By Leon Bent –
Republic Day is an occasion to ask ourselves whether the values taught by our Founding Fathers are still alive in us. When values weaken in society, use of force takes over…by the government, and-or between citizens themselves.
Unfairness increases in every form, and minorities and the weaker sections of society suffer the most. Violence is another name for oppression. Once barbarity breaks out, there is no limit to the extent it can go. In situations of inter-community, inter-religious or international tensions, one needs to tread carefully, tactfully.
Aggressive language invites aggressive language, provocative vocabulary invites provocative vocabulary. Outrageous language by people in responsible positions is shocking. If things take a bad direction, everyone stands aside helplessly. And yet, this is precisely what seems to be happening.
Pope Francis invites all those at the helm, in politics, economic affairs, media and public institutions to collaborate, to keep ruthlessness at a distance.
Religious motivation provides the sturdiest energies for world peace. If these energies turn in the opposite direction through the misreading or misinterpretation of religious teachings, for self-interest or for any other reason, the consequences can be disastrous. The Supreme Pontiff appeals to leaders of all religions, therefore, to play a dynamic role in guiding their followers on the way of good governance, non-violence and peace (Emeritus Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil).
Power is good. God is powerful and we are made in His image and likeness, therefore, we are power-wielders. Using power as God intended is literally, the purpose of our lives. In Genesis 1:28, God said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.”
Power is necessary; power is productive. Every human act is an exercise of power, and every human endeavour involves the use of power. Parents have authority over their children, and form and shape them into disciplined and mature human beings. Teachers have power over students, and turn them into educated adults. Governments have power over people, and create the possibility of justice and ordered liberty. The ability of human beings to wield power in creative and beautiful ways, accounts for all the accomplishments of human civilization – the arts, the sciences, literature, the building of great cities, the churning out of statesmen, and even the will to live saintly lives.
Unfortunately, during the course of an election campaign, it is common to hear some priests, quip, why, even lay Christians, “I’m just not that interested in politics,” or, “Politics just isn’t my thing.” However, it is not a position Bible-believing, Gospel-loving Christians can or should accept as congruent with Scripture.
The Gospel is a holistic message with implications for all areas of life, including how Christians engage the political process. Here are four reasons Christians should care about politics:
The Christian worldview provides a comprehensive understanding of reality. It speaks to all areas of life, including political engagement. In fact, the Bible speaks about civil government and provides examples of faithful engagement.
• In the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel served in civil government, exerting influence to further the flourishing of their nations.
• In the New Testament, Jesus engaged in holistic ministry, caring for the spiritual and physical needs of people. Feeding the hungry and healing diseases were an outworking and extension of the reconciliatory message of the gospel.
• Paul also advocates this approach: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). And: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Engaging in “good works” should include participating in the political process because of the legitimate and significant role of government. The decisions made by government have a substantial impact on people and the way we interact with them. A Christian worldview should include a political theology that recognizes, every area of life must be included in the “good works” of believers, especially politics, an area with significant real-life implications for people.
Because politics has real-world implications for Christian evangelism, missions and preaching the Gospel, Christians ought to engage the political process by leveraging their rightful authority, advocating for laws and policies that contribute to human flourishing.
Government derives its authority from God to promote good and restrain evil. This mandate is expressly stated in Romans 13:1-7. Elsewhere, Paul urges that prayers be made “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life” (1Timothy 2:1-2). Paul understood the need for Christian participation in government.
Government plays a role in the work of God’s kingdom on earth. A good regime encourages an environment conducive for people living peaceably, whereas a bad government fosters unrest and instability. Because of sin, the legitimate institution of government has, at times, been used illegitimately throughout history. However, numerous examples persist of Christians reasserting their influence and redeeming government to promote good and restrain evil.
This wisdom from the Vatican! “How consoling it is to encourage all of you in this way, and to behold you all responding with docility to our appeal! Venerable Brethren, by your authority and with the enlightened zeal for Church and Fatherland, which so distinguishes you, you will give able support to this peace-making work. We delight in the hope that those who are in power will appreciate our words, which aim at the happiness and prosperity of France” (Au Milieu Des Sollicitudes, Encyclical Of Pope Leo XIII, On The Church And State In France, 16th day of February, 1892, no.31).
Now this final flourish! Carl Henry rightfully stated that Christians should “work through civil authority for the advancement of justice and human good” to provide “critical illumination, personal example, and vocational leadership.” This has been the historic witness of Christians concerned about government promoting good and restraining evil.
Leon Bent is an ex-Seminarian and studied the Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Philosophy, from St. Pius X College, Mumbai. He holds Masters Degree in English Literature and Aesthetics. He has published three Books and have 20 on the anvil. He has two extensively “Researched” Volumes to his name: Hail Full of Grace and Matrimony: The Thousand Faces of Love. He won The Examiner, Silver Pen Award, 2000 for writing on Social Issues, the clincher being a Researched Article on Gypsies in India, published in an issue of the (worldwide circulation) Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, New Delhi. On April, 28, 2018, Leon received the Cardinal Ivan Dias Award for a research paper in Mariology.