In a fallen world, politics will be a brutal, at times violent, sport. Grandstanding, demonizing, misleading, and lying are the native language of political debate. Violence is historically how political conflicts are ultimately resolved. This fact raises important questions about our faith. Should Christians participate in politics and government? If so, how should we participate?
Evangelism & Politics argues that Christians should participate in politics and government but their ultimate goal in doing so is evangelism, not political change. The way Christians participate in politics is therefore generally more important than the specific policies they advocate for. In short, Christian participation in politics should be marked by the fruit of the spirit.
At the same time, Christians should not be naive in thinking godly engagement in politics guarantees political success. Ungodly tactics are effective and Christians will be at a political disadvantage when they refuse to use such methods. Nevertheless, Christians should refuse to use them because they see God, not the government, as their ultimate protector and provider and godly engagement in politics as a way of providing an evangelistic witness to society that fulfills the Great Commission.
About the author
John C. Barrett is an assistant professor of political science at Le Tourneau University, a private, interdenominational Christian university in Longview, Texas. He holds a BS in international relations from Georgetown University, an MA in international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Relations, and a Ph D in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University. He and his wife Karen have seven children: Nissah, Christian, William, Jonah, Annah, David, and Isaac. For more information, visit www.professorbarrett.com.
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