PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies);
ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS (PART ONE)
MAIN
TEXT:
“Politics is an avenue through which
Christians discharges some of their civic duties” therefore… “Give to Caesar
what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
INTRODUCTION:
Anibueze (1998:57), stresses that
“politics deals with the organization of human society”. This implies that
politics is all about the activities that ensure a legitimate gaining of power,
a conscientious management of the resources and socio-political life of people
in a given country, society or organization. Certainly, the principal objective
in politics is the enthronement of government, for the effective organization
and management of the human society, and government in the words of Ndoh
(1994:10), is a body of people authorized or mandated to govern or rule a
state” (or country).
From
a biblical standpoint, every government is God’s establishment, no matter who
is there, or how he is there, (Roman 13:1). This is not to say that those who
rig elections are appointed by God to be in government. In this case,
legitimacy becomes the watch-word. Having said this, politics remains God’s
means to an end, since He achieves the setting up of governments through the
political activities of a people in a democratic state. Furthermore, if
politics in the words of Anubueze deals with the organization of human society,
the Christian is therefore, the most suitable in political matters, since he
carries the virtues that make for good governance and judicious management of
the affairs of the people. This readily refutes the idea that politics is
dirty, and that Christians should not engage in it. Logically speaking, if
politics is a means through which God forms a government(s), it becomes
unreasonable to assume that God would detest it (politics) to approve of a
government formed through it. Therefore, instead of withdrawing from politics,
Christian should ascertain;
POLITICS
THAT GLORIFIES GOD
Politics
that glorifies God fundamentally seeks to do the duties of Caesar (state
duties) without dishonouring God. It aims at partisan politics that does not
violate the word of God. Such politics, keep away from all forms of political corruption,
like “rigging of elections, smearing of an opponent’s image, inducing of the
electorate with gifts of money, taking or giving of bribe(s) to facilitate the
chances of unpopular candidate(s), and other related political offences. It is
obvious that the foregoing are some of the reasons why people believed that
politics is dirty and should not be practiced by Christians. Be it as it may,
the Bible already urges us to do whatever we do (including politics) to the
glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
Therefore,
if rigging of elections and all cited political vices are not to the glory of
God, then the Christian, in politics, should endevour to refrain from such
behaviours, since it is said that the Christian is the light of the world. He
should therefore, shine as light in his nation’s political life, (Matthew
5:16).
THE
ROLE OF THE CHRISTIAN PASTOR IN THE POLITICAL LIFE OF A NATION
The
role of the Christian pastor (as God’s representative) in the political life of
a nation borders mostly on guidance and not partisan. On this note, Stephens
(1972:9-11) highlights that during the theocratic regimes of the nation of
Israel, under such people like, Moses, Joshua and Samuel, there was no thought
of the state as a secular organization separate from the people’s religious
life. However, with the emergence of Saul as the nation political leader, as
was informed by the people’s agitation for a king, the situation changed, (I
Samuel 8). Under the new political dispensation, the Old Testament prophets did
not meddle in politics, but considered they had both right and duty to proclaim
the voice of God to the nation, and in particular to its politicians or leaders.
This position saw to the reproves of King David for sexual immorality and King
Ahab for greed by prophets Nathan and Elijah, respectively, (II Samuel 12:1, I
King 21).
Therefore,
since no new political guidance or reforms were introduced by Jesus or His
apostles, it becomes worthy of note that the teaching and behaviour of the Old
Testament prophets remain the basic guide for the right Christian political
behaviour in all ages. On this note, the Christian Pastor should always not
compromise God’s messages of reproof and guidance to the people and
government(s) of his time. He should constantly remind the people to be subject
to rulers and authorities, as well as, constantly remind the government(s) of
the divine demand to rule in the fear of God, (Titus 3:1, II Samuel 23:3).
GOD’S
DISPLEASURE IN POLITICS
“The fear of the Lord is to hate
evil, I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech” (Proverb
8:13).
The cited Scripture demonstrates
God’s displeasure in human life and activities. And politics is one of the
human activities where such vices are displayed. Politics is not a dirty game
or activity as many are made to believe, but men of questionable behaviour
often bring political intrigues into it, whereby polluting it.
In the words of Anibueze (1998:57),
the problem of politics is one that affects man and this has earned him the
reputation expressed in the Greek words, Zoon politition, meaning “a
political animal”. The essence of social existence is politics. This emphasizes
that when two or more people interact with one another they are certainly
involved in a political relationship. Thus, we have, “family politics”, “school
politics”, “State or party politics” and even “church politics”. These point to
the fact that no one is free from politics. Unfortunately, the adjective
“dirty” to many, qualifies only party politics, whereas, families, schools and
other institutions as aforementioned take the same or similar processes as to
who gets what, and who does what, in such establishments, which are all
features of politics.
Therefore, since this project
strongly supports Christian involvement in politics, it on the other hand,
disapproves every behaviours in politics that displeases God. In the light of
this, Christian behaviour in politics should demonstrate;
1.
THE FEAR OF GOD
AGAINST,
bribery, corruption, greed, assassination, avarice, nepotism, despotism,
embezzlement, etc (Pro. 8:13A).
2.
HUMILITY AGAINST, pride, arrogance,
pomposity, egotism, conceit, vanity, haughtiness, pretension, etc (Prov.
8:13B).
3.
GOOD BEHAVIOUR
AGAINST
evil, fraud, evasion, theft, forgery, imposture, crime, mischief etc (Prov.
8:13C).
4.
SINCERE SPEECH
AGAINST
falsehood, hypocrisy, lying, sycophancy, decent, double-dealing, feign,
distortion etc (Prov. 8:13c).
In conclusion, I wish to draw the attention of every
reader of this message that God will not judge one for getting involved in
politics, but will judge one for violating His Word in politics. Every politics
of sin will be judged, whereas, every politics of righteousness will be
rewarded. Furthermore, it is important to also note that; one who cannot
refrain from political vices should better refrain from political ventures,
considering God’s judgment. BE ADVISED.
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