Should Christians be Involved in Politics?

Question

Through a study of Church History, I have discovered that the early Christians did not get involved with politics until around the late 2nd century. So why does the so-called Christian Right immerse themselves and annoy potential converts at present by getting involved in politics? Since Jesus and his Apostles did not behave in this way why do present day Christians feel that they are better than the first century disciples by engaging in behavior that they did not?

See: “A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs: A Reference Guide to More Than 700 Topics Discussed by the Early Church Fathers” by David W. Bercot

In addition, consult:

http://www.gregboyd.org/essays/book-reviews/a-review-of-colsons-god-government/

Answer 1

To a point I believe so. I want a Christian leading my country, why in the world would anyone not want this? And I believe as a Christian it is important to make sure we get the right person in office. I think we should fight to make things right but then we can go to far with it too. Like I don't get personally involved with politics outside of the moral issues.

Answer 2

Actually, Jesus did not challenge Roman rule, but did challenge the leadership of the Jewish people, namely the Pharisees.  So, your assertion is not correct.

And faith, or lack thereof, should not be a barrier to participation (1st Amendment).

Answer 3

People who are interested in politics should be involved in them, regardless of their religion. Not all Christians are alike anymore than all Jews or Muslims are alike.

Politics and religion should be kept separate.

Answer 4

Because it is our right to get involved.

Why should we entrust our future to a people who have nothing but bitterness and hate towards the christian community.

There is nothing biblical against being involved in politics.  

Answer 5

If Christians don't get involved in politics, and keep the athiests, communists, and Democrats out of office, there will be no God in our lives, as well as in our schools! This is NOT the Earth the meek will inherit!

Answer 6

I hate to sound mean, but evangelical christians should not be allowed in politics.  It seems to me that the rest of the christians in this country don't cause the problems that the extreme right winger evangelicals do.

Answer 7

h**l no

Answer 8

The early Christians ended up hanging crucified from crosses whenever they got too close to ploiticians.

People who have no political freedom usually don't spend much time or thought on the impossible - not so unusual.

Answer 9

I think the separation of church and state is one of the most important ideas put forth by the Founding Fathers. (Okay, it was originally John Locke, but Jefferson said it too.)

I wish we could get through an election without talking about religion. I don't even remotely care what the candidates think about it as long as they are not radicals (Evangelicals/Extremists)

Answer 10

The problem is not Christians in general; it is the evangelist and fundamentalist Christians who give a bad name to the rest of their religion by attempting to incorporate their narrow (and often evil) agendas into political ones.

And Boeingboy needs to know that most of the founders of our country were NOT Christians! Do your homework, Boeingboy, before making stupid, ignorant statements.

Answer 11

Yes, we founded this country.

Answer 12

They have a right to have their opinion heard...unfortunately most politicians listen...majority rules I'm afraid

Answer 13

Considering that our leaders are for the people and represent the people, and that 80 percent of America is Christian I think we have a right.

Answer 14

Religion and politics should never mix

Answer 15

the scariest blind faith religion involved in politics is the global warming alarmists

they want to destroy capitalism and tax us to death