Faith and Politics: A Historical and Biblical Perspective

In this focus on the development of the Church-State ideologies that have affected America since its birth as a nation, the hope is to provide a more solidified understanding of how a Christian should balance their role in society within the political and ideological world we live in. America is in some ways (perhaps many) a reaction against the things that have gone on in Europe over the last millennia. For our purposes, here are two of those main things: (1) kings, queens, and dictators have been replaced by the Constitution and popular opinion. The American founders wanted neither a tyrannical dictator, nor a tyranny of the majority, hence the political structure of our country as a federal republic. You will notice there is a deliberate attempt to separate religion from politics (i.e. the state) in America due to the long history of religious wars in Europe.

Historical Context of the American Church-State Relationship

Arguing that no ‘separation’ of any kind was envisioned by the Founding Fathers for the Church-State relationship in America has no historical support. For example, in the English church, every resident of a given community was automatically a member of the parish in that community. Because it was an extension of the government, the English church was as subject to political abuse and favoritism as any other governmental agency. As you can see, it was imperative that some kind of ‘separation’ of Church and State be established in order to avoid repeating the past situation in England.

Granted, the language of the Constitution aimed to keep the state out of the church, more than the other way around. However, American Christians would do well to remember that the Constitution is not Scripture. We do not have the Constitution in common with our spiritual ancestors, but rather the Bible in a changing world. So where are we getting our opinions from? How much of our political convictions are culturally conditioned rather than scripturally based?

A Biblical Perspective on Citizenship

Dual Citizenship

As Christians we live in this tension of two worlds. We are in this world with its conflicts, problems, economies, power structures, and governments. Yet as born-again believers we are part of another world which currently to us (here on earth) is for the most part unseen. As it is written in Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." With Dual citizenship our first and deepest allegiance must be to Jesus and His Kingdom. We can not let political power, or even patriotism become idolatrous.

Be Salt and Light Beyond the Election Season

After the votes are counted and the winners are declared, our responsibility to love our neighbors (regardless of party affiliation or citizenship status) remains, our call to stand for biblical truth remains, and we are still accountable for justice and acts of mercy. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:13-16: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

A Renewed Commitment to Prayer

Regardless of the decay of the culture, the darkness of our day, the circumstances of this world, or the results of elections, God is not limited nor hindered in His ability to work! Prayer still works! Prayer still changes people, situations, and prayer changes us. As Daniel 2:21 states: "And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding."

We should focus on these specific prayer themes as we navigate the political temperature of our time:

  • Pray for election integrity – Proverbs 11:1: A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.
  • Pray for God’s will to be done – Matthew 6:10: Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
  • Pray for the people in power – Psalms 72:1: Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king's Son.
  • Pray for transformation of hearts, leaders, systems, and governments – Habakkuk 3:2: In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. In your wrath, remember mercy.