Is there a correct political persuasion for Christians?
Before I delve into this question, let it be said, no matter who is in office, whether or not we voted for them, the Bible commands us to give them respect and honor (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). We should also be praying for those placed in authority over us (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:2). The utter hatred expressed towards President Trump by many liberals, and towards President Obama by many conservatives, is ungodly and unbiblical. We can vehemently disagree with our political leaders, and we can strongly oppose their policies, but that does not negate the biblical commands to submit to and honor them.
Politics is always going to be a difficult issue for Christians. We are in this world but are not to be of this world (1 John 2:15). We can be involved in politics, but we should not be obsessed with politics. Ultimately, we are to be heavenly-minded, more concerned with the things of God than the things of this world (Colossians 3:1-2). As believers in Jesus Christ, we are all members of the same political party—monarchists who are waiting for their King to return (Revelation 19:11-16). That is the most important thing to remember. Politics is not the solution. Jesus is the solution. No politician, no government is ever going to solve all of the problems in this world. Only Jesus Christ can accomplish that, and one day, He will (Revelation 21—22).
Aside from abortion, I see a great deal of freedom regarding a Christian's political views. Biblically speaking, abortion is the murder of a human being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6; Exodus 21:22-25; Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5). That a Christian should be pro-life would seem, to me, abundantly biblically clear. With most other political issues, however, there are not explicitly biblical commands or principles.
Take universal healthcare for example. Should a government force everyone to pay into a system so that healthcare is available for everyone? This sounds like a noble idea. Surely everyone having access to healthcare is a good thing. But, is a government forcing everyone to pay the right method? Take social programs for example (social security, welfare). Yes, we are to care for the poor, orphans, and the elderly (James 1:27). But, biblically speaking, is this the responsibility of the government, or of the body of Christ? Should the government, through taxation, force people to help the poor? Or, should people have the freedom to help the poor, or not help the poor, based on their own convictions and abilities?
Conservatives prefer smaller government, less taxation, less regulation, and more freedom. Liberals/progressives are willing to sacrifice some freedom in order to accomplish what they believe to be the greater good. Conservatives are wary of government, recognizing that as governments grow they begin to oppress people. Liberals/progressives believe government coercion is the only way to get people to help the less fortunate. Conservatives believe a limited government is the key to a free and prosperous society. Liberals/progressives believe that some freedom and prosperity should be sacrificed in favor of providing a safety net for the poor.
Let me make this abundantly clear. While I have a general distaste for politicians no matter the party they belong to, I am unashamedly politically conservative. I have a severe distrust of government. I believe it is the most inefficient and ineffective way to accomplish most things. While I strongly disagree with liberals/progressives on most political issues, and while I believe liberals/progressives are terribly misguided and naive about what big government will eventually result in, I strive to not question their motives. At the same time, while I find myself in agreement with conservative politicians on most issues, I do not believe electing Republicans is the answer to everything. For me, very sadly, the main difference between Republicans and Democrats is how quickly they want to drive the car towards the cliff.
Simply put, I do not believe the government is the solution for everything. I think conservative politics is a better choice than liberal/progressive politics, but I do not place any faith, trust, or hope in politicians to fix what is wrong with the world. "Come Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
S. Michael Houdmann
GotQuestions.blog homepage
Is there a correct political persuasion for Christians?