Should Christians Be Political? A Biblical Perspective

Politics is Dividing Families, Churches, and Nations

Let’s be honest—politics has become a war zone. In South Korea (and many other parts of the world), society is sharply divided between the far left and the far right. Families argue, friendships break, and even churches split over political differences.

In times like these, how should Christians think about politics? Should we completely disengage, or does the Bible call us to take a stand?

Let’s explore a biblical and Reformed perspective on politics, drawing from Scripture and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

1️⃣ Who Holds Ultimate Authority? The Sovereignty of God

Who truly governs the world—God or man?

📖 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion… over all the earth.'” (Genesis 1:26, ESV)

• The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate ruler, and human governments exist under His authority.
• Humans, as God’s image-bearers, are called to be His representatives (vice-regents) on earth.
• The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF 23) affirms that civil authorities are instituted by God and should be respected.

The Humanist Perspective

• Many secular ideologies argue that humans are autonomous and should govern themselves without God.
• This often leads to either totalitarianism (one leader with too much power) or mob rule (majority tyranny).

As Christians, we recognise that no human government is perfect. But we also acknowledge that God is sovereign over all authorities (Romans 13:1).

2️⃣ Misunderstanding “Separation of Church and State”

Some say, “Christians shouldn’t talk about politics.” But is that really what separation of church and state means?

🔹 The original purpose of separation of church and state was to prevent governments from controlling religion, not to stop Christians from engaging in politics.
🔹 The U.S. Constitution embraced this principle because early Puritans wanted religious freedom—not a secular society.

Why Christians Should Care About Politics

• Staying silent isn’t the same as being holy.
• When biblical values are absent from politics, corrupt values take over.
• In many countries, including communist and Islamic states, Christians suffer when governments oppose biblical truth.

Christians aren’t called to be passive observers. We are called to pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), seek justice (Micah 6:8), and stand for truth (Proverbs 31:8-9).

3️⃣ A Biblical View of Government: Freedom & Responsibility

Liberal Democracy (Freedom & Rule of Law)

A biblical view of government emphasizes:

✅ Freedom & Individual Responsibility – Because humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
✅ Rule of Law & Justice – Because government exists to enforce justice (Romans 13:4).
✅ Limited Power – Because human leaders are sinful (Jeremiah 17:9).

In a biblical worldview, leaders should serve the people, not rule over them.

People’s Democracy (Socialism & State Control)

🚨 Warning: When the state replaces God…

• Socialist ideologies often sacrifice individual freedom for collective goals.
• They assume human governments can create a perfect society—but history proves otherwise.

No government can create a utopia. Only God’s Kingdom is perfect.

4️⃣ What Does It Mean to Be a Conservative Christian?

Many people misunderstand conservatism. It’s not just about supporting a political party—it’s about preserving God’s order.

✔ Biblical conservatism is about protecting unchanging truths—justice, family, and moral order.
✖ Secular conservatism can become about power, nationalism, or tradition for tradition’s sake.
✖ Progressivism often rejects biblical values in favour of human-centred ideologies.

Christians should be neither blindly conservative nor blindly progressive. Instead, we must measure everything against Scripture.

5️⃣ How Should Christians Engage in Politics?

🔴 Avoid Political Extremism

Christians should not fall into the trap of:

• Blindly defending a political party as if it were infallible.
• Demonizing the other side instead of seeking truth and justice.

🟢 Engage With a Biblical Perspective

✅ Vote for leaders and policies that align with biblical values.
✅ Advocate for justice and righteousness in law and society.
✅ Encourage unity and love, even among political differences.

🚨 Warning: Do Not Idolize Politics

• No leader or government will save the world—only Christ can.
• Do not let political fights divide the Church.

📖 “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Final Thoughts: The Kingdom of God Comes First

✔ Politics is important, but it is not ultimate.
✔ Christians should engage in politics, but always with God’s kingdom in mind.
✔ Do not divide the Church over earthly leaders.

At the end of the day, our hope is not in governments, elections, or policies. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, the true King.

🙌 Let’s be salt and light in the world—without losing sight of God’s eternal kingdom.