Not an academic question
This is not an academic question for some readers. Should we as Christians unreservedly support the government of the day; or should we demonstrate against their wrong doings? Should we start taking stronger action, like withholding our taxes, or even actively conspiring to overthrow our rulers?
How political should a Christian be?
Jesus’ Politics
Probably the best way to answer this question is to see how Jesus approached politics. Thankfully there is a lot of material. For Jesus lived in a veritable political zoo.
On one side we have the bloodthirsty hyenas, the Herod clan, thrashing murderously around. Then there are those slimy snakes, Caiaphas, Ananias and the Sadducees, cunningly collaborating with the rich and powerful, hissing at all who threatened them. On the other side are the wolves of Jewish nationalism, the Zealots, ready to kill for ‘regime change’. Longing for change, but unwilling to use violence are the peacocks of Jerusalem’s streets, the Pharisees, thrusting their self righteous religious feathers into everyone’s face and cluck clucking in disapproval at all who disagreed with their narrow rules. The desert toads of the scene were the Qumran group, living separately in the wilderness, refusing to dirty themselves with ordinary animals. And the zoo keepers, loathed by all, were of course the Romans, led by the chameleon Pilate who was always changing his colour to suit the background, but eventually having to reveal his black heart when faced with Christ.
Jesus’ ministry had a phenomenal impact in this political jungle. He did not shy away from confronting these warring parties, actively protesting in the temple , and castigating the religious rulers, calling them ‘white washed tombs’ and telling parables implying they would end up in hell . And he was blunt with the violent nationalists: ‘He, who lives by the sword, will die by the sword’. He was passionate about preaching the Kingdom of God, and worked tirelessly to bring his message to the people who in their thousands adored him and wanted him to be their king. It was this overwhelming support from the people that sealed Christ’s fate and guaranteed he would die a political death. For the scheming Caiaphas Jesus either had to die, or there was the risk that he would lead a rebellion against the Romans who would then come and savagely punish all Jews.
Jesus’ life and death then was political, impacting the rulers of Palestine as he meant it to - but for some he was frustratingly apolitical. Most of his Jewish contemporaries raged against the Romans, but he not only accepted their rule in line with the general teaching of Scripture ,, but in response to the question as to whether Jews should pay them taxes famously replied, ‘Render to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar…’ In other words, yes. He never joined any of the Jewish political parties: so was neither collaborator, nor zealot; Pharisee or Sadducee. He was completely his own man, political on his own terms. And He was never swayed by the emotions of a multitude; indeed He deeply distrusted crowds, (see John 2:24) and when thousands wanted to make him king disappeared up a mountain (see John 6). So Jesus neither listened to political parties nor the slogans of a mob: He only listened to His Father. And His Father had a much greater plan for His Son than just getting involved in the politics of a small third rate country. He was to save the entire world through his life, death, and resurrection and start a church that would impact billions.
Jesus’ politics and Iranian Christians
What does Jesus’ example mean for Iranian Christians as their country faces a political situation as tense as the one Jesus faced? If it is possible to sum up Jesus and politics in one sentence, here it is: Jesus was political, but not in the way his contemporaries wanted him to be. So too we his followers are political because we believe in the Kingdom of God and like Jesus are ready to take its message to the crowds, whatever the cost. That by itself in a country like Iran which believes in another religious system which rejects Christ is political. And like Jesus we are political because we should be ready to speak out, as He was, against those who disregard the standards of the Kingdom of God. So for example, and there are many, as Jesus spoke out against the exploitive rich (Luke 16: 19-31), hypocrisy (Matthew 23), lust (Matthew 5:28) and divorce (Mark 10:11, 12), so should we as Christians, like church leaders through the ages, and that is political.
For a Christian then to say he or she is not political is a deceit, somehow implying that the believer can live in a desert communing with God untouched by the harsh winds of sin howling in the skies. Like Jesus, a Christian is in communion with the Father which means that the Christian is about the Father’s business – preaching the Gospel, serving the poor, opposing sin, dying for righteousness. This impacts society, and what impacts society is political.
And yet at the same time, like Jesus, we should not necessarily be political in a way our contemporaries might want us to be. So though ready to challenge the morality of our rulers, we are not ready to support direct or violent action that would cripple the normal workings of the state and so endanger lives. For we have already seen that Jesus vetoed this – indeed he even made sure the tax due to the temple system was paid, even though he disliked it, and loathed the way the temple was misused. For a non-Christian it would seem logical that if you are willing to demonstrate on the street against your government, then you should also be ready to withhold to fight to disrupt the state. But there is no evidence in Scripture that this was Christ’s way, indeed the whole tenor of the Bible is opposed to rebellion .
And like Jesus, Christians should also be very wary of political parties and the emotions of the mob. This is especially pertinent for Iranians who were largely used as crowd fodder thirty years ago by cunning politicians. Of course this caution does not exclude campaigning on issues supported by Christ’s teaching or common morality. So for example in the wake of the recent revelations of rape in Iran’s prisons, Christians should be at the forefront demanding government action. The crucial point though is just as Jesus had his focus on his priestly work and the founding of the church that too should be the Christian’s main vision. Christ has not called his followers primarily to get involved in a political party which nearly always have their own manipulative non Christian agenda: Christians are to give themselves utterly to the church.
Making the church strong, greatest service to country
In response to this call there is a temptation for Christians to think that if they do not throw themselves into politics in the way their contemporaries think they should, they are somehow letting their country down. This is wrong for three reasons. First of all Christians, like Jesus, are not concerned with what their contemporaries think: their concern is with the Father. Secondly, there is no guarantee that what one’s contemporaries expect will actually result in a good outcome . And thirdly, and most importantly it is crucial that Christians understand the greatest service they can offer their country and the world is be faithful members of the church. For it is Christ’s church, much more than political parties, that has brought true blessing to billions of ordinary people. Despite brutal opposition from the Roman Empire, barbarians in Europe, savages in America and Africa, and in our own generation the murderous intent of atheistic communism, the church has kept on growing, from 120 people in one country, to over two billion in every country. It is by far the oldest and largest organisation in the world and for the last two thousand years, as well as preaching the Gospel, the church has fed the hungry, cared for the sick, visited prisoners, brought up orphans, and campaigned against all evils that ruin human life such as slavery, prostitution, gambling, drugs and alcohol. The achievements of the finest governments, and there aren’t that many, are dwarfed by those of Christ’s church. She not only serves people, but when the church is strong she massively impacts governments for good, without necessarily being involved with the details of day to day governance. Just in our generation think of the impact the church had on the undermining of communism in the Soviet Union, or its firm opposition to apartheid in South Africa (see article on Desmond Tutu). And when you consider which countries people want to leave because their governments are grim – and which countries they want to settle in one thing is obvious. Most refugees are coming from countries where the church is very weak and has had no historical impact on the values of that society. While the countries where refugees want to go to are those, like America and Australia, and much of Europe, where the church has had a crucial role in forming moral values . This simple observation would suggest that in these countries where governance is deemed to be better, there is a historical connection to the church. There is a simple rule here: commit yourself to having a stronger church, and you will have a better country. The way to love your country is to love your church.
Be as political as Jesus
So how political should a Christian be? And the answer is, as political as Jesus. He was passionate about teaching people about the Kingdom of God and passionate against sin wherever He saw it; but, despite the calls from his contemporaries, he refused to give himself to the local political infighting of his day. Rather than listening to the crowd, he listened to the Father, who sent him to a cross, raised him from the dead, and gave Him a church through whom He still carries on His work not just for one country, but for the whole world.
This is not an academic question for some readers. Should we as Christians unreservedly support the government of the day; or should we demonstrate against their wrong doings? Should we start taking stronger action, like withholding our taxes, or even actively conspiring to overthrow our rulers?
How political should a Christian be?
Jesus’ Politics
Probably the best way to answer this question is to see how Jesus approached politics. Thankfully there is a lot of material. For Jesus lived in a veritable political zoo.
On one side we have the bloodthirsty hyenas, the Herod clan, thrashing murderously around. Then there are those slimy snakes, Caiaphas, Ananias and the Sadducees, cunningly collaborating with the rich and powerful, hissing at all who threatened them. On the other side are the wolves of Jewish nationalism, the Zealots, ready to kill for ‘regime change’. Longing for change, but unwilling to use violence are the peacocks of Jerusalem’s streets, the Pharisees, thrusting their self righteous religious feathers into everyone’s face and cluck clucking in disapproval at all who disagreed with their narrow rules. The desert toads of the scene were the Qumran group, living separately in the wilderness, refusing to dirty themselves with ordinary animals. And the zoo keepers, loathed by all, were of course the Romans, led by the chameleon Pilate who was always changing his colour to suit the background, but eventually having to reveal his black heart when faced with Christ.
Jesus’ ministry had a phenomenal impact in this political jungle. He did not shy away from confronting these warring parties, actively protesting in the temple , and castigating the religious rulers, calling them ‘white washed tombs’ and telling parables implying they would end up in hell . And he was blunt with the violent nationalists: ‘He, who lives by the sword, will die by the sword’. He was passionate about preaching the Kingdom of God, and worked tirelessly to bring his message to the people who in their thousands adored him and wanted him to be their king. It was this overwhelming support from the people that sealed Christ’s fate and guaranteed he would die a political death. For the scheming Caiaphas Jesus either had to die, or there was the risk that he would lead a rebellion against the Romans who would then come and savagely punish all Jews.
Jesus’ life and death then was political, impacting the rulers of Palestine as he meant it to - but for some he was frustratingly apolitical. Most of his Jewish contemporaries raged against the Romans, but he not only accepted their rule in line with the general teaching of Scripture ,, but in response to the question as to whether Jews should pay them taxes famously replied, ‘Render to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar…’ In other words, yes. He never joined any of the Jewish political parties: so was neither collaborator, nor zealot; Pharisee or Sadducee. He was completely his own man, political on his own terms. And He was never swayed by the emotions of a multitude; indeed He deeply distrusted crowds, (see John 2:24) and when thousands wanted to make him king disappeared up a mountain (see John 6). So Jesus neither listened to political parties nor the slogans of a mob: He only listened to His Father. And His Father had a much greater plan for His Son than just getting involved in the politics of a small third rate country. He was to save the entire world through his life, death, and resurrection and start a church that would impact billions.
Jesus’ politics and Iranian Christians
What does Jesus’ example mean for Iranian Christians as their country faces a political situation as tense as the one Jesus faced? If it is possible to sum up Jesus and politics in one sentence, here it is: Jesus was political, but not in the way his contemporaries wanted him to be. So too we his followers are political because we believe in the Kingdom of God and like Jesus are ready to take its message to the crowds, whatever the cost. That by itself in a country like Iran which believes in another religious system which rejects Christ is political. And like Jesus we are political because we should be ready to speak out, as He was, against those who disregard the standards of the Kingdom of God. So for example, and there are many, as Jesus spoke out against the exploitive rich (Luke 16: 19-31), hypocrisy (Matthew 23), lust (Matthew 5:28) and divorce (Mark 10:11, 12), so should we as Christians, like church leaders through the ages, and that is political.
For a Christian then to say he or she is not political is a deceit, somehow implying that the believer can live in a desert communing with God untouched by the harsh winds of sin howling in the skies. Like Jesus, a Christian is in communion with the Father which means that the Christian is about the Father’s business – preaching the Gospel, serving the poor, opposing sin, dying for righteousness. This impacts society, and what impacts society is political.
And yet at the same time, like Jesus, we should not necessarily be political in a way our contemporaries might want us to be. So though ready to challenge the morality of our rulers, we are not ready to support direct or violent action that would cripple the normal workings of the state and so endanger lives. For we have already seen that Jesus vetoed this – indeed he even made sure the tax due to the temple system was paid, even though he disliked it, and loathed the way the temple was misused. For a non-Christian it would seem logical that if you are willing to demonstrate on the street against your government, then you should also be ready to withhold to fight to disrupt the state. But there is no evidence in Scripture that this was Christ’s way, indeed the whole tenor of the Bible is opposed to rebellion .
And like Jesus, Christians should also be very wary of political parties and the emotions of the mob. This is especially pertinent for Iranians who were largely used as crowd fodder thirty years ago by cunning politicians. Of course this caution does not exclude campaigning on issues supported by Christ’s teaching or common morality. So for example in the wake of the recent revelations of rape in Iran’s prisons, Christians should be at the forefront demanding government action. The crucial point though is just as Jesus had his focus on his priestly work and the founding of the church that too should be the Christian’s main vision. Christ has not called his followers primarily to get involved in a political party which nearly always have their own manipulative non Christian agenda: Christians are to give themselves utterly to the church.
Making the church strong, greatest service to country
In response to this call there is a temptation for Christians to think that if they do not throw themselves into politics in the way their contemporaries think they should, they are somehow letting their country down. This is wrong for three reasons. First of all Christians, like Jesus, are not concerned with what their contemporaries think: their concern is with the Father. Secondly, there is no guarantee that what one’s contemporaries expect will actually result in a good outcome . And thirdly, and most importantly it is crucial that Christians understand the greatest service they can offer their country and the world is be faithful members of the church. For it is Christ’s church, much more than political parties, that has brought true blessing to billions of ordinary people. Despite brutal opposition from the Roman Empire, barbarians in Europe, savages in America and Africa, and in our own generation the murderous intent of atheistic communism, the church has kept on growing, from 120 people in one country, to over two billion in every country. It is by far the oldest and largest organisation in the world and for the last two thousand years, as well as preaching the Gospel, the church has fed the hungry, cared for the sick, visited prisoners, brought up orphans, and campaigned against all evils that ruin human life such as slavery, prostitution, gambling, drugs and alcohol. The achievements of the finest governments, and there aren’t that many, are dwarfed by those of Christ’s church. She not only serves people, but when the church is strong she massively impacts governments for good, without necessarily being involved with the details of day to day governance. Just in our generation think of the impact the church had on the undermining of communism in the Soviet Union, or its firm opposition to apartheid in South Africa (see article on Desmond Tutu). And when you consider which countries people want to leave because their governments are grim – and which countries they want to settle in one thing is obvious. Most refugees are coming from countries where the church is very weak and has had no historical impact on the values of that society. While the countries where refugees want to go to are those, like America and Australia, and much of Europe, where the church has had a crucial role in forming moral values . This simple observation would suggest that in these countries where governance is deemed to be better, there is a historical connection to the church. There is a simple rule here: commit yourself to having a stronger church, and you will have a better country. The way to love your country is to love your church.
Be as political as Jesus
So how political should a Christian be? And the answer is, as political as Jesus. He was passionate about teaching people about the Kingdom of God and passionate against sin wherever He saw it; but, despite the calls from his contemporaries, he refused to give himself to the local political infighting of his day. Rather than listening to the crowd, he listened to the Father, who sent him to a cross, raised him from the dead, and gave Him a church through whom He still carries on His work not just for one country, but for the whole world.
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