01/07/24: content or process? A Christian approach to politics

Here in the UK the General Election campaign has been in full swing for some weeks now, with the election itself due this coming Thursday. During this time I’ve been watching the news, particularly asking myself, what distinctive contribution might Christians bring to the process? I’m aware that the below is a bit of a ramble, please bear with me, if you think it’s worth editing please let me know!

At the extremes of politics there are groups which would directly wish to cause harm to others. There are a whole series of examples over the last 100 years or so, and, I’m sorry to say, some evidence of that thinking cropping up over the last few weeks. Also, there can be a tendency to adopt political positions in order to advance one’s career rather than out of any conviction.

But in the middle of all this, politicians in general, of all faiths and none, of widely differing beliefs, do what they do determined to make life better for others. This might be a slightly naïve view, but at least at the beginning of politicians’ careers I think this is true.

Meanwhile, can we find support from the Bible for any particular view point? Yes, I think we can. To give one clear example: in both the Old and New Testaments there is concern for the poor and under privileged. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was responsible for the provision to the poor and needy. Which, in political terms, points us to a classical left wing position, with high taxation and high provision of central services.

But against this, particularly in the Old Testament, wealth is regarded as a blessing from God. Paul exhorted slaves to work hard for their masters as if they were working for God Himself. Jesus came to bring the truth that we might be free. Freedom, I would suggest, includes the freedom to work hard, earn an honest living, then spend our money as we see fit. Which, in political terms, points us to a classical right wing position, with low taxation and low provision of central services.

Is there a specifically Christian way to resolve these opposing priorities? I can’t see that there is. Would I be happy to be in fellowship with Christians who are members of the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat parties? Yes, absolutely.

The more I think about this, the more I come to the conclusion that the way Christians can bring a distinctive contribution to politics is not by subscribing to a particular set of policies but by the approach we take. Let me give a few examples:

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’
For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Matthew 5:37

Keep communication straightforward. Answer the question which has been asked. Do not shy away from points which may seem to damage your cause, which links to the next point:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and
will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10

We all make mistakes, we all do things wrong, we all make judgements which prove not to be correct. Concepts of confession, repentance, forgiveness, restitution and moving on are integral to the Christian message. Peter messed up badly by denying he knew Jesus, ultimately he ended up having a key leadership role in the early church. David messed up badly with Bathsheba, after a painful period of confession and repentance, including the death of a baby, he was able to continue as King. Owning up to things having gone wrong may be embarrassing in the short term but ultimately is a much more effective way of moving on in mutual trust and understanding.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6

Be respectful of your political opponents. Whilst it may sometimes be appropriate to call out hypocrisy, eg. if politicians are talking about the importance of family values but then are having affairs, in general keep to the issues and don’t engage in personal abuse. Show an understanding of others’ points of view and explain why you don’t agree.

Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Proverbs 16:11

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,
or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,
because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Ephesians 5:3

Members of Parliament are the only people I can think of whose job means they necessarily have two homes. Clearly the financial arrangements facilitating this are going to be complicated. We need Christians in politics to be working to the very highest standards of integrity and probity in terms of expenses, consultancy work and the like. Coming back to the first point, if you need complicated language to justify yourself, something is wrong!

Thank you for reading to this point, as always, very interested in any responses you might have or other points which are worth making. At all times, and in all places, to our Almighty God be the glory!