College Students' Thoughts on Faith and Politics

Last night in our Apologetics class, we talked about whether Jesus rode a donkey or an elephant. Put differently, we discussed the compatibility and incompatibility of faith and politics. For instance, political involvement can often polarize congregations and damage our individual leverage to witness; however, topics were discussed such as giving to the poor, pacifism, war, peace, homosexuality, abortion, marriage, and other polarizing topics in a non-polarizing and biblically sound atmosphere. Political structures such as Jeffersonian Democracy, Theocracy, Socialism etc. were also discussed in order to see which most aligns with scripture. After looking at the preponderance of scripture for each topic and structure, our conclusions were interestingly subjective.

We concluded the take away was VERY simple. Our paradigm for political involvement should be to “Love God and Neighbor”. If we are serious about loving God and our neighbor, then it makes sense to get involved in the institutions that have great impact in the lives of people, especially those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. In today’s world there are numerous opportunities to make a difference and we, as Christians, are to take ownership of responsibilities to make that difference. Democracy confers responsibility, and responsibility obligation; These responsibilities are bi-partisan and include working hard, paying taxes, and supporting a Biblical worldview.

Our students concluded that it is important to resist the temptation to co-op God into a particular political agenda because God transcends time and space and connot be limited to a political ideology. I commend such wisdom and discernment by our college students. Such a statement tells me they have a biblical ideology before a political ideology. Oftentimes, despite such caution, it is important to avoid the enlightenment trap of COMPLETE separation of God and the world.

We concluded 4 ways to make a difference in Politics

1. Pray, Pray, Pray just as William Wilberforce was committed to pray for social change.
2. Get informed because knowledge is power which helps you know how to pray.
3. Vote because decisions are made by those who show up.
4. Discuss political ideologies from a Biblical worldview.