not mandate Christians to adhere to a specific political system or party. Scripture calls Christians to be engaged citizens who care for justice, solidarity with the vulnerable, and living out gospel values within their societies and nations.
While partisan politics can divide, the Bible unites Christians around the higher calling of God’s kingdom. As Christians seek God’s wisdom, they can bring biblical values into political conversations and systems for the flourishing of all.
