When Politics Becomes Religion
"Do not turn to idols or make gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:4
Soon, we are all going to know who the next President of the United States will be. Over the course of 2024, people have been spammed by mass text message campaigns encouraging voting, watched endless commercials of candidates attacking the opposition, seen political billboards on the daily drive to work, received hundreds of robocalls, and been subjected to endless political ads on Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube. It’s fair to say that everyone is exhausted…
Or are we really exhausted? It is expected that almost $16 billion will be spent on this election, far surpassing any past election. More than 67 million people watched the latest presidential debate, and 43 million people watched the vice-presidential debate. Early voting has smashed records, and total voter turnout will likely be at or above records. We may complain to our colleagues, friends, and family that we are done with this election, but the reality is that we can’t get enough of it.
Regardless of who becomes the next president, Jesus is still king.
People work politics into their daily routine, perhaps spending 15-30 minutes every day reading the news or studying issues. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people are attending political rallies across the country. Many give money to the political party of their choice. More than ever before, people will go knock on doors, volunteer for their politician of choice, post on social media, or otherwise publicly advocate for their cause.
In fact, people are willing to go even further…family members are exiled, friendships are broken, and marriages are destroyed - all because of politics. Politics of the past used to be about electing representatives to advance policy, bring local issues to light, and run the government. Today, politics is focused on “destroying” our political opponents.
This step change in political activity is not surprising. There is a crisis of meaning and purpose caused by a mass exodus from religion. Politics appears to offer meaning and purpose, but it is a facade. “Helping” people through policy, “protecting” rights with legislation, “saving democracy” by electing a particular person are all slogans designed to illicit an emotional response by calling you to a “higher purpose.” Today, politics is indistinguishable from any other religion.
The truth is that the best way to help, protect, and save is to help, protect, and save people right in front of you - politicians not required. As Christians, there is only one true faith, and this faith must come first, before anything else. No politician, issue, or political party can come before God. The first commandment states that “thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). In other words, being a Republican or a Democrat cannot come before being a Christian.
Yet, many Christian leaders fall into this trap. Sermons turn into political speeches. Pastors turn into campaign surrogates. And churches actively promote politicians and political issues. This isn’t to say that Christian principles and political issues don’t align - of course they do - and leaders must correctly and unapologetically educate their congregation on relevant political issues; but when a church turns solely into a political arena, go find another church.
Study the Bible before studying political issues. Give money to those in need before giving to politicians. Advocate for God before advocating for political issues. Attend church before attending political rallies. Doing these things are eternally more important than who becomes president next year.
And regardless of who becomes the next president, Jesus is still king.
Christians have an incredible opportunity today to reflect on Jesus' teachings and consider how they might align with values in politics that prioritize compassion, justice, and support for those in need. Here’s a look at how Democratic policies often connect with the heart of Jesus' message to love, serve, and lift each other up:
HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus famously said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat… I was sick, and you looked after me” (Matthew 25:35-36). He taught us to care for the sick and those in need.
Democratic Policy: Many Democratic policies focus on expanding healthcare access, like the Affordable Care Act, so people don’t suffer or die simply because they can’t afford a doctor. This reflects Jesus’ call to be there for those who are hurting and make sure no one falls through the cracks.
SUPPORT FOR THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus said in Luke 4:18 that He came to “proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” His ministry was dedicated to lifting up those who were forgotten or struggling.
Democratic Policy: Democrats often support policies to reduce poverty and help the working poor, like raising the minimum wage and providing food and housing assistance. These programs aim to give everyone a chance at a decent life, echoing Jesus’ commitment to those who are overlooked and in need.
WELCOMING REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS
Jesus’ Teaching: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Jesus calls us to treat strangers and those in need with love and compassion.
Democratic Policy: The Democratic Party generally supports compassionate immigration policies, including offering protections and a fair path to citizenship for those who come seeking safety and opportunity. This mirrors Jesus’ call to open our hearts and our communities to people who may be different from us but are still children of God.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND CLIMATE ACTION
Biblical Principles: Genesis 2:15 teaches that God entrusted us to “work and take care of” the earth. Jesus also taught us to love our neighbors, and caring for the environment is a way to protect our neighbors from harm.
Democratic Policy: Democrats prioritize climate change and environmental protection because pollution and climate issues often harm the most vulnerable. Protecting God’s creation aligns with the idea that we are caretakers of the earth for each other and for future generations.
EQUALITY AND RACIAL JUSTICE
Jesus’ Teaching: The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Jesus broke down barriers, showing that all people are equal and loved by God.
Democratic Policy: The Democratic Party emphasizes equality and justice for everyone, often supporting policies that address racial discrimination, promote fair treatment in the criminal justice system, and protect marginalized communities. This reflects the belief that everyone is equal in God’s eyes and deserves respect and dignity.
TAX POLICIES TO SUPPORT THE COMMON GOOD
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus taught, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25). While He didn’t talk taxes in detail, He encouraged using wealth to serve others, as in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Democratic Policy: Democrats often push for fair taxation, where wealthier people and large corporations pay their share to help fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure that benefit everyone. This principle reflects Jesus’ call to help the poor and seek a just society where everyone has a chance to thrive.
These values—caring for the sick, supporting the poor, welcoming the stranger, protecting creation, upholding equality, and promoting the common good—are not just policies; they’re foundational to Jesus’ teachings. Aligning with these principles is a powerful way to live out our faith in a way that makes our society more compassionate, fair, and loving, just as Jesus taught us to be.