The word “politics” has come to earn all the bad names simply because of corrupt politicians. But politics as a process is neither bad nor good. It is a necessary means of governing the society in a city. In fact, the word “politics” comes from the Greek word “polis” which means “city” and thus refers to the art of governing the city (Plato, The Republic).
And as far as the idea of government is concerned, it can be traced to the beginning of creation, when God said, “Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over …all the earth, and over the creatures that moves on the ground” (Gen. 1:26). As God is the Ruler over all, so is man created to be ruler over the creation and he is to govern it as God would do himself.
Genesis 9:5-6 speaks of God’s establishment of the first civil law in human society. The fact that this law was given at the beginning of the nations argues that it is a law for human governments everywhere. As for the nation Israel, God gave them many more civil laws in regard to fair trial, fair wages, commercial dealings, treatment of aliens, ownership of property, and so forth. And his laws for civil leaders were that they should be men of integrity who would be true servants of the people (Num. 12:7; Exo. 18:21; Neh. 7:2). Or negatively, those who are simply lovers of power, wealth, and women should not be appointed as civil leaders (Deut. 17:14-20). Furthermore, God also holds even pagan leaders of other nations accountable. He brought his messages to them through prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah, Jonah and Nahum. Similarly, John the Baptist too reminded Herod of his accountability to God for his actions.
The Book of Judges shows in gruesome details why civil government is badly needed among human beings. When there was no ruler, anarchy reigned as “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). This was why God instituted human government so that it would punish wrongdoers, protect the innocent and promote the common good (Rom. 13:1-7; John 19:11; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). Thus, any public leader who becomes an instrument for good is considered as doing God’s work. And such a person is called a “servant of God” (Isa. 44:28; Rom. 13:4,6).
So is the Bible relevant for politics in the world? Personally, I am convinced that God intended the Bible to give guidance to every area of life, including politics which affects almost every area of our daily lives.
Still there are those who would tell us that many of the issues we face in our society today are political issues with no spiritual connection whatsoever. They may appear that way on the surface, but not at the core. A closer examination would show that many so-called political issues are primarily spiritual issues. Here are a few examples:
1. Poverty—caring for the poor and vulnerable—is a spiritual issue. Jesus speaks for the hungry, the homeless, the strangers, prisoners, and the sick and promises he will challenge all his followers on the Day of Judgment with these words, “As you have done to the least of these, you have done to me’ (Matt. 25:35-40). The spiritual issue here is that Jesus often comes in the form of the poor and the oppressed. Thus, those who serve them are serving Jesus himself.
2. The environment—caring God’s earth—is a religious issue (Gen. 2:15; Ps. 24:1). In other words, stewardship of the earth is clearly a question of Christian responsibility. The spiritual thing here is not in thinking about heaven, but in caring for the earth.
3. War, genocide, and killing are serious spiritual issues. All killings arising from selfish ambition or vengeful spirit are just plain murders, although some may offer political ends to justify their actions. For Christians, saving lives—both physically and spiritually—is a spiritual duty. We are called to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).
4. HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, homosexuality, and abortion are spiritual issues. They violate the sanctity of life and distort the natural order.
5. Corruption and dishonest dealings are spiritual issues. But obviously politicians may justify their wrongdoings as simply taking their “cuts and commissions” or merely receiving gifts from grateful people. And Media critics call these “putting self-interest above public welfare.” But do you know what God calls these? “SIN.” And he hates it (Micah 7:3; Isa. 5:8; Amos 5:11).
6. Freedom, equality, and social welfare are spiritual issues. The Scriptures speak of periodically canceling the debts of the poor, setting the slaves free, and redistributing the land for equity (Lev. 25:8-55; Luke 4:18-19).
7. Human rights, workers rights, and social justice are spiritual issues. The powerful may not exploit, neglect or oppress the weak (Mic. 6:8; Isa. 10:1-2; Jer. 5:28).
So what must Christians do? They must learn how to connect spiritual issues to politics. They must learn how to put their faith into action in a world in desperate need of both justice and hope. Faith must accompany social concerns. To change the world is the vocation of faith. This is good theology—faith translated into actions: helping the poor, correcting injustices committed against the weak, teaching children, stopping violence, providing for families, caring for the aged or even environment. And these are all parts of what politics should be about according to the Bible.
--- Mazie Nakhro
And as far as the idea of government is concerned, it can be traced to the beginning of creation, when God said, “Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over …all the earth, and over the creatures that moves on the ground” (Gen. 1:26). As God is the Ruler over all, so is man created to be ruler over the creation and he is to govern it as God would do himself.
Genesis 9:5-6 speaks of God’s establishment of the first civil law in human society. The fact that this law was given at the beginning of the nations argues that it is a law for human governments everywhere. As for the nation Israel, God gave them many more civil laws in regard to fair trial, fair wages, commercial dealings, treatment of aliens, ownership of property, and so forth. And his laws for civil leaders were that they should be men of integrity who would be true servants of the people (Num. 12:7; Exo. 18:21; Neh. 7:2). Or negatively, those who are simply lovers of power, wealth, and women should not be appointed as civil leaders (Deut. 17:14-20). Furthermore, God also holds even pagan leaders of other nations accountable. He brought his messages to them through prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah, Jonah and Nahum. Similarly, John the Baptist too reminded Herod of his accountability to God for his actions.
The Book of Judges shows in gruesome details why civil government is badly needed among human beings. When there was no ruler, anarchy reigned as “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). This was why God instituted human government so that it would punish wrongdoers, protect the innocent and promote the common good (Rom. 13:1-7; John 19:11; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). Thus, any public leader who becomes an instrument for good is considered as doing God’s work. And such a person is called a “servant of God” (Isa. 44:28; Rom. 13:4,6).
So is the Bible relevant for politics in the world? Personally, I am convinced that God intended the Bible to give guidance to every area of life, including politics which affects almost every area of our daily lives.
Still there are those who would tell us that many of the issues we face in our society today are political issues with no spiritual connection whatsoever. They may appear that way on the surface, but not at the core. A closer examination would show that many so-called political issues are primarily spiritual issues. Here are a few examples:
1. Poverty—caring for the poor and vulnerable—is a spiritual issue. Jesus speaks for the hungry, the homeless, the strangers, prisoners, and the sick and promises he will challenge all his followers on the Day of Judgment with these words, “As you have done to the least of these, you have done to me’ (Matt. 25:35-40). The spiritual issue here is that Jesus often comes in the form of the poor and the oppressed. Thus, those who serve them are serving Jesus himself.
2. The environment—caring God’s earth—is a religious issue (Gen. 2:15; Ps. 24:1). In other words, stewardship of the earth is clearly a question of Christian responsibility. The spiritual thing here is not in thinking about heaven, but in caring for the earth.
3. War, genocide, and killing are serious spiritual issues. All killings arising from selfish ambition or vengeful spirit are just plain murders, although some may offer political ends to justify their actions. For Christians, saving lives—both physically and spiritually—is a spiritual duty. We are called to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).
4. HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, homosexuality, and abortion are spiritual issues. They violate the sanctity of life and distort the natural order.
5. Corruption and dishonest dealings are spiritual issues. But obviously politicians may justify their wrongdoings as simply taking their “cuts and commissions” or merely receiving gifts from grateful people. And Media critics call these “putting self-interest above public welfare.” But do you know what God calls these? “SIN.” And he hates it (Micah 7:3; Isa. 5:8; Amos 5:11).
6. Freedom, equality, and social welfare are spiritual issues. The Scriptures speak of periodically canceling the debts of the poor, setting the slaves free, and redistributing the land for equity (Lev. 25:8-55; Luke 4:18-19).
7. Human rights, workers rights, and social justice are spiritual issues. The powerful may not exploit, neglect or oppress the weak (Mic. 6:8; Isa. 10:1-2; Jer. 5:28).
So what must Christians do? They must learn how to connect spiritual issues to politics. They must learn how to put their faith into action in a world in desperate need of both justice and hope. Faith must accompany social concerns. To change the world is the vocation of faith. This is good theology—faith translated into actions: helping the poor, correcting injustices committed against the weak, teaching children, stopping violence, providing for families, caring for the aged or even environment. And these are all parts of what politics should be about according to the Bible.
--- Mazie Nakhro
