Are politics wrong for the Christian?

[Made In USA]

I  posted this same thread in US politics but i would like the opinion of non political Christians as well so i posted it here too. I'm torn between the Gospel and politics. Part of me wants to engage in politics but another part of me thinks its wrong. Consider the scripture below, especially the  underlined part. Do the affairs of this life include politics? I would think so. Do politics end up in worldly and empty chatter? Does politics dispute with words that leads to the ruin of its listeners? Paul in other scriptures encourages us to be of one mind and one voice, and to have no divisions among us but politics divides us. This to me is just more evidence that politics are wrong for Christians. 

 

2 Timothy 2:2 You therefore, my [a]son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not [c]crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything

14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who [g]does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [h]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like [j]gangrene.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [a]agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be [c]made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

[missmuffet]

Political entities are not the savior of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-politics.html

 

Edited September 27, 2021 by missmuffet

[other one]

If Christians don't participate in Politics that leaves nothing but the dark side running things.

Of course we should be involved in politics....   but do so in a Christian way.

[Made In USA]

25 minutes ago, missmuffet said:

Political entities are not the savior of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-politics.html

 

Some people think socialism and or social programs are God's way. But i cant agree with that. Paul said let everyone give what's in their heart, not to give what the government demands. Could you imagine the Church forcing tithes from its members? Give unto God that which is His and to Caesar what belongs to him. When we serve political systems we are not giving to God what is his. Socialism also seems to lead to covetousness. People covet others wealth and teach people to do the same. Tax the rich they say.

And last but not least we are not supposed to teach people to look toward the government for help like with social programs but we are supposed to teach people to seek the Kingdom and God will supply our needs. Socialism isnt Godly for these reasons, not to mention they lead to division and strife like all politics do. This doesn't mean I'm against social programs, just that I'm for the Kingdom. Give unto Caesar. I think we should let the world govern itself and let the Church govern itself with kingdom principles. Like Paul said "For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God [l]judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves."

Edited September 27, 2021 by Made In USA

[missmuffet]

4 minutes ago, other one said:

If Christians don't participate in Politics that leaves nothing but the dark side running things.

Of course we should be involved in politics....   but do so in a Christian way.

I hate to tell you this but our world is pretty darn dark as it is today. 

[other one]

1 minute ago, missmuffet said:

I hate to tell you this but our world is pretty darn dark as it is today. 

We still have a lot of light here.  Most everyone I personally know and are involved with are born again Christians and a lot of our government is here...    I would not say the same about your state though so I understand how you must feel.

[Made In USA]

6 minutes ago, other one said:

If Christians don't participate in Politics that leaves nothing but the dark side running things.

Of course we should be involved in politics....   but do so in a Christian way.

God will judge them. We don't need to govern them do we? Our goal is to promote the Gospel but we don't force it onto others do we? For what purpose would we need to govern unbelievers?

What do you think of this scripture?

1 Corinthians 5:12 For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God [l]judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves.

 

 

 

[other one]

2 minutes ago, Made In USA said:

God will judge them. We don't need to govern them do we? Our goal is to promote the Gospel but we don't force it onto others do we? For what purpose would we need to govern unbelievers?

What do you think of this scripture?

1 Corinthians 5:12 For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God [l]judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves.

Governing is not judging people, it's setting up rules that God would approve of how we live and interact with each other...    and it has nothing whatsoever to do with eternity or if we are saved or not.

[Made In USA]

5 minutes ago, other one said:

Governing is not judging people, it's setting up rules that God would approve of how we live and interact with each other...    and it has nothing whatsoever to do with eternity or if we are saved or not.

Before you create a law you must judge whether something or someone is wrong, such as in murder for example. Governing does include judging. Not to mention we set up the SCOTUS and federal judges. Even the congress holds hearings. Which political party do you think helps us seek the Kingdom and why?

Edited September 27, 2021 by Made In USA

[other one]

3 minutes ago, Made In USA said:

Before you create a law you must judge whether something or someone is wrong, such as in murder for example. Governing does include judging. Not to mention we set up the SCOTUS and federal judges. Even the congress holds hearings. Which political party do you think helps us seek the Kingdom?

Neither, but we can have input as to living in this world with each other and that's what politics is about, not where you spend eternity....    and there is no reason why a person can't participate in both these days.   It's not like things that existed when Jesus was here....