5 Ethical Reasons Christians Should Engage in Politics:
Today, as ever, from Africa to Asia and from America to the Middle East, tyrants and dictators rule over the people.
As a people, of any sort, we have been afforded a unique opportunity – the opportunity of self-governance – in the democratic setting.
Democracy is a God-given opportunity for people to select their political leader rather than have one imposed on them. Therefore, people of God should be instrumental in influencing the selection.
However, we often overlook this responsibility and, or opportunity! The issue is that most of us don’t have the time to really think about what that responsibility looks like.
One of the ways to express citizenship as a Christian is by engaging in public affairs, especially in the electoral processes. Because it’s –

A Civic Duty
As politics is, rightly, caring for the people (though it’s been hijacked for otherwise), it’s a Christianly duty to care for God’s (our heavenly Father’s) property – the people and resources – honoring God. Christ says, “You’re the salt of the earth” Matthew 5: 13).
However, we all cannot vie for elective public positions; but all have to be committed to and influence good governance by acting locally at least.
For example, Christians have the moral right to engage in the political process to advocate for laws and policies that contribute to human flourishing.
Similarly, we all can still participate by voting right, being well informed about the various parties and candidates – not voting blindly just for the sake of it.
Voting for Value
Today, we enjoy a unique opportunity that the first-century believers did not enjoy – the freedom to choose leaders who will advance righteousness or unrighteousness.
For someone to say, “God’s in control no matter who gets elected” is an alibi statement which is intended to ease the guilt of irresponsibility.
It true that —
- God will be in control no matter what.
- God has ordained the outcome for every election.
But it’s also true that God has ordained the means to achieve that outcome – you and me exercising our responsibility to vote.
A response to the Love Command
Our Father is the God who cares passionately about His creation, especially the human world; and therefore, how it is run. He therefore commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Obeying means we should engage in politics because it (politics) affects our daily living.
The Bible is highly political; in that, it’s about how God wants people to relate to Him, and with each other. [This involves economics and law which are the tools to use in building justice. However, most often it’s injustice that dominates the world; and this grieves God.]
[You might want to read, Politics Found in the Bible.]
We can foster spiritually healthy communities. For nearly all problems can be effectively treated only at the local level; government corruption, inclusive.
Whatever the problem is, the answer is not a top-to-down solution.
Our communities and nation need intercession
Praying on behalf of the people or nation is a public activity. Throughout the Bible we see the prophets and apostles interceding for those in the seat of power; for God rules the nations (Daniel 4: 25c).
The Nation Needs Watchmen
It’s only the insiders who know the actual condition of any government; outsiders are open only to the window-dressing of matters.
In the ancient world, cities were fortified with large walls for protection, and designated men called watchmen would patrol the walls all day and night watching for signs of danger. When one saw a threat approaching, he would sound an alarm to muster the city for action.
Conclusion
It makes sense only that Christians should be at the forefront of selecting leaders who will govern according to God’s principles – formulate policies more likely to bring God’s favor to the nation.
Legislation is meant to be an imposition of morality. Laws against prostitution, for example, impose a sexual morality. Declaring anything legal or illegal is a statement of morality. Legislation is built upon morality, and morality is built upon religion.
Obviously, the business of human politics is about holding back as best as possible the sweeping tide of human evil. And government is a practical art of deciding between the lesser of many evils — with incomplete or inaccurate knowledge. In addition, the human rulers are as sinful as those they govern.
Certainly, as Christians we are needed more than ever to be the salt and the light in the darkness that surrounds our communities.
However, Christians should not be part of a political party whose values fall apart from their Christian values; but rather join a party whose values they can stand for openly.
One of the penalties for the good people refusing to engage in public politics is that they end up being governed by bad people.