Politics: Is there space for faith?
In light of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s hit back at UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s announced asylum seeker plan, we’re left asking: do faith and politics mix, or should they be kept separate?
SAY IT LOUDER
Free speech is one of the hallmarks of democracy. Although we don’t agree with everyone, diversity of opinion is often celebrated because it typifies the ability to think for and express ourselves.
The age of information has given way to a side of free speech, however, that quite often causes a stir.
We expect news outlets and personal social media accounts to propagate all manner of stories and comments, but what happens when people of faith take a leading edge in commenting on national politics?
On Easter Sunday, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, used his address to speak directly against UK government plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, thousands of miles from the origin of where they’ve escaped. It certainly defied expectations of a traditional look at the Easter story.
In a bold move, he shared his perspective openly, saying these plans would be ‘subcontracting our responsibilities’ and, in principle, the solution offered by politicians is ‘the opposite of the nature of God’.
Accused readily of left-wing lobbying, the Archbishop has come under fire from all kinds of angles.
Although secular major organisations like Amnesty International have spoken out against the plans, is there a problem when politics and faith become entangled?
FAITH IN POLITICS
In cases of humanitarian disaster, it might be deemed foolish if a leader of Christian repute, like Justin Welby, remained silent given his influence. Since justice and responsibility are central to faith, caring for poor and disenfranchised people will always find its way onto the agenda of those professing faith in the public sphere.
‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8 NIV).
‘It cannot carry the weight of our national responsibility as a country formed by Christian values’
Perhaps the problem occurs when we come against issues that split the crowd, rather than those we can agree on?
In sensitive matters or dividing topics, many would be uncomfortable with significant voices of any faith having an impact on policies and outcomes which in turn shape the trajectory of an entire nation.
There are countless examples of countries that have been led with faith and politics intertwined where at best there is constant in-fighting, and at worst, the nation is under a regime that removes freedoms and human rights.
Reflecting on history, it’s easy to fear polarised examples of faith mixing with politics, yet true faith offers us some instruction, ‘Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.’ (Proverbs 14:34 NLT).
LOVE IS A VERB
Rather than one right way existing to make a decision or lead a nation, faith emphasises pursuing God’s way.
More than a strategy for government or a one size fits all approach, God’s way is much more about learning to trust that He epitomises the wisdom we need. We are not ‘Godly’ by our political affiliation or voting card.
The complexity that we perhaps don’t consider is that any prominent voice or governing group each have their own worldviews and agendas that may be unseen.
Like any of us, they live from a set of values and a certain view of the world based on nurture and experience. We all have faith in something or someone.
We hope decisions that impact law are made with the best interests of the people at heart, but we can never be certain of the motivations behind this, which can be unnerving.
It’s here again that we have to rely on something greater than political insight or ideology alone.
In the New Testament of the Bible, we are offered clear encouragement, ‘Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.’ (1 Peter 4:8 NLT).
True faith, not just iterations of views on pertinent topics, is based on learning to show love to one another. Extending love in this way is reliant on us first understanding God’s never-ending love towards us.
It helps us to have empathy and to listen, even if we don’t see eye-to-eye. It also causes us to speak up and stand for what is right. We are willing to hear views on something that differs from our own and still show genuine respect and not just lip service.
Equally, love means being willing to risk reputation and be misunderstood to stand for a cause that you are compelled to back.
Because the Christian faith is often viewed as outdated and irrelevant to society today, its place in politics is questioned.
But, while people of faith would differ on how much it should mix with politics, all would agree that the central message of love, forgiveness, justice and mercy, as shown through the life of Jesus, should be the driver of all we do.
It’s impossible to have a government that fully represents the needs and desires of everyone. We need greater wisdom and understanding to do better. That’s where faith can come in and offer us change, beckoning us to put aside our preferences and work together for the greater good.
WORDS BY
Rachel Calland
