Now let me state a few caveats before we examine this belief further. First, I am not saying in anyway that Christians should not vote. It is their responsibility to participate in their government and be dutiful citizens. Second, I am not saying that at times the government will not be changed to reflect biblical principles. Certainly this can be the case, and has been, throughout history; although these times are fleeting. Third, I am not saying that we should not pray for our leaders or our government for indeed Paul commanded such things (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
In 1951 Richard Niebuhr wrote a book entitled "Christ and Culture." His book presented 5 possible explanations for how Christ relates to culture: (1) Christ against culture - a radical view where believers oppose any government and only follow Christ; (2) Christ of culture - a radical view where Christ is experienced through culture and Christian doctrine is remove in order to create unity; (3) Christ above culture - a view where God still has control over culture; (4) Christ and culture in paradox - a view where Christ and culture cannot be reconciled because of sin and therefore continue to exist side by side but always in opposition to each other; (5) Christ transforming culture - a view where believers actively try to change culture to fit biblical mandates through Christ. The predominant view held by most evangelicals is "Christ transforming culture." It is this view that causes them to do everything in their power to change laws, officials, and governments to fit Scripture.
As I noted in my previous post I do not believe that this was the thinking of the Apostles, the early church, or of Christ. Here are several reasons why this view is not biblical. First, while Christ ultimately will transform culture when He renews all things, at current Christ is not the ruler of this world. While He owns this world it is currently under the authority of Satan (Matthew 4:8-9; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Second, this world is not the home of the believer, but rather the home of those living in darkness (John 8:12-24). Believers are pilgrims traveling through this world who maintain citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Third, if Christians are to follow or transform a culture which is controlled by Christ then rebellion against that culture would ultimately be rebellion against Christ and His authority. This would then contradict the practice of Peter and John in Acts 4. Fourth, this view assumes that it is reasonable and just to force morality (or even religious morality) upon unbelievers. It is exactly this sentiment that produced forced conversions by Augustine and the Crusades of the Middle Ages. Ironically, many believers are fine enforcing their morality on those who do not believe, but complain when the morals of unbelievers are forced on them (Note: This does not mean that some issues of morality should not be mandatory for all people, such as a ban of abortions which result in the murder of those who cannot defend themselves - this is an issue of justice not of forcing religious morality). Finally, the major problem with this view is the reality that this world will continue to get worse. The depravity of man will become more gross, sin will continue to proliferate, and the nations will continue to reject God until He finally comes to bring judgment to them (Revelation 7-19).
My hope is that through reading this post you will consider very carefully how you act and what you say in regard to the government of this world. It is long past time for us to stop waging a political war to legislate morality and time for us to take the Gospel and wage a spiritual war over souls that are lost. Next time I will present a case for why I think the "Christ and culture in paradox" view is the biblical picture and how this will impact our thinking.
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