Expert: Sal - 11/4/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I pose this question toward the catholic religion because it is in the forefront as far as christian religions are concerned, being one of the oldest formed. But certainly pretty much all of today's professed christian religions, might want to ask themselves this question too. So as to find the answer for their own benefit.

? In the bible at John 17:16 Jesus said about his followers, that they would be no part of the world, just as he was no part of the world. Now taking a look at Jesus life according to the many accounts in the Holy Bible, we see that Jesus never endorsed any political power while here on earth. He was always neutral on the matter. Hence "no part of the world". So that being the case why is it that those of the catholic faith along with so many other "christian" religions of today are so involved in the political arena? Rather should they not follow Jesus example and not get involved in the world that is" lying in the power of the wicked one" 1 John 5:19, and is "passing away" 1 John 2:15 ?       
Answer -
Dear J.I.F:

Jesus' statement in John 17 does not indicate that Christians should not be involved in politics. “They (the disciples) are not of the world, any more than I belong to the world” (v. 16). The “world” is a way to refer to the earthly system that is dominated by Satan.  The disciples are not part of this system of unbelief. They are not taken out of the world, but are sent into it to transform it. “As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18).

Was Jesus always neutral in the matter of politics? I don't believe so. In his day politics and religion were intertwined. The two big political parties of the Jews were the Sadducees and the Pharisees. While Jesus did not support either political party, he certainly was not neutral. He rebuked the Sadducee party for their opposition to the resurrection (see Matthew 22:23-33). He exposed the party of the Pharisees as frauds and hypocrites (see Matthew 23:13-35).

Christians get involved in the political arena because it is where one can potentially have a big impact on society. Christians must try to help the least of society. “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Thanks for the question.

God Bless You,
Sal  

Sal:

In your reply you say that the "world" refers to the earthly system that is dominated by Satan. If that does not inclued the governmental or political part of this world we live in , what does it? Lest we forget,
1 John 5:19 "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one."

Further, you said Jesus rebuked some of the existing political parties, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Those religious leaders of that time were corrupt oppressors of the people. Jesus as "king of kings and lord of lord's" had every right to show his disdain concerning them. All the more, shouldn't that give us a good basis to go by. When it comes to corrupt rulership, which ALL, I repeat ALL, manmade government is, no matter how you slice it. Shouldn't we follow Jesus example, no not by fueling the fire, as it were, by being involved in the futile endevor of putting another corrupt political leader in office, whatever party he may be with. Rather wouldn't a true follower of Christ Jesus be involved in endorsing the all important Kingdom or rulership of God, the perfect and permanent solution to all of man's woe's, which rulership incidently "is not of this world" John 18:36. Jusus would, the fact's show he did just so, to his last breath.  

Answer
Dear J.I.F:

Just because the world is dominated by evil does not give a Christian the right to say, "Just forget it. Let's not try to help fellow sinful humans." We have to try and convert the world to Christ not just stay out of politics which offers a good opportunity for Christians to influence society. By getting involved in politics Christians are endorsing the Kingdom of God. By bringing a Christian view and conscience before the world we reminded man of how far he is drifting from God. We in no way can turn our backs on the world as our Lord certainly never turned his back on the world.

God Bless You,
Sal