What is your worldview? ... whether you realize it or not, your worldview is the unseen rudder that guides the views and opinions you develop about everything from religion to politics, education to economics.  It is important that you are clear and deliberate about the worldview you possess and ensure it is a Biblical one rather than a collection of the many influences in your life. If you are not familiar with the term, here is a good working definition from Norman Geisler:

A way of viewing or interpreting all of reality. It is an interpretive framework through which or by which one makes sense of the data of life and the world.

In the same way you must ask the hard questions when seeking a professional counselor to ensure that a "Christian counselor" actually counsels from a biblical perspective, we must ensure that being Christian is aligned with thinking biblically.  So what constitutes a biblically informed and Christian view of politics?

First of all, we need to understand that democracy is a wonderful gift from God, we enjoy the fruits of this political system and I believe it is the best man-made system in the world.  But, as Chuck Colsen said, "democracy is not prescribed in the Bible."  For that matter, there is not a specific political 'system' that is prescribed. But here is a short definition of 'Christian Politics' from author David Noebel:

Insisting with moral persuasion, personal example, and Christian participation that government conforms to a model of leadership focused on the proper rule of government (see the last blog for details).

Next - because the Bible says we were created in the image of God, people experience the best possible 'standard of living' when we value and work toward a community that reflects the character of God.  Therefore, a Christian view of politics and involvement is two fold:

1.  It holds a view of the Law that says man’s laws should reflect the character of God as revealed in the Bible.

2.  Our political positions must be determined by rightly applying specific moral and ethical aspects of God’s character to public policy. 

There is a lot that is written on this subject, but here is a short summary of the critical items necessary for a distinctively biblical and Christian view of politics:

1. We must understand that God created man ‘in His image.”  Therefore, God’s design for our social structure is that it reflects His character. 

2. We must pursue a social order that reflects the essential characteristics of God’s character (His holiness, justice, love, mercy and truth) because that is what is best for everyone (whether Christian or otherwise).  This is not “evangelism” … it is a service to everyone to work for a social structure that is in everyone’s best interest.

3. We must be honest about the true nature of people.  Man’s fall into sin means that on the right day, every one us will put personal, selfish interests ahead of obedience to God or even benevolent service to the good of all.  People are not essentially good but are – at core – basically sinful.

4.  All people are valuable to God as demonstrated by the incarnation and sacrificial, atoning death of Jesus.  Therefore, the rights of all are to be protected and preserved. Since the ‘haves’ are most typically able to fight for themselves, the focus of our public policy is more often on caring for those who cannot fight for themselves.

5. At the last judgment, we will give an account to God for our actions in this life.  We must take our positions and actions carefully because there will be a time when each one of us is called to step forward and give an account.  This truth should hold personal agendas, political correctness or expediency in check.

Next blog: What is a Christian’s responsibility toward political involvement?