Why should Christians get involved?
A consistent trait throughout history is that societies to break down, decay, and eventually disappear. It is also true that a society cannot operate long in a moral vacuum. When people of good conscience fail to influence society with their values, other influences will fill the gap. This has happened in America. In the past one hundred years, most fundamental Christians have left the political arena, considering it "worldly" and outside the legitimate realm of Christian influence.
What have been the results?
Tragic consequences abound: Divorce rates, epidemics in drug and alcohol abuse, the horror of abortion and the widespread acceptance of nearly every form of sexual perversion. We can also add to this list the growing corruption within government itself and the increasingly hostile attitude of the state toward the Church.
Christians need to be involved in the political process in order to have a positive effect on the future of our communities and our nation. It is poor citizenship and poor Christian stewardship to permit this great nation to plunge on toward destruction by default.
Is political involvement Scriptural?
Much is made of the fact that nowhere in the Bible is it mentioned specifically that Christians should participate in politics. The assumption is made that unless the Bible clearly says we should - we should not. However, integrity to Scripture demands that we acknowledge that the Bible nowhere condemns involvement in politics. According to Romans 13:6,7, Paul's view of government was positive, that it is a God-given instrument for the promotion of good and a restraint to evil. I Timothy 2:1-2 records Paul's admonition that we pray for our government leaders. It is a serious mistake to take this passage as only having application to the Sunday morning pastoral prayer. Paul surely meant our prayers for civil leaders should encompass more than a general petition for God's blessing. In Romans 16:23, Paul relates a greeting from Erastus, the city treasurer. Some commentators say that this was an elected position which gave the official responsibility over all public works as well as the city treasury. There is not the slightest indication that Paul considered Erastus outside the will of God.
Politics, in the strict sense, relates to the art of governing. It is doubtful that any Christian would advocate a total absence of government. Of all the people who should hold positions of authority, it should be those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and committed to the absolute authority of Scripture.
What about separation of Church and State?
Our national constitution was not framed with a view toward excluding Christians from civil affairs. Rather, it was written to exclude the formation of a state church or religion. Furthermore, separation of church and state cannot be taken to mean that when a Christian seeks public office he must place his faith into a blind trust. To do so would be to compartmentalize Christianity - separate life into the secular and sacred, which is impossible for the committed Christian.
What does federal law allow churches to do?
For the most part, fundamental churches are recognized by the IRS as non-profit, tax-exempt religious organizations. Within the guidelines for 501(c)3 organizations it is legal for churches to engage in the following activities:
- Voter registration and education. A church may engage in or spend money for non-partisan voter registration and voter education activities, so long as those activities are not intended to benefit any particular candidate or political party.
- Conduct public candidate forums. A church may hold public political forums for the purpose of discussing election issues, debating political or social matters, or hearing several candidates present their views, so long as all viable candidates for that office are invited.
- Introduce candidates at services. The candidate may only be introduced, or invited to deliver a message, lead in prayer, or read Scripture. The candidate may not ask for support or funds to be used in his campaign.
- Circulate petitions and lobby. A church may spend up to twenty percent of its time and annual budget circulating petitions and engaging in other legislative activities, such as lobbying. Such steps are intended to influence the outcome of legislation.
What does federal law prohibit?
Briefly, federal law prohibits 501(c)3 organizations from engaging in activities designed to specifically influence the outcome of elections:
- Establish a political action committee (PAC)
- Contribute to political parties or candidates
- Endorse candidates.
Nothing, however, prohibits individuals in the church (including the pastor) from participation in any of these activities.
