Isaiah 1:17
“…learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)
Seeking justice through political activism as a church is a matter to consider. The fact that neither Jesus nor the Apostles pursued justice through political action may not be construed as a prohibition of such activity. The argument from silence is notoriously weak. Simply because a matter is not mandated in Scripture does not mean we may not do it. Much less does the fact that some activity not reported in Scripture has normative implications – that is, that since neither Jesus nor the Apostles did something can hardly mean that we may not. If biblical silences were mandates, many good things could not be done. For example, church buildings, children’s ministry, theological education and many other things would be ruled out. On the other hand, since they are not forbidden in Scripture, polygamy, slavery, pornography, abortion and a host of other things would be acceptable. Our conscience must be governed by the principles of Scripture, not historical precedent or Scriptural silences.
One possible reason for the early church’s non-involvement in the “political process” might have been the impossibility of it – they could hardly have done anything “political,” living under the rule of totalitarian Rome. Of course, they could have launched a revolution as many attempted. But Christ expressly forbade taking up the sword in his name (Matthew 26:52-53) and his kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
And yet, what a poorer world this would be if Christians had not become involved in the rough-and-tumble of politics to rid the world of slavery and other fundamental social evils. My judgment in the matter is, however, that seeking justice through the political process is better done by Christians as citizens when they live in a society where this activity is possible, rather than by the church. To enter the political arena as a church is hazardous because the chief purposes of the church can be eclipsed or suborned. Besides, neither Christ nor the Apostles gave such a mandate nor gave principles that would demand it. Thus, one way the congregations Christ is currently building differ from the nation God built in the Old Testament, is that the people of God bound together in Christ’s name can be “planted” in any political, economic, or social context. To say that there is not a mandate for the church to always, in every context, take political action in seeking justice does not mean, however, that the church should not, as church, speak out on moral issues that have become imbedded in the political process. For example, the social reformers in England brought about the end of slavery there through direct political action. And the social activists of America today rightly campaign to change the laws concerning abortion. The prophetic voice is not merely permitted, it is demanded. Surely the church should be more than vocal, but active in healing divides and fighting injustice.
But more than seeking justice, the church follows Christ’s example when it seeks to “do good to all.” Ministries of mercy have been largely left to merciful governments – and thank God for merciful governments! But still, to be true to its character and to its Lord, the church itself must reach out to the poor, the grieving, the ill of mind and body, the disadvantaged in education, those trapped in addictions. Some dysfunctions in society require both political and mercy solutions. For example, the church that is active in anti-abortion politicking should surely minister to those with unwanted pregnancies and single mothers.
Injustice in our society is pervasive, the needs almost without limit. No local congregation can even attempt to heal all the hurts. But to shrug off all responsibility is surely not the way of Christ. Wise selection of what societal ills a church should address might be the starting point for the congregation that has done nothing for those outside the walls of the church. But start we must if we are to follow our merciful Lord’s example and commands.