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The Christian and the Public Sphere
By Emmanuel Donkor
In a recent documentary aired on BBC One (flagship public service broadcasting channel) in the United Kingdom, the former British Prime Minister and now a Middle East Peace negotiator Tony Blair candidly admitted his deep-seated Christian beliefs had played an important role in the many and often controversial policies and decisions during his premiership much as it did in his private life. Indeed, many observers, including Christians in the country, acknowledged that these seemingly “devout” convictions were responsible for his staunch alliance with President George Bush on the other side of the Atlantic. And while many observers were astonished at these revelations, there were others, particularly Christians, who were wondering why such a political figure should make admissions when he was out of public office? Does it not rightly reflect the generally held opinions of the British public and, indeed, Europeans on the issues of faith, be it Christianity, Judaism, or Islam?
Indeed, in his own admission, Mr. Blair voiced out the general opinions of the public when he said one always got into trouble talking about it (one’s religious convictions). A former opposition leader rightly captured the mood by admitting the British people did not know this strong ethical (religious) position. The public, he reiterated, may have been less willing to give Mr. Blair the triumph of three consecutive general election victories if they had known the extent to which religious values would overshadow pragmatism. It could be said that people think you are crazy when you begin speaking about religion, especially in this part of the world.
These observations highlight the often-misunderstood position of Christianity and the day-to-day lives of people who adhere to the teachings and principles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is it possible for a Christian who loves the Lord Jesus Christ to be an effective citizen of the society he lives in and the world as a whole? As Philippians 3:20 points out, “But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our citizenship is not of this world and hence there is no need for Christians to be involved in the affairs of the world, be it in politics or local government, among other things. We should be seen about our Father’s business, which suggests spiritual matters rather than worldly affairs, which often corrupts our heavenly agenda. What we have failed to recognize is the enormous work which is at the heart of God’s eternal purpose and which must be taken care of. And this task involves all spheres of life.
We Have a Heavenly Citizenship But...
In His earthly ministry, Jesus promised His followers of an eternal home where there would be no more sorrow, wars, diseases, and civil strife, a world in which all our tears would be wiped from our eyes and a land flowing with milk and honey. He promised to go and get our eternal home prepared so we could enter it at His second coming. However, while this fact is true, we are also reminded of the enormous task that needs to be done.
This task is not one of the many obligations our human society has placed on us. At the beginning of creation, God’s ultimate purpose for creating man “in His image and likeness” was to take care of his creation (Genesis 1: 28-31). He envisaged a world under the control and authority of human beings who are His representatives on earth. Because we bear His nature, He would be pleased when we carry out our responsibility. Indeed, in His last prayer before His ascension into heaven, Jesus prayed the Father not to take His followers out of the world but rather, protect them from the evil one while they go about His business of proclaiming the Gospel of God’s grace to the world (John 17:14-15).
What this meant was they were going to face hardships, trials, and tribulations in their quest to take care of God’s creation. However, rather than take them away from the world, Jesus was asking the Father’s guidance over Christians so they could fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Our Lord Jesus was very much aware of the task ahead of His people and therefore the need to protect them.
So, we may have been guaranteed a heavenly citizenship but God has entrusted us with the task of “working” the land He has given to us for His glory. Besides, we also have the added responsibility of being the “salt” and “light” to the earth. As Jesus reiterated:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Our purpose as salt is to bring “tastiness” and nourishment to a dying world. We are God’s ambassadors with the divine task of bringing life into all facets of human life, which includes, among other things, business, ministry, as well as national life. As light in a dark world, Christians have the responsibility of illuminating the world with God’s glorious light just as it was at creation. Illuminating the world will bring humanity and creation to its architect and builder, God. But how can we be the salt and light of the world? How can we live as responsible citizens of our community? Is it possible at all for Christians to be good citizens or astute and God-fearing political figures in our states and nations?
Living the Heavenly Citizenship On Earth
The Apostle Paul reiterates in his letter to the Christians in Rome on the way they could live out their heavenly citizenship, especially under oppressive rule. He points out the possibility of being effective and patriotic citizens of the society they lived in while still maintaining their allegiance to God. Paul states:
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. Consequently, he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you… Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is why you pay taxes for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him, if you owe taxes, pay taxes. If revenue, then revenue, if respect, then respect, if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:1-7).
Paul demonstrated in these words how we could live in our societies as a way of obeying God while, at the same time, living out our heavenly citizenship. Overall, Paul reminded us, as Christians, of our responsibilities first as citizens of our communities, state, and country and secondly as political leaders who wield power.
As Citizens
As citizens of our country, we have a civic responsibility to ensure our community is administered in line with the wisdom and governance of God. This, among other things, includes fulfilling our economic obligation to the state. This involves paying our taxes to the government so that it can continue to provide the amenities and atmosphere for its citizens to harness their God-given abilities to live life to the fullest. This also means obeying the government even when its policies are not in the interest of the general population.
Politically, it is our duty to exercise our democratic rights in voting for a party that presents the best alternative to government the way we would like it to rule. And as we concede that governments do not always serve the best interest of the country and the citizens, especially when they implement wrong policies such as legitimizing same sex marriages or interfering in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations, among other things, that we pray for God to steer the heart of the leaders toward what is right. Christians must be seen leading the way in serving in our community in whatever capacity. In line with our mandate as salt and light of our nations, we should be seen to be providing the way forward, and as we do this we demonstrate the power of our Lord and this in turn brings people who do not fully understand their responsibilities would be won over. We would also be fulfilling our commission of exercising dominion and authority over God’s creation.
As Political Leaders
One of the many controversial issues to arise in Christianity is whether it is right for a Christian to be involved in politics. Government and politics in general, many Christians believe, is a “no go” area. This is the reason why people like the former British Prime Minister have found it difficult reconciling the Christian background and how it helps in shaping the political views and polices they formulate and hold. But if there was ever a time for Biblical political leadership, it is in the twenty-first century. The time for taking the world for God is now and this includes providing Godly wisdom in the way a nation is governed. Christian political leaders owe their allegiance to God; they must seek Godly counsel in administering a country. They indeed must not lord their authority on the people. King Solomon is a good example of a political leader who sought God’s counsel. He asked God to grant him wisdom to govern the people He had given to Him. As the Bible rightly puts it in 1 Kings 3:5-15, Solomon’s reign was described as the “golden age” in the history of Israel.
As leaders, Christians should be seen enacting laws and formulating policies with Biblical principles as the core. The society may not always go with the policies enacted, but as political leaders, they are in a position of influencing the attitudes and mindsets for God, and this is what leaders should endeavor to do. Christian political leaders must themselves embody Godly principle in their day-to-day lives. As Paul said in his pastoral letter to Timothy, a Christian leader “must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self controlled, respectable and hospitable…” (1 Timothy 3:1-15). The values we place on our life as leaders will invariably influence our decision and policies we make, and this brings glory to God. God elects political leaders through His people, so they have a duty to keep the “channel” open as long as they remain in their position.
We have a heavenly citizenship. While we are still on earth, we have a mandate to live out our heavenly citizenship here. Living it here will prepare us for the ultimate reunion with Jesus Christ. In this crooked and perverse world, we owe God a duty in shining as light and, more importantly, reinstalling creation back to its original state; a state of perfect harmony with the Maker. We should make a conscious decision to live Christ in our day-to-day living rather than allowing sin to dominate the world. When we fulfill our obligations as citizens and political leaders, we will be in a position to bring taste and light to creation.
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