Politics and Church

I write this on the eve of the American election. As a Canadian I’ve been concerned that for several months now, night after night, it has been a top news story. My concern is not that we shouldn’t care about our close neighbour to the south, or that we shouldn’t be informed. My concern is that it has taken over so much newsfeed and that the campaign has been so negative, highlighting some of the worst in human nature. That there are likely going to be breakouts of violence and voter intimidation at the polls is almost beyond my understanding in such an established democracy.

The stress that has been created by this heightened and vexatious campaign should not be under-estimated. A psychologist was interviewed today on the CBC talking about how people should handle their anxiety about the election and how to respond should their chosen candidate win or lose. Again, that this is even an enormous concern (which the psychologist suggested it was – people are not sleeping, etc.) is concerning to me.

When the anxiety around this election extends across the border and around the globe, what role does the church play? How does Jesus call us to respond? How do we tackle the topic of politics in a way that honours our learners and their needs, while representing Christ? Think about choosing one or more of the following and tailoring them to the ages and needs of your learners:

1. Share the story of Jesus and the question of paying taxes (Matthew 22:15-22), perhaps even acting it out. Talk about what it means to be a contributing and responsible citizen and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. How are they the same? How are they different? How does/should being a disciple influence how we are citizens in the world?

2. Have an open discussion about what voting means and its importance, perhaps even having a mock vote on something. Who has a vote and can influence what happens in our towns, provinces and country? How might God call us to be more involved than just casting a ballot once every few years? What are ways that people can impact what is going on (i.e. signing petitions, peaceful demonstrations, donating to causes, writing letters to politicians)? What organizations are your learners aware of that work with governments or encourage governments to take better care of the people?

3. Make a point of praying for decision makers and government officials across all political stripes. Remind your learners that these people have a tough job. Get input from your kids and youth on what to pray about, and consider letting your officials know that they are being prayed for by your church. Also pray for those who advocate for the rights of others and do research, reminding governments of the needs of the people and creation.

4. Talk about handling disappointment and times when what learners hoped for didn’t happen. It is hard when the person you support is not elected and when your views don’t seem represented. Children in upper grades and high school have likely experienced this in voting for their student government. It is hard when votes on issues don’t go the way you wanted. What can we do? What should our response be? How does the fruit of the Spirit apply in how we relate to each other and to our leaders? What are life-giving ways of addressing what we believe to be wrongs?

5. Make posters or a mural of all of the things that our governments do for us, locally, provincially and nationally. It could be a bunch of words but pictures (drawings or photos) are better. Educate your learners about the role the government plays and the decisions they make that affect their lives. Give thanks for all the gifts they receive living in a democracy and having governments providing services and leadership.

No matter what the outcome of the US election, there will be incredible disappointment by probably nearly half the population and anxiety about what this new President will do. As followers of Jesus, God still calls us to be light in the midst of what we may perceive as incredible darkness. We have the power to choose how we respond, whether our preferred person wins or not. We can be an influence of hope and healing, trusting in God’s omnipotent power and care for us and the world, or we can encourage slander, despair and ridicule as our fears take over. May we choose the first option, knowing that our learners are watching.