I have heard numerous arguments for and against mixing religion and politics. As far as I am concerned, there is only one thing that we should focus on. We should put our energy into following Christ. The way I look at the situation of mixing religion and politics should be found in the Bible. If Jesus supported something, then so should we. If Jesus was against something, then we should be as well. As for Old Testament teachings, we do not live under the old law. Some things are found in the Old Testament that are a matter of fact and not up for debate.
Marriage
Marriage is one of the biggest topics that hit our culture. The undermining and destruction of the family as defined in the Bible has become a huge culture battle. The definition of marriage in the Bible has never changed or evolved over the years. Society, with the help of Satan, has slowly torn apart the family over many generations. With our current climate, you can see that damage quickly shredding what it means to be a family. The purpose of one man and one woman joining in marriage to create one flesh is being redefined. When you mix religion and politics, this is where the rubber meets the road.
Genesis 2:22-24 NASB The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
Wages
You hear the fight for $15 propaganda perpetrated by ideological individuals. You also hear stories of people cheating the system and receiving welfare benefits. The topic of work is discussed numerous times in the Bible. One verse, in particular, caught my attention many years ago. The verse is from 2 Thessalonians and speaks to the line of supporting one's self.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 NASB For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.
Abortion
Another area where we mix religion and politics is in the arena of life. Since Roe vs. Wade abortion has been legal in the US. States have varying degrees of how and when abortions can be preformed. Though the specific term abortion is not discussed in the Bible, God has made it abundantly clear what his view of life is. If you look at Exodus 21:22-25, you can see how God sees the murder of a child in the womb.
Exodus 21:22-25 NASB “If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. 23 But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
What does God think when we mix religion and politics?
God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins as shown in the New Testament of the Bible. This does not mean that God has changed his mind on specific issues such as life, work, and marriage. Though we do not live under Old Testament law, we are still obligated to follow the desires of our creator.
When the culture is counter to what God wants, we must take a stand. Being a passive observer is not standing up for our God and his desire for our life. Being passive without opposition leads to speculation that you support the issue in question. There is not happy medium when it comes to God. You cannot ride the fence because you are trying to avoid conflict. In fact, Revelation talks about being hot or cold in God's eyes.
Revelation 3:16 NASB So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Closing thoughts.
In closing, we must mix religion and politics. Not to push our agenda, but to further God's kingdom. We must take a stand on topics that are wrong or right in God's eyes. There is a loving, God-honoring way to take a stand. We cannot only use our words to denounce cultural advances; we must live as we speak. Our Christ-like example is the best adaption to taking a stand in the political realm while at the same time staying true to our commitment to God. So next time politics are brought up at the dinner table, don't be afraid to engage others in a Christ-like way.