By Jim Denison
“Never discuss religion or politics in public,” my mother used to warn me. Today’s column probably proves the wisdom of her advice.
Last week, USA Today reported that four Christian lawyers who vowed to be God’s ambassadors on the bench lost their bids to replace four San Diego Superior Court judges. The incumbents easily beat the conservative attorneys, who were backed by pastors, gun enthusiasts, and opponents of abortion and same-sex marriage. Critics said their campaign threatened the impartiality of the court system and the separation of church and state.
I agree (which may anger some of you), but I also disagree (which may anger the rest of you). Here’s why.
I am a passionate advocate for the separation of church and state. Churches should not be political organizations, endorsing candidates and mobilizing their members as monolithic voting blocs. To the degree that the San Diego pastors used their pulpits and churches to this end (this aspect of the issue is unclear in the news story) or Christian judges might use their office to favor particular churches or faith traditions, I would agree with the critics’ concerns.
John Leland, one of the most important Baptists in colonial history, spoke for me in 1791: “Government has no more to do with the religious opinions of men, than it has with the principles of mathematics. Let every man speak freely without fear, maintain the principles he believes, worship according to his own faith, either one God, three Gods, no God, or twenty Gods; and let government protect him in so doing.” Churches and state should be separate, neither seeking to control the other.
But I am also a passionate advocate for the engagement of faith and state. While churches should not engage in politics, Christians should be extremely involved in political and public service. I am convinced that God is calling more Christians into public service than are answering his call. To the degree that the San Diego candidates were simply Christians running for office, seeking to bring their faith to bear on their work, I cannot see why their political engagement is different from that of candidates committed to any other belief system.
Christ followers are called to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). Salt is not much good in the saltshaker; a flashlight is most valuable in the dark. Paul focused his ministry on places and people of influence, from Lydia in Philippi to the Areopagus in Athens to Caesar in Rome. If Elena Kagan is confirmed to the Supreme Court, all nine justices will have graduated from Harvard or Yale law schools. The more Christians are engaged in positions of cultural influence, the more effective their salt and light will be.
Martin Luther said, “It is necessary to have government because we are sinners.” He echoed the words of Paul: “The authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing” (Rom. 13:6).
What does this discussion mean for you personally?
First, you are called to pray daily for your leaders: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority” (I Tim. 2:1-2). Have you obeyed God’s word today?
Second, you are called to influence your culture for Christ. Have you prayed about running for public office? Are you engaged personally in your community and society? How is our country different because of you? Plato warned us, “The punishment of wise men who refuse to take part in the affairs of government is to live under the government of unwise men.” Which do you choose?
Last, you are called to obey your highest authority. Peter said, “Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (I Pet. 2:17). Honor leaders, but “fear” or revere God alone. Peter and Paul were both executed by the authorities for refusing to stop preaching the gospel. Whom do you fear today?
Speaking from the east steps of the United States Capitol on May 16, 1920, George Truett envisioned the day when, “in every land, whether great or small, the doctrine shall have absolute supremacy everywhere of a free church in a free state.” What are you doing to serve both?