Reverend Dr Stuart Lange/NZ Christian Network.
As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of both earth and heaven (Matt.22:21, Phil. 3:20). We do well to see our political choices not only from transient earthly perspectives, but also through the perspectives of God’s eternal values as revealed in Christ and the scriptures.
It is complicated, because all political parties tend to have some mix of good and bad. But as Christians we should weigh the policies and promises of various political parties against the standard of biblical principles.
For example, do parties and policies…
– show reflect love, generosity and a desire to significantly help all those who struggle with poverty (1 John 3:17, Prov. 31:9, James 2:15-16), or just want to help those who are already comfortable?
– reflect care for God’s creation, with responsible environmental policies?
– sow division, or make peace (Matt. 5:9, James 3:18)?
– appear driven by ideologies counter to biblical and biological reality?
– express any concern for the inherent value of the life of unborn babies?
– support the extension of euthanasia?
– favour more funding for palliative care?
– want to protect freedoms of religion, conscience and expression?
– support the decriminalisation of drugs?
On some of those matters, parties and candidates can be unwilling to disclose their views. But such issues can ultimately affect our society much more than the ongoing ups and downs of the national economy.
Most of the recent very liberal laws in areas such as abortion, euthanasia, conversion therapy prohibition, and gender came from Private Members Bills, and were only passed because the majority of MPs were unwilling to vote against them. So it is really important to know something about the worldview and moral values of individual candidates. What is their spiritual and moral compass? What do they stand for, and what would they stand up against? We can politely ask them some key questions. And if they decline to answer, we may draw own conclusions.
This article was first published in New Zealand Christian Network News.
