Perspective: Pastors and Political Involvement

With the 2021 presidential election less than two months away, opinions are heating up. Political topics can often be explosive or lead to arguments rather than discussions. The result is that many of us ignore or refuse to discuss our perspective. In an effort to find an answer to how Christians should behave, I began to think: should pastors share political views? I brought this question to the Bible Department. Below is their response.

Initial Thoughts: 

“As a response to this question and in light of the upcoming presidential election,” explained Upper School’s Bible Department, “ we felt it was best to provide a biblical perspective on the political involvement of Christians in general.”

“One definition of politics,” they go on to explain, “declares politics to be the activities​ associated with the governance of a country. Often, these activities are shaped around moral issues. For example, should our borders be closed or open to those seeking refuge in our country? Should more affluent families be taxed at a different rate than families on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum?”

These questions can often be complex, and their nuance adds extra layers of investigation that require working through. However you answer these questions, those answers will undoubtedly lead to additional questions. This cycle can seem unending. Add to this equation the personality and character of the politicians elected to make decisions on the issues derived from those questions and the process of trying to make sense of it all can be downright exhausting.

 Thankfully we have God’s Word to turn to for direction.”

So, should pastors share political views? 

“Well, pastors, and all Christians for that matter, have been commanded to teach moral precepts and obey them (Matthew 28:20, Romans 6:27). Since politics often address moral issues, then Christians have a responsibility to influence those discussions towards the moral truths found in Scripture. While there may be some disagreement amongst Christians in the application of these truths, biblical truths are explicit in Scripture. Below are examples of some of those truths in relation to politics:

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  Christians should seek to honor and preserve human life and dignity (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22; James 3:9-10; Ephesians 4:31)
  
  ●  Christians should seek to uphold and honor marriage and the role of the family (Exodus 20:12, 14; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 6:1-4)
  
  ●  Christians should seek to respect people’s property and goods while encouraging hard work and industry (Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23-24)
  
  ●  Christians should seek to avoid lies, slander, and deception (Exodus 20:16; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:25).
  
  The above list is not all-inclusive of every moral tenet Christians should seek to uphold, but it does provide us with an idea of how the Bible can inform our thinking toward certain political issues and the politicians that represent these views. We should also keep in mind that while moral principles may be clear in Scripture, whom to elect and what policies to enact are often matters of wisdom and good judgment. Let’s be persistent in asking for wisdom to assist our discernment (James 1:5).
  

These recommendations are a lot to consider, and they require diligence. We should avoid lazily forming our own opinions around political issues, especially when those opinions are too often shaped by the wisdom of the world rather than the truth of God.”

Northlake Christian School 

Bible Department