They want Christian voters to think differently.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention recently unveiled a comprehensive guide aimed at assisting Christians in navigating the complexities of political engagement, especially amidst the backdrop of a contentious presidential election year. Authored by Andrew Walker, who serves as an assistant professor of ethics and apologetics at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is affiliated with the ERLC Research Institute, the guide titled “The Nations Belong to God: A Christian Guide for Political Engagement” offers a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between faith and politics.
Walker underscores the profound truth that the realm of politics exists within the overarching sovereignty of God, emphasizing that the ultimate allegiance of Christians is not to earthly leaders but to the divine authority. The guide seeks to equip believers with a strategic approach to engagement, grounded in the foundational understanding that all nations are under the jurisdiction of God.
Miles Mullin, the vice president and director of research at ERLC, expressed the commission’s commitment to supporting churches in navigating the multifaceted issues arising from political discourse. The guide, structured in a catechism format, addresses pertinent questions such as the nature of politics, the relationship between church and state, and the concept of justice, providing concise answers followed by insightful commentaries.
One of the guide’s central themes is the call for Christians to engage in political matters beyond mere voting, advocating for active participation at all levels of governance while upholding biblical principles and demonstrating love for neighbors. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing wisdom, justice, and righteousness for the common good, recognizing the divine order that governs the world.
While acknowledging the absence of a specific blueprint for an ideal governmental structure in Scripture, Walker highlights the imperative for governance to align with God’s moral law to avoid devolving into chaos. The guide cautions against state endorsement of a particular religion, emphasizing the need for a clear separation between governmental and religious spheres to safeguard against the dilution of Christian identity.
Furthermore, the guide encourages Christians to temper their expectations regarding political outcomes, reminding them of the transient nature of earthly governance and the ultimate sovereignty of Christ. Mullin reiterated the guide’s intent to serve as a comprehensive framework for biblical reflection on political engagement, transcending individual elections to foster enduring civic involvement rooted in Christian convictions.
Amidst heightened political polarization, the guide underscores the importance of maintaining a prophetic patriotism—a love for country tempered by a commitment to higher spiritual values and a recognition of national shortcomings. Ultimately, it calls Christians to prioritize their allegiance to Christ above all else, guiding their actions and attitudes in the political arena with a focus on honoring God and serving humanity.