Christ's Kingdom and Politics!

Recently my son told me he thought I was being too “political” with my Facebook posts. He said I might want to “roll back all that political stuff” I have been posting.

Okay I get it. Some of these political posts on Facebook are in fact obnoxious and irritating, especially those superficial overly simplistic memes. Most reveal just enough truth to make them appear credible. Most are at best distorted truth.

So here’s my take on politics in the social media:

First, politics is the way we humans order and organize our societies. Ideally such organization is for the Common Good. It’s the way we live together as a society in spite of our differences. Politics in the United States represent the agreed upon social arrangements that support our desired way of life.

Second, politics is not something we can totally avoid. It effects each of us in ways we are not always aware. Politics is like a computer operating system that operates in the background yet plays a crucial role in shaping our preferred way of life. 

Third, since politics is a very human endeavor it is fraught with the possibilities for abuse and corruption. This is why it is important for everyone to be politically engaged to some extent. Sticking one’s head in the sand as if politics is strictly a private matter is what those in power want us to do. They win. We lose.

Fourth, opinions on how we order and organize our society may differ from one person to the next or from one people group to the next or from one nation to the next. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all political system. Yet this does not mean that we do not share in some political commonalities.

Fifth, and this is where my Facebook posts relate: For Democracy to really work well citizens must be actively engaged in some informed political conversation. The operative word is of course “informed.” Our politics do matter! Not as a means to control or manipulate or brow beat those who disagree with us or become involved in senseless name calling and scapegoating, but as a way to find some common ground for the Common Good. This would be the ideal objective of course.

But there is another side of politics that is far too often ignored or rejected out of hand. Any conversation concerning politics from the Christian perspective that is, must involve the politics of Christ’s kingdom. 

Now this does not diminish the importance of human intelligence, ingenuity, and creativity in building political systems that are generative and just. But human effort alone is not enough. Human nature such as it is will often slide into the dark side of politics and political systems and become self-serving for small portions of the demographic: the ruling elites.

Jesus was not opposed to politics. 

He simply redefined politics from a kingdom perspective. 

When Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews his response is telling (John 18): 

“My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

Now to fully understand what Jesus meant by this statement it is important for the reader to understand that Jesus’ politics were grounded in the reality of Divine love (agape). 

If electricity delivers the necessary energy for this laptop to operate so I can write this post then likewise God’s love (agape) provides the necessary energy to drive Christ’s kingdom here on earth.

Let me put it as plainly as I possibly can: 

Human politics and Christ’s politics are driven by two very different operating systems. One is driven by human systems alone while the other is driven by the self-sacrificing love of God.

When Jesus told Pilate that if his kingdom were of this world then his followers would lead a revolt to free him he was in effect saying: 

“Politics in my Father’s kingdom operate on a whole different level.”

Sometimes we get glimpses of Christ’s kingdom politics in human political systems. For example:

When we see politicians advocating economic justice for everyone, or when we see policies or bills that intend to level the playing field for all citizens (justice), we then get a glimpse of Christ’s kingdom politics. When we witness acts of justice driven not by greed or self-interest but rather by the Common Good we get a glimpse of Christ’s kingdom politics in action.

So it is literally impossible for the Christian not to talk about politics, but a politics whose origin and energy come from a much different Source. 

I cannot “not talk about” politics as if the subject falls within the domain of one’s private opinion. When this happens the powers that be are happy.

Talk about your politics but do so respectfully and from an informed perspective. Politics is not just a matter of personal opinion although much of what is posted on social media outlets fits that description.

Engage the process from the perspective of your faith in Christ’s kingdom. This will subvert the ruling powers just as Jesus subverted the Roman powers that ruled in his day.