Ethics and Religion Talk: Church and Politics

Note from Rabbi Krishef: The Rev. Steven Manskar, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, wrote the following essay prior to last November’s election day, reflecting on a Christian’s responsibility to vote. We’re publishing it, along with a response by the Rev. Lanning, the week of the inauguration of Joseph Biden as our nation’s 46th president.

The church is the people dispersed in homes, workplaces, schools, streets, and fields. The church is people sent by God to serve as representatives of Jesus Christ in the world. The beautiful building is where the church gathers for worship, planning, teaching, and prayer. It serves as a resource for the neighborhood and people of Grand Rapids. The building is an important part of how we serve as Christ’s representatives in the world. I pray that whenever someone from the neighborhood steps onto the property or enters the building they will experience the love of the One in whose name the building stands and serves.

One of the ways we serve our community is as a polling place for elections. Many people [came] to the building on November 3. As followers of Jesus Christ we all have a responsibility to participate in the election of leaders who will serve at every level of government. I pray that we all [used the time leading up to voting day] to pray daily for the candidates and the nation. I pray that we [were and will continue to be] guided more by the politics of Jesus and the kingdom of God than any political party or ideology. Jesus is not Republican or Democrat or Libertarian or Green. 

What is the politics of Jesus? Look at his mission statements in Luke 4:18-19; 6:17-49 and Matthew 5:3-12; 25:31-46. These passages give us insight into God’s politics. They are a helpful guide for us as we prepare for casting our votes on November 3. How well do the candidates we vote for align with Jesus’ priorities? Are their policies going to be “good news to the poor”? Will they protect the most vulnerable and voiceless people? Will their policies give all people access to life, health, and full participation in community life? The baptismal covenant calls us to cast our vote for candidates who are most likely to serve the common good and not the narrow interests of any political party or monied interests. This is why, at least for this month of October, we all need to pray daily for one another, for the candidates, and for the nation.

Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds:

“The politics of Jesus refer to a kingdom ‘not of this world’ (John 18:36), the kingdom of God, in which those who have been reconciled to their divine Creator submit to the Lordship of His Son, and seek to do His will on earth. Christ holds out little hope for the kingdoms of this world, including the USA. These earthly kingdoms come and go, wax and wane. They are all destined to fail and perish, and give way to ‘a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness’ (Isaiah 65:17). 

“Many Reformed and Presbyterian Christians cherish the ideal of a Christian nation, whose laws, politics, and public life conform to the will of God expressed in His written Word. Where the attempt has been made, the results fell far short of the ideal. Our nation was not so conceived or brought forth. The US Constitution fails to acknowledge Christ as Lord, nor does it bind us to walk together as a people in obedience to God’s Word.  

“Christians therefore must live in this country as ‘strangers and pilgrims in the earth,’ as those who ‘desire a better country’ than any found in this world (Hebrews 11:13-16). As citizens, we have a voice and a vote to use in the cause of truth and justice. But never forget the warning posted in Psalm 146:3: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.’ No political leader has power to save us, or to reform our ways as a people. To think that they can or will, is to ‘imagine a vain thing’ (Psalm 2:1). 

We also need to embrace the ‘politics’ of Psalm 82. Asaph envisions a great court of law convened by the King of kings. Addressing earthly princes and powers, the great King declares that for too long, these rulers have ‘judged’ or ruled unjustly, and shown favor to the wicked, especially those who have money to buy it (v. 2). He reminds them of their God-given duty: ‘Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked’ (vv. 3, 4). Rulers who do otherwise will perish, and take down their nations with them.