When pastors should–and should not–be political

Word from the Center
Written By Gene Edward Veith

In general, the church should stay out of politics.  But sometimes politics is foisted upon the church.

That’s the gist of an article in First Things by Ben C. Dunson, visiting professor of New Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, entitled Should Pastors Be Political? 

True, as Jesus confessed before Pilate, His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).  I would add that making Jesus an earthly king was one of the temptations of Satan (Luke 4:5-8).  The church and its pastors are preoccupied with God’s eternal kingdom, even as its members–and its pastors–must live also in God’s temporal kingdom.

Prof. Dunson gives two senses in which pastors do need to be involved in politics, and one sense in which they should not.  First, the Bible does address temporal matters, including politics.  Romans 13 explains how earthly authorities are instituted by God and that Christians need to be subject to them.  It also explains the purpose and scope of earthly governments.  The state, says Prof. Dunson, “exists to enforce justice, reward good, and provide for the common good of a nation (Rom. 13:2–7).” 

Click here to read the remainder of the article.

Dr. Gene Edward Veith is the author of some 20 books regarding Christianity and culture. A retired English professor and college administrator, he also directs the Cranach Institute at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

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Be Encouraged

“Respect for God’s chain of authority holds true with the police, legislators, governors, presidents, and judges who have been placed over me. Some I may have chosen willingly, while others I may have voted against or had no say in. Still, we believe God has given them their authority. I may feel a responsibility to oppose their plans or how they perceive and execute justice, but even then, I owe them respect and honor.”
— Pastor Dan Guagenti, Holy Cross Lutheran Church

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Gene Edward Veith
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