This article is in response to several comments I’ve seen regarding the tenor of this community as being too political. Personally, I have friends and family members who have been actively involved in politics so it seems natural to me that politics and religion are copacetic, but this may not be so obvious for some. Allow me to explain the question at hand.
What is politics? It is the governance of life, from the use of our taxes, the curricula approved by school boards, our liberties and rights that are voted in, policies that affect what we eat, national security, how we conduct business, to how best to safeguard our natural environment. Simply, politics is life itself: the nitty-gritty of our human experience. Partisanship, is another matter.
Second, how political should we be? It depends on you. Some people prefer to leave these decisions to those who are considered experts or trusted opinion leaders, and prefer to take a back seat in politics, which is absolutely fine. Other people feel very informed about issues, have a deep understanding of the dynamics of power, leadership and governance, and feel that they can be of use to society in a political fashion. Many things determine political involvement from personality, personal experiences, talents and skills, intellectual persuasion and so forth. There isn’t a political type of persona.
Third, should we be involved in politics? Again, it depends on you. Some people feel that they are called to occupy political office to effect change. Others feel that it is their right and responsibility to vote. Still there are some who feel that political actions such as those would interfere with their undivided consecration as a religious person, which is absolutely fine. I know of high-ranking politicians who are faithful Seventh-day Adventists, diligently upholding the moral law of our religious tenets, including Sabbath-keeping and temperance, in corridors of power. On the other extreme, I have friends who don’t know who the current president is of whichever country they reside. Again, there isn’t a rule for everyone.
Fourth, does religion influence politics or vice versa? As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we believe that our identity is first and foremost rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1). We are first called to be Christians (2), recognizing that our citizenship is in heaven (3), and that we are sojourners (4) and pilgrims of this world (5). From this special identity we are to go forth as salt and light (6), being ambassadors of Christ (7), bearing the Three Angels Messages (8), and not conforming to the patterns of this world (9), but calling the faithful to come of out Babylonian systems of corruption to escape the final judgement that is to come upon the world (10). Thereby, our faith influences our political understanding. As Christians our influence by practice and preaching should be to influence the culture and not the other way around. We should thoroughly examine our doctrines and Biblical statutes as the standard of discernment (11) for determining our actions and decisions with a clear ‘thus saith the Lord.’
Fifth, what about separation of church and state? When Israel demanded a king (12), God warned them that following the world’s form of governance would shift them from a theocracy of prophets to humanistic and pagan systems. Later, Jesus came to earth and in His ministry declared firmly that His kingdom was not of this world (13), and He had no intention of instigating a coup d’état against Roman rulership of the day. Until Jesus Christ comes back a second time in His kingly robes, as Bible-believing Christians who understand the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation regarding the statue that Nebuchadnezzar saw (14), we believe that theocracy does not exist now or is possible before Jesus’ Second Coming.
Nevertheless, God is not removed from the politics of the day. On the contrary, if He is concerned with the sparrow (15), so how much more with us? Scripture says He sets kings in their places and removes others (16), lifts the poor man and sits him with princes (17), and through the lives of His faithful leaders like Daniel, Esther and Joseph, He uses political power in favor of His children who keep His Commandments (18). The state shouldn’t determine our religious beliefs, but on the contrary, should respect our religious liberty to practice our faith and adherence to the Great Commission (19). We have the right to share our beliefs publicly without fear of persecution. With regards to the Mark of the Beast to come (20), this should encourage our best efforts to spread the final warning to the world regardless of which political party is in power. I believe in separation of church and state; I don’t believe in separation between God and state, as they will ultimately answer to Him.
Sixth, why are we right-wingers? While I can’t speak for everyone in this community, I will share my personal convictions. First and foremost is the cause for religious liberty (21) which is the core of our identity as last day Christians. This means I would like to pray publicly, go door to door and share religious literature, go to church on Sabbath and live a Christian lifestyle without it being deemed offensive to a secular society. Secularism is a hallmark of left-wing politics and it has no room for how I am called to live out my faith.
Second, is the sanctity of life (22). As a Bible-believing Christian, I believe that life begins at conception and cannot support any political or civil group that supports abortion, even in the cases of incest and rape, because abortion in all Biblical cases, from the death attempts against the births of Moses (23) to Christ (24), is an abomination to God (25). I personally know of incest and rape survivors, and I also know of women who committed abortions and they suffered incomparably more.
Third, is the sanctity of sexuality. As a woman, I believe that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit: I am His possession (26), purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ (27). Sexual promiscuity, perversion and abuse is an abomination to God (28). As a survivor of sexual abuse, I greatly empathize with other victims and strongly encourage counselling and support. You can read my testimony on this site. As a Christian survivor, it is my duty to speak out against the worst evil by advocating for the emancipation of those trapped in human sex trafficking which is the biggest form of slavery (29) that exists in the world today. This specific cause is completely neglected by the political left.
Fourth, I believe in the importance of male headship or patriarchy (30). As a woman, my Biblical calling is to submit to male headship, as the church is called to submit to the headship of Christ (31). This is not just in religious matters but in political matters as well. I strongly believe that male headship safeguards a woman’s purity, modesty and femininity (32). Men aren’t called to understand women but to protect them regardless (33 & 34). While there are a few female exceptions like Deborah in the Bible, it is not only anomalous but never advocated to be the norm; this cannot be used to justify the re-ordering of gender roles. This is not an impassioned argument; it is the biology of how men and women were created by God (35). Male headship or patriarchy is not only God’s design since the garden of Eden (36), but hierarchy maintains social order and accountability (37). To support any notion that women should lead men would be a direct attack against the headship of Christ over the church (38) and His sovereignty over the worlds and universe (39). Patriarchy and divine lordship are mutually inclusive and indivisible by natural law.
The fifth reason is safety and morality. While morality cannot be legislated, as a woman I would like to live in a safe place where I can go wherever I want without fear of harm or danger. Immorality is a safety issue, and the increase of drugs, alcoholism and spiritualism is the greatest danger to women as it leaves them vulnerable. Similarly, the increase of illegal weapons, gangs and cartels, sex offenders and violent criminals that are released back into the community is a public safety issue that affects women the most. Thereby it is only reasonable to believe in the importance of supporting our police, law enforcement, national security and military, and the right to self-defense (40). In self-defense, I’m including spiritual warfare, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood (41). A society that welcomes spiritualism, witchcraft and occult is a threat to Christianity (42).
Lastly, money isn’t everything, but I would like to live in a financially stable economy whereby I can have more resources to be a blessing to others (43). It’s not to amass wealth in this world, but to be able to invest more in the kingdom to come (44) by supporting ministries around the world and other philanthropic community services at home. This requires money. When the economy suffers, little good can be done for those who need it the most. Thereby, robust fiscal policies that support economic growth are crucial to be able to give generously to the cause of Christ. These are my non-negotiables when discussing politics because the Bible is extremely clear (see my references below). To be contrary would be a violation of my conscience. All these are the heart of conservative politics.
Seventh, what about race and minorities? I believe my previous articles have talked about race extensively. But in the context of politics let’s get our priorities straight. If religion comes first, then our values as expressed by our choices come second, and racial affiliation comes last. While race determines that a unique set of experiences may happen to certain groups of people, humanity is shared by all. If we can all agree that there are issues that cut across all racial groups such as I already discussed - life, liberty, security, economy, social stability and morality - then we would see all racial groups thrive: a win-win. As I stated in my first article, I do not believe racism can be expunged using political power, it is only through religious revival and reformation by the power of the Holy Spirit (45). It is not the result of re-writing history or prophecy, or force-feeding social justice and radicalism, as I have stated previously. In the case of abuse of power, whether it’s domestic violence or racial violence, there needs to be healing and reconciliation (46). And yes, I do believe much more needs to be done to assist our most vulnerable populations (47) such as: the homeless, prisoners of war, refugees, orphans, persons with disabilities and those struggling with mental health. But this can only take place in a community that is safe and secure. Which brings us back to the heart of right-wing politics.
Seven is a good place to end. I think it is naive to believe that we can remain neutral in such a political environment. We all lean one way left or right and the moderate center seems to be fading quickly.
Personally, I have no political aspirations. My calling is to use my voice to share the good news of Jesus Christ to hasten His coming. Let’s keep a couple things in mind as we progress into this political season. One, let’s not allow politics to divide us further. There’s no reason to stop talking to so-and-so, start name-calling, cancelling or labeling. We are all made in the image of God, and we can respect differences of opinions without being so extra. Two, let’s stop hero worship. We can and should investigate political people to stay informed and act according to personal convictions, but it ends there. We should not be looking for a Savior of the World because we already have One. Jesus Christ is King of kings, let’s not dishonor Him by idolatrous hero-worship.
Lastly, politics will come and go. As Paul said, these are temporal issues, but we seek that which is eternal (48). Let’s keep heavenly focused in all we do and say, and we will not lose our way.
Until next time, see you at the rodeo!
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Liza Ngenye is a third generation Adventist living in Southern California. Her personal writing ministry primarily focuses on issues of spiritualism, sexuality and race. You can contact her by email: lizangenye@gmail.com
Post Notes: Bible References:
(1) John 3:16, (2) 1 Peter 2:9, (3) Philippians 3:20 (4) Hebrew 11:9,13-16 (5) Psalms 84:5 (6) Matthew 5:13-16 (7) 2 Corinthians 5:20 (8) Revelation 14:6-12 (9) Romans 12:2 (10) Revelation 18:1-4 (11) 1 John 4:1 (12) 1 Samuel 8 (13) John 18:36 (14) Daniel 2 (15) Matthew 6:25-34 (16) Daniel 2:21 (17) 1 Samuel 2:8 & Psalm 113:7-8 (18) Numbers 23 (19) Matthew 28:19,20 (20) Revelation 16 (21) Revelation 14:7 (22) Psalm 139:13-16 (23) Exodus 1:15-22 (24) Matthew 2:13-15 (25) Leviticus 18:21 & Deuteronomy 12:31 (26) 1 Corinthians 6:19 (27) 1 Corinthians 6:20 (28) 1 Corinthians 6: 9,18, Romans 1 & Revelation 18:13 (29) Isaiah 61:1, Proverbs 31:8,9 & Isaiah 58:6-7 (30) 1 Corinthians 11:3 (31) Ephesians 5:23-32 (32) 1 Peter 3:1-7 (33) Judges 15 & Judges 20 (34) Genesis 34 (35) Genesis 2:20-24 (36) Genesis 3:16 (37) 1 Corinthians 14:33 (38) Ephesians 1:22 (39) Colossians 1:16-20 (40) 1 Samuel 25:13, Luke 11:21, Exodus 22:2-3, Psalms 82:4, Romans 13:1-7, Proverbs 24:11, Psalms 144:1, Nehemiah 4:17-18, Esther 8:11 & Numbers 1:3 (41) Ephesians 6:10-20, James 4:7 & Revelation 12:7-9 (42) Deuteronomy 18:9-13 (43) Acts 20:35 (44) Matthew 6:19-21 (45) Acts 10 (46) Ephesians 4:1-6 (47) James 1:27 (48) 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.