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I have often heard people say that religion and politics shouldn’t be mixed together. Why shouldn’t they? Why is it fine to mix secular humanism and atheism with politics, both forms of religion, but for some reason we make Christianity taboo? I am not advocating a state run religion or even a state funded religion. Those will never do. I am advocating that we, as Christians, take the chance we have to serve God with our government.
Being citizens of the United States of America puts us in a unique position historically. When Paul wrote to Christians that they should submit to governing authorities, those authorities were not elected by the general public. No one voted Caligula or Nero into office. We, the people of the United States, are given the privilege to take part in the electoral process of our nation – a nation of the people, by the people and for the people.
If it is a nation of the people, then the government exists at the will of the people and those governing do so through a social contract with the governed. If it is a nation by the people, then there is no ruling aristocracy and those presiding are chosen from among the general population of the country. If it is for the people, then the foundational purpose of the government is to serve the best interest of those who are governed. I ask, if all of these things are true, how is it possible to separate the religious views of the people from the government?
It is impossible. It should not be attempted. The people of our nation should vote according to their conscience, according to their worldview, and then the government will be constructed in such a way that it is of the people. If we are not allowed to vote based on our beliefs, then how can the government be for the people?
We have a responsibility to serve God with our government. When we vote, we must make the choice that we believe will best serve God. Which candidate will best allow me to live peaceably with others? Which candidate will preserve my freedom to worship God? Which candidate will support laws that most closely align with God’s word? If one votes at all, this is how we should make our decision. Then, when all the votes are counted, we must quietly submit to the ruling authorities (whoever they are) who are God’s ministers for good.
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