Cape Argus E-dition

Should churches be politically active?

PASTORS and Christian leaders have allowed their interest in politics to subvert them from preaching the glory of God.

With the voting open for elections I have noticed a rise in pastors who have become involved in politics.

I may be keen on politics especially in South Africa and I am also keenly aware that my interest in politics must not overshadow my interest in the Gospel. I believe many pastors and Christian leaders have allowed their interest in politics to subvert them from preaching the glory of God and the grace that flows from the cross of our Saviour.

I think Satan would gladly give Christians a victory at the polls on election day if it would mean a great many would no longer listen to the proclamation of the good news of Jesus.

Or to put it the other way around, I think we should be happy to lose every political battle if it means we win more men and women over to a genuine obedience of faith to our Lord and Saviour. We should sacrifice all to the Gospel.

I am not naïve. Political and cultural issues do affect the proclamation of the Gospel.

I am also aware political decisions do give direction to cultural trends. Furthermore, the Biblical doctrine of common grace means Christians should actively work to bring betterment to human society.

We do know that issues like abortion reflect upon the value that is placed on human life.

Issues surrounding sexuality and sexual identity do have implications on everything from marriage to the structure of a better society.

But my point is that if we achieve a better society but lose Gospel influence, we have lost the greatest part of what God expects of us as pastors to do in this community.

If as a pastor you chose to engage in the “political realm” in your individual capacity, does this not tie your entire church as an organisation to a political candidate and does it not take away the right of a church member because he does not stand for politics or what that party believes in?

My point is simple: Authority at the end of the day is God’s. Jesus said: “His kingdom is not of this world.”

He acknowledged Caesar’s place in this world, commanding his followers to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s while still recognising God as the ultimate authority of the universe. Matthew 22:20.

SHARLIN MOODLEY | Pietermaritzburg

METRO

en-za

2021-10-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/281702617908003

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