I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
John 17:20-24 NLT
The Story
It was the morning of November 7th where I found myself exhausted of American politics. For the fourth time in 2020 I found myself yet again taking another type of break from social media that lasted almost the rest of that month. Even living a few thousand miles away from the U.S. here in Norway I found myself being unable to escape the conversation topic of American politics. Soon I discovered and realized that this is something every American lives with who resides outside of the U.S. as it is a part of the American identity living abroad.
Naturally as a missionary my hope is that Jesus, the Gospel is the number one topic I am able to share and discuss with others about. However, for 2020 talking about Jesus did take the #1 spot, but I would have to say it makes me feel uncomfortable with how close the #2 topic of American Politics came to taking the #1 spot. To be clear in 2020 and even now I have no joy, wish, or desire to discuss American politics with others, but many Norwegians and internationals are curious as they want to understand an “insiders” perspective.
The reality is that the U.S. has significant impact on the world as a whole and I did not realize how much so until moving here to Norway and seeing that first hand. While I believe it clears up things with sharing an “insiders/Americans perspective” as most people do want to genuinely understand the reality of American politics. However, some news media orginazations will paint whatever picture they want you to believe, even if it is bias and not fully truthful in how they present the information. This is a conversation for a different time.
If you go through the social media platforms I am on such as Facebook & Instagram namely, you will find that I do not follow any U.S. politician, I do not follow any U.S. political commentators, I do not follow any U.S. government leader/organizations, and I do not follow any U.S. news network as the only news networks I follow now are Norwegian. In 2019 this was a different story as it would be completely opposite, but now to be frank as a Christian, I am sick of American politics. Why is that? There are many reasons for this, but the main reason of why I am sick of American politics is because of not only how it has affected (or should I say infected) the American church, but also the global church.
To be upfront before continuing on with this blog, this topic of Christianity and politics has been on my heart and mind for months. I do not want to give the impression that this blog is something I conjured up in a weeks time, but this has been something on my heart and mind for months. Multiple times I have sought God out in prayer and shared the pains of my heart when it comes to seeing the state of affairs with Christianity and politics. I do believe there are some things God has placed on my heart to share here in this blog when I take time in contemplative prayer with him that involves also listening to him rather than just me talking the whole time. I by no means want to offend anyone or come across as a judgmental Christian who has it all figured out because I do not and that is especially evident for me when it comes to the discussion of Christianity and politics as generally I try to avoid it. However, I want to share what is on my heart with you now, see what God’s Word says and hope that you will also reflect and ask questions with me.
American Politics
For many of us 2020 was a difficult year in many ways and I believe many of you who are also Americans would agree with me when I say that American politics was one of them. One of the things that pains me the most as a Christian is seeing division in the body of Christ as that is the exact opposite of Jesus’ earnest prayer in John 17 that I shared a part of in the beginning of this blog. Particular when Jesus says, “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” To see Christians openly attack, quarrel, bully, threaten, demonize, argue, and even physically attack other Christians regarding their political choices, beliefs, or opinions is sickening and outrageous. The reality is that this is visible every day when logging onto Facebook in particular.
When did American politics become more important than Jesus?
Where in the Bible does Jesus teach that it is okay for Christians to condemn their neighbors if they have different political opinions?
When did a temporary four year earthly kingdom become more important than an eternal heavenly kingdom?
Where in the Bible does it say that God does not have all authority and those in positions of authority are not placed there by God?
Where in the Bible does it say that God is not in control and that he does not care about his creation? Does the Creator not care for His creation?
Where in the Bible does Jesus teach that it is okay to not love your neighbor?
Where in the Bible does Jesus say that the body of Christ should not be one and that unity is bad?
These are rhetorical questions naturally, but they are also ones worth reflecting on to help us as Christians guide and live our lives according to God’s Word.
Those of you who do know me well, would probably agree with me when I would say that I am a rather reflective and observant person. If I hear something said, a sermon message, listening to a worship song, reading the Bible, a news article or having an in-depth discussion with someone, I will observe and reflect on what I intake to help process it. Generally I do not take most things in life at face value, but rather I carefully observe and reflect on them. “Why did Jesus include this in what he said? He could have got his point across without saying this, yet he did. Why is that?“ “What is this news article saying and what is it not saying that is being implied?“ “Why did the pastor focus on this biblical passage for this sermon topic?“ “I understand what this person is telling me, but why are they holding back as the tone in their voice and body language says there is something deeper affecting them?“
I hope this gets the idea across and yet at the same time there are also times as a man when my wife asks me to do something I will either A: Stare at her with a blank expression as I did not hear a word she said as I was thinking about the Battle of the Denmark Straight of WWII or B: Will say yes and then 10 seconds pass and I have already forgotten what it was she asked me to do or C: I say yes and do said task promptly (this one is probably the rarest of the three, hahaha). Regardless, I like to soak in what is happening around me and think about the bigger picture and the little details that others may miss. Let me continue with a passage from the Apostle Paul.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.
But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those are in authority.
Romans 13:1-7 NLT
Perhaps the above passage is easier said than done for some Christians, but I believe when Paul writes, “For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God“ is important to keep in mind. Or should I say it is important to trust that God is in control even when things do not make sense to us or the complete opposite seems true?
To be open and blunt at the same time, there have been instances when I have been on Facebook when reading and viewing friends posts, if I did not know their faith and religion was Christianity, I would have assumed that their faith and religion was American politics. As I write this, perhaps it would be good of us as Christians to open our Facebook and go to our profile and look at what we post most. Then also go and look at our activity log to see what we are interacting with. What would you find? What does your Facebook profile say about yourself and does that differ who you actually are in person? To stay on topic go through and answer the following questions with me…
1. Are you regularly making political posts?
2. If so why?
3. What is the point of your political posts?
4. Is the political content you are posting controversial or encouraging?
5. What about the political posts of others or political news media posts you comment on?
6. Are you promoting unity or are you tearing it apart?
7. Are you building your neighbor up or tearing them down?
8. Are you loving your neighbor or hurting them?
9. Does it feel good to you to jab your neighbor with a spiteful comment that has different political opinions than you?
10. When the opposing political party wins an election how do you react? With prayer or toxicity?
11. Do you pray for our nations leaders regardless if they are democrats, republicans or other?
12. Do you trust that God is in control or not?
I wonder if Facebook is like a masks or a separate identity for some Christians. In-person, said Christian is polite, affirming, encouraging, and loving to those around them. However, on Facebook the same cannot be said as only quarreling, bullying, dehumanizing comments, and no love is found in how they interact with those on the platform. If this is the case for some Christians, especially when it comes to politics, is it better for said Christian to confess Christ as Lord yet cling to Facebook where the love of Christ is not found in the posts and comments they make or is it better for said Christian to uninstall and delete Facebook? It is better to love your neighbor or hate your neighbor?
Who is my Neighbor?
When I use the word “neighbor” I mean it in such a way that reflects Jesus’ teaching of the Good Samaritan. I am mostly just going to reference the story of the Good Samaritan, if you are not familiar with this parable then I would encourage you to read Luke 10:25-37. In the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus is speaking to an expert in religious law and after Jesus responds to his first question saying to love God and love your neighbor as yourself, the man wanted to justify his actions and ask, “And who is my neighbor?“ During this time in Israelite history, a neighbor in this context, was normally identified as a fellow Israelite. However, Jesus goes against the cultural norm and teaches your neighbor is anyone. Jesus’ parable “shows that true neighbors love even their enemies (10:29). Authentic spirituality is not based on ethnic identity or religious associations, but on love for God and for others” (NLT Illustrated Study Bible). Jesus is saying that even a stranger, someone you don’t know is your neighbor and I want to make this statement abundantly clear in this blog. Jesus was and is always aware of the condition of the heart and mind and knows the heart and the mind is usually what prevents people from loving others.
Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40 NLT
When we as Christians have political conversations with our neighbors (remember this means anyone) I believe we always need to stop and reflect before speaking and ask ourselves, “Am I loving my neighbor with this political opinion, Facebook posts, comment or conversation I am about to start?“ If the answer is no, then don’t start the conversation or log out of Facebook for the day. I believe this principal applies to Christian lives as a whole where we should always check and ask ourselves, “Am I loving my neighbor by the words I am about to speak, the action I am about to make, the thoughts I am having, or what I am feeling in my heart right now?” I have heard the teaching that as Christians “we need to put on the eyes of Jesus” meaning we need to be compassionate like Jesus was.
To speak directly to Americans here, if our pride as an American causes us to deny Jesus and place our country’s interest above him I would say we are in a dangerous place that looks a lot like idolatry. Would you believe me if I told you that this happened to one of God’s prophets who committed this very sin? This prophets idol was his race and nationality at the depth of his heart, that was his heart issue. He lacked in faith in not trusting God to be the source of Israel’s welfare and protection. This prophets will for political desires of Israel were diverging from God’s own will. This prophets name was Jonah. If you want to read more about this then I would first encourage you to read the book of Jonah which consists of four chapters and secondly visit my blog “Jonah’s Heart Issue” that I wrote over a year ago.
This also points to and raises the concern of identity. If I were a complete stranger in a different land and someone ask “Who are you?“ how would you respond? What would you tell me? What would you start with? I would tell you for example, “Hi, my name is Derrick and I am an American“ and the conversation would unfold from there. Being the somewhat observant and reflective person I am I have began to question this. I began to ask myself why do I introduce myself this way? Why don’t I start off with “Hi, my name is Derrick and I am a Christian?” Perhaps you believe I am overthinking this, to which I can understand yet at the same time I think it is a very valid question. I began to have this discussion with myself after moving to Norway. To me my my most important identity is that I am a Christian, a child of God, a citizen of Heaven. When I began to accept this I found more of a personal peace because when I look at the story of Jonah, I also see a part of my former self standing next to him.
I say all of this because I want to draw out here that if I am a Christian then everything about my identity should come from the identity of being a child of God rather than something else. In other words, how should my life as an American look like out of my core identity of being a Christian. I believe we as Christians around the world need to be mindful of this because when we give our lives to Christ and confess Him as Lord and Savior our lives should reflect Christ at the core of everything we do. When it comes to Christianity and politics, when we as Christians disagree or disapprove of our neighbors political opinions and values with hostility, then this means we are not loving our neighbors. This means we are not obeying Jesus’ most important commandment and the second that is equally important as the first.
I think sometimes what floors me the most is when I see Christians being hostile to other Christians who attend the same church as they do and to me this is rather alarming. Some Christians regularly argue with one another on Facebook (politics in mind) and while they shrug it off as verbal jousting, other Christians view this as dishonoring Christ and people with different beliefs, say to themselves, “If Christians treat each other like this on Facebook, why would I ever want to become a Christian?” Wherever we as Christians go and do we are Christ’s ambassadors. Paul writes the following in 2 Corinthians…
And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NLT
“So Derrick, are you saying that we as Christians should not talk about politics?“ No that is not what I am saying. I believe it is important as Christians to discuss politics while some engage in it to much, other Christians avoid the topic of politics altogether. In many cases it seems there are two groups of Christians. The first group is fully engaged and in some instances goes to far with what this blog has been aimed at thus far in not loving your neighbors while the second group sits in silence because they see the damage that has been caused by the first group or simply state God is in control and end of the story. Perhaps somewhere in the middle is a good place to be. Politics affects everyone, but I believe as the body of Christ we can discuss politics in a respectful and kind way that comes out from the love of Christ. The light of Christ should be present in all we do and this can definitely be so when it comes to the topic of Christianity and politics.
There will always be Christians and people of different beliefs that have different political opinions and values than us, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t love them as my neighbor. To often we as Christians/the church are much more quick to point out our differences than we are to point out what unites us.
I do not believe it will ever be easy to talk about the topic of Christianity and politics in the church. It is a difficult subject to wisely navigate and at the same time God gives us the Bible to help show us how to wisely navigate this as Christians today in addition to the Holy Spirit.
Church Leaders
Specifically, I want to put pastors, worship ministers, mission pastors, youth ministers, children ministers, missionaries (includes me), other church staff, elders, and deacons in the spotlight. With everything I have just written how are you feeling right now? What is your reaction to this blog thus far? Perhaps your asking, “Why did he shift the focus to church and ministry leaders?“ This question sums up why I am doing this, “What example are you setting for your congregation when it comes to politics?” I pose this question as a team building question because this is an important moment in Christianity’s history to stop and reflect in looking at how is the body of Christ handling the discussion of politics? Christian leaders have an important responsibility to lead by example and this is more important than ever when it comes to the topic of Christianity and politics. Churches across the U.S. are being broken and divided because the church, the body of Christ is struggling with this. Let me share a story with you.
On a Sunday morning there was a pastor of a Christian church several years ago that stood before the congregation preaching the sermon he had prepared and written. While preaching his sermon, the pastor began to talk about American politics and in the midst of his sermon he said the following as I will have to paraphrase due to lack of memory, but he loudly declared, “Democrats are of the devil.” Now let that statement sink in for a moment… A pastor stood before his congregation and said this out loud… What do you think was the impact/result of this Christian leader saying this aloud to his congregation and what does this say of the church? Let me share with you what I know and what runs through my mind.
1. Multiple people left and never came back to that church.
2. Several of these individuals have never stepped foot back into a Christian church since.
3. The pastor is republican to a fault.
4. Was the pastor aware of how divisive his statement was and how it affected this church?
5. Did the elders or deacons have a discussion with him following this sermon or worse do they agree with what he said?
6. Does the pastor realize by the words he used he is actively choosing who in the congregation is welcome and who is not welcome to be a part of this church?
The scary part to me is I know of other stories of similar things happening within the American church when it comes to politics, masks, vaccines, and more. I am left to wonder why has American politics infected both the American church and global church to such a strong degree? But more importantly, how can we as the church heal from this and move towards healthy conversations about politics?
Let’s look at what Paul has to say in 1 Corinthians 1 where Paul confronts sin in the church being the result of divisions within the church and the problem of competing factions.
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News - and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.”
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NLT
When you read many of Paul’s letters to the different churches in the New Testament, often Paul had to address the subject of unity and division in the different churches. 2,000 years later I do not believe the current church is so different from the New Testament church. The Bible gives us valuable guidance and insight with how to navigate troubling situations that tear away at the unity of the church. In addition to seeking God in prayer that we would be wise and mindful with the decisions we make and the words we speak.
My heart is sad with how Christian's in the church have treated their "neighbor's" (in the same church or those they do not even know) for holding different American political beliefs. This is not an "American church" problem as this also extends to Norway, the U.K., Canada, and much of the world. To American Christians reading this, you may be shocked to hear that Christian families here in Norway fight and yell around the dinner table in whether they believe Trump or Biden should be president. But this very thing extends to Christian families and churches around the world.
This isn't something that has happened just recently, but over the past 8 years and notably so within the last 4 years. I have much frustrations with how the media whether CNN, Fox News, ABC News, CBS, BBC, NRK, and many other news organizations have contributed to the division we find within the church today, but also how we as the church, the body of Christ, have allowed American politics to infect the global Christian church. In the midst of an interview in June of 2020, Egil Ellingsen a pastor at IMI Church where I serve asked another pastor, “What would you say is something that can help us to stay hopeful and kind of on the track of following Jesus in this season?” To which she responded, “Know when to turn the news off…. are we more aware of what CNN, Fox News and other news media outlets are saying or social media is saying or what God is saying?” Wow, how incredibly true and important to keep in mind during these difficult times, especially for us as the church.
During these times, we as church leaders need to be conscious of the topic of Christianity and politics in our own congregations we serve. I referenced at the beginning of this blog that for some churches this topic seems to be an infection and when an infection goes untreated or unaddressed normally there are not good results. As the body of Christ and especially as church leaders, as shepherds we need to make sure that the flock is healthy. As shepherds (church leaders), we have the responsibility of taking care of the flock in promoting Christ, love, unity, encouragement and so much more. The last thing we should be doing is dividing our flock with making political statements like the pastor I wrote about earlier. This also means being conscious and aware of how we as church leaders express our own political opinions. What may not seem harmful to us can be received in a harmful manner by others in our congregations that have different political opinions.
This is not easy to navigate and that is why I believe we need to be grounded in Christ more than ever so that those inside and outside the church would know that we are Christ’s ambassadors and not a political party’s ambassador, not Biden’s ambassadors nor Trump’s ambassadors, but only as Christ’s ambassadors. It is our job to help lead by the example God gives us through His Son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible and that those we lead around us also witness this. So that when it comes to the discussion of Christianity and politics, those in the congregation can look towards church leaders to see a Christ like example when it comes to this topic versus a non-Christ like example of this topic.
This is also why I believe that church leaders need to set the example of what does it look like to talk about Christianity and politics in such a way that is healthy, respectful, and loving even when others have different political opinions. Just because people have different political opinions doesn’t mean that we can’t have a respectful and dignified conversation whether this happens in person or on Facebook. There is value in listening and trying to understand where others come from when they hold different political opinions than your own. Because when you listen to this person and try to understand them despite them knowing they are different than you, your showing them respect and value in having a dignified conversation versus one that is filled with hostility.
In Conclusion
In closing we need to be aware of how the topic of Christianity and politics can be a divisive subject for Christians. We need to keep at the forefront of our minds and hearts that “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Why I know I don’t have all the answers and have the topic of Christianity and politics figured out, I know one of the things that helps is beginning to have a healthy discussion about how do we as the church approach this topic in such a way that Christ is a fundamental part of this. The only enemy we have as Christians is Satan as he attacks the church everyday in seeking to tear apart believers through many treacherous instruments such as hatred, envy, jealousy, deceit, pride, lying, isolation, discouragement, and so on. David Butts writes the following…
The real danger for us is our being unaware of the enemy’s schemes. We approach every difficulty in church as though it’s just a natural thing. When churches divide over whether or not to use hymns or contemporary choruses, it is not natural. When the flock turns on the shepherd, it is not natural. When the saints, called to live in love, spend their time criticizing and accusing each other, it is not natural. The devil has come to church!
David Butts “The Devil Goes to Church: Combating the Everyday Attacks of Satan”
I hope this blog has left you with many thoughts and questions. One of the truths about being a Christian is that God examines us, we should invite God to examine us, and we to should examine ourselves. Often when we examine ourselves in light of God’s Word we find things that are not pleasing or are uncomfortable and upon that examination we are left with a choice. Do we continue to walk that same path that keeps us at distance from God and those around us? Or do we choose to walk another path that draws us closer to God where his peace, joy and freedom are found. The Bible shows us that examination can be both difficult and painful in being a follower of Jesus, but it is for our own benefit so that Christ refines and consumes us and each day we are made new and more Christ like. I will leave you with this following passage. Blessings
Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us - is it right to pay taxes to Cesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”
Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.'“ His reply completely amazed them.
Mark 12:13-17 NLT