What is the role of the Christian in politics?

Can a disciple of Christ or the church herself be involved in politics?

Some Christians think that the church has no political role to play, and the individual Christian, at most, a minuscule part. This view stems from the concept that Christ's kingdom is not of this world.

Other Christians insist that both individuals and the church have great socio-political responsibilities to improve living conditions.

Some Christians go further and claim that Christianity's main task is to work toward creating a Christian political order that will result in establishing the kingdom of God on earth.

Let us look at the example of Jesus Christ.

Jesus never referred to the type of political society to which His disciples should aspire.

He did not claim to be a socio-political reformer or crusader.

He did not enunciate any political platform. The temptations in the wilderness clearly opened up a political dimension and He resisted them.

Even though He had more than one opportunity to take over society's rule by a sort of coup d'état (e.g., the feeding of the multitude and the triumphant entry into Jerusalem), He did not choose that option.

At the same time, the teachings of Jesus are bound to have significant socio-political fallout when lived by the Christian community.

He offered good news for the poor, liberty for the oppressed, and "life in all its fullness" (John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Therefore, contemporary Christians, following the example of believers throughout the centuries, must acknowledge a social responsibility resting on their shoulders.

Christian socio-political responsibility is based on two biblical foundations.

First, the doctrine of Creation.
God created the universe and established us as the ruling stewards of this world. Stewardship entails both responsibility and accountability for the domain over which one has jurisdiction.

Second, the doctrine of humanity.
Human beings are created in the image of God. The Christian view is that men and women are not an accidental speck on the sea of life, but persons with a responsible role to play and a radiant future. This human potential gives purpose, direction, and optimism to Christians serving others in a communal setting.

Thus Commitment to Jesus Christ means commitment to all God's creation especially to mankind and commitment brings responsibility for the welfare of others.

 Paul Weresch

God Gives Richly

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of watching the stars on the Adriatic coast in Croatia. While watching the magnificent sky above late one night I was thinking of how wonderful this world really is.

What makes me sad is that we have not always appreciated the magnificence and beauty of all of creation around us. As believers we are convinced that everything material and immaterial has its ultimate origin in God and therefore demands our highest respect.

So what is the Christian's attitude towards the works of God to be? We have in the Old Testament and especially in the Psalms, a model for an appropriate attitude towards God's creation. There we see, again and again, expression of wonder, awe, and celebration.

The elemental power of the storms reminds the believer of the far greater power of God. The vastness and beauty of the wilderness, the majesty of towering mountains, and the surging seas turn the eyes of faith to the Lord.

Listen to the words of the psalmist in Psalm 104:24-25 “O Lord, how magnificent are your works! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your possessions - This great and wide sea, in which innumerable teeming things, living things both great and small.”

The sense of wonder generated by the creation helped to form a healthy attitude towards life in this world in the minds of believers. That attitude can be characterized as one of joy and celebration. The psalmist continues to speak to us in Psalm 111:2 “The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in then.”

While at times Christians have adopted a gloomy attitude of life in the world, recognition of God's good hand in shaping our world as a home for mankind has more often opened the way to a positive and joyful view of our present life.

Our days on earth must have significance since God has so carefully designed the stage on which we each play our part. The New Testament confirms this by stating that “GOD GIVES US RICHLY ALL THINGS TO ENJOY…” (1 Timothy 6:17).

My friend, God exists and his attitude toward us is goodness and love. Therefore, let us seek to enter into a loving relationship with God in order that we may be able to enjoy life to its fullest while rejoicing in his works and celebrating the life we have here and now.

Paul Weresch