Christianity is a holistic message with implications for all areas of life. The Bible is very clear that it’s God who puts the rulers on the thrones. However, politics is a tricky business, and there are others with ulterior motives. Some believe that mixing Christianity and politics is killing the Church.
So, how does Christianity affect politics? Read on to find out.
1. Christian Democracy
Christian democracy has its roots in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The concept was authoritatively laid down by Pope Leo XIII in his Encyclical. It claims that real faith is best realized through a combination of pluralist politics and Christian social principles.
Christian democracy became a popular ideology after the end of World War 2. Many experts believe that Christian values and Christian democracy are not the past but the future. As such, the Church must be credited with a watchful care over all classes of society.
For many Christians, democracy demands a standard of unprecedented “moral” considerations. The political left has tended to focus on capitalism, but Christian democracy must become assertive again.
2. Christian Communism
Christian communism is a form of religious communism based on Christianity.
Communism emerged in history as a sworn and bitter enemy of Christianity. Communism, as a philosophical system, denies the existence of God. However, Christianity and communism have nearly similar spiritually and ideologically.
Until it became distorted in the 19th century, communism was Christian. The communist ideal continued to be put forward as a religious, millennial doctrine. Christian communism is based on a materialistic and humanistic view of politics. It challenges us to invite all Christian forces for action. The difference though, is that Christians are voluntarily charitable.
For many Christians, communism has shown up in politics under the guise of “liberation theology.” In practice, no less than in theory, communism is incompatible with Christianity.
3. Christian Socialism
Socialism is a political system in which all property is owned and controlled by the state. It started as a movement in the 19th century by Protestants in Europe, especially Britain. The doctrine generally refers to people on the Christian left whose beliefs are both Christian and socialist.
Imagine if your data that you input online through technology will be used by the government without you knowing and not including it in the actual policies. It can also refer to any governance structure that combines socialism’s objectives with the teachings of Christianity. Christian socialism does not propose an economic doctrine or a program of reform. Instead, it’s a culturally variable ideology inhabiting the top of the LibLeft quadrant.
According to the socialist view, individuals do not live or work in isolation but live in a social environment. Therefore, it tries to do from without what can only come from within.
4. Christian Anarchism
A Christian anarchist is a person who follows the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
The early Christians shared their money and labor equally and fairly among the members. It is grounded in the belief that there is only one source of authority. It is also non-violent and pacifist.
In the pacifist tradition, Leon Tolstoy is regarded as an important proponent. There are many other proponents, such as Jacques Ellul, Vernard Eller, and Dave Andrews. Tolstoy’s Christian anarchism was a war on both Church and state.
The Sermon on the Mount is also used as the basis for Christian anarchism.
Christian anarchism argues that the best response to violence and injustice is the removal of central authority. The Christian anarchist also believes in “the abolition of church and state.”
5. Christian Libertarianism
Libertarianism is the idea that authorities should allow complete freedom. Liberalism and libertarianism have deep roots in Western thought. On the other hand, Christianity and libertarianism complement each other in many ways.
Christian libertarianism is a doctrine that studies Christian beliefs, free will, and human nature. Its supporters believe that it’s the most consistent expression of Christian political thought. They argue that even a “good” government empowered to enforce Christian ideals can become rogue. They also warm to the libertarian idea that taxation is theft. On the other hand, Christian libertarianism tends to be liberal on cultural and moral issues.
Christian libertarianism is the view that mature individuals are permitted total liberty under God’s law. Therefore, Christian libertarianism includes a range of theories seeking to roll back collectivism.
Its abandonment of traditional social categories is regarded as a threat to Western civilization.
Conclusion
As Christians in today’s complicated world, it’s easy to get caught up in all the political fervor. Therefore, you will inevitably encounter tensions between your faith and politics.
