Elections, Government and Christian Responsibility
Yesterday was the Canadian federal election. After three terms, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was defeated by Justin Trudeau, the son of a former prime minister.
Some people are very happy, believing that Stephen Harper was the worst prime minister. Others are sad because they fear that Justin Trudeau will be the worst prime minister. The easy thing would be to vilify both men, attacking them not just as leaders but as people.
I am connected to many Christians from the United States on social media. What I have seen for the last number of years are hateful and personal attacks on Barack Obama. Not just disagreements about his policies but brutal attacks on him (and his wife).
I have been informed by my American friends that as a Canadian I just don’t understand. I am told there is a culture war and that conservatives and liberals are expected to attack each other at every opportunity. What may look nasty from a Christian perspective is acceptable if it moves the conservative cause forward.
They are right. I do not understand. Nor do I understand the way my fellow Canadian Christians speak about political leaders. Canadians may be quieter at it but we are not innocent.
What does the Bible say about what our attitude toward our leaders should be?
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:1–4 ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV)
Some might say that times have changed. Paul did not know the level of corruption and injustice that goes on in today’s governments.
What?!
Take some time to read what it was like under the Roman Empire, both in Rome and under the local rulers. It was not easy. And remember that when Paul talks about submitting, it is only a few years later that he is beheaded by Emperor Nero.
So what is the responsibility of Christians? Here are some things to think about:
- Vote in every election. I am proud to say that in this Canadian election we had the highest voter turnout in over twenty years.
- Pray for the government even if it was not your party or candidate that was elected. If only we prayed half as much as we complained.
- Speak up on the issues that matter. Christians have just as much right to talk about important issues as any other special interest group. Separation of church and state does not mean that Christians have to be silent.
- Do all things with respect. When Christians speak of political leaders in a hate-filled way, non-Christians see that. It is a bad witness. Stop it. Right now.
Canada now has a while until the next election. The Americans are just getting started. Consider how you could be involved in a way that glorifies not the culture war but Jesus Christ.
If there were a like button here, I’d click it. As someone from “across the pond” in Europe you can’t imagine how bizarre this whole thing looks to us. Well said.
PS I am aware that we are not without bizarre stuff of our own.