Politics and Religion

 

"Never talk politics or religion." I don't know who said it, but this quote has been used for as long as I can remember to silence people. In fact, I don't think anyone knows who said it. For all we know it could have been Timothy Leary, Saul Alinsky, Joseph Stalin, or some other political radical. Who knows, who cares. Just repeat it, because it is easy, safe and gives us an excuse.

 

In my opinion, this quote is the biggest lie coming directly from Satan since the time he told Eve the fruit would open her eyes and she would be like God. Genesis 3:4-5

⁴ Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Yes, Scripture does warn us about foolish arguments as in the verses I have posted below. Christians love to use these verses as their excuse to not be involved in politics, or to have to state their opinion on almost any matter. But when they use these verses in this way, they are taking them out of context. 

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ¹⁰ A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; ¹¹ Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. 
~Titus 3: 9 - 11

And this one:

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.         ²⁴And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,                                                                                                                              ²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  ~2 Timothy 2: 23 - 25

Paul warned both Titus and Timothy to stay out of foolish arguments, or discussions that would never go anywhere. But that doesn't mean we are to bow out of discussions; or ignore difficult verses in the Bible that may be hard to understand or that may be controversial. To ignore such verses would be the height of foolishness, and contrary to what Scripture tells us elsewhere. For example:

• "Study to show thy selves approved." 2 Timothy 2:15;
• "Declare the full counsel of the word of God." Acts 20:27 and Acts: 20:20;
• "There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors." Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 20: 18 and Proverbs 24:6.

The instruction in the verses in Proverbs, particularly, show discussion is beneficial. One learns in open discussion, because several points can be made that one may not have been otherwise considered - points that will be brought to light in conversation.

Paul gave the admonishment in Titus due to false teachers basing their heresies on genealogies and speculations about the law. He gave the same instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy: 3-4. Paul had to speak to this problem because there were false doctrines causing divisions within the church that threatened correct teaching. He wanted to prevent the possibility of a split among new Christians. His words, of course, are relevant today as well. We are warned to avoid false doctrine. The truth is and what Paul was concerned with was there could be more problems that arise by the discussion or publicity of an untruth. Further, as noted in the Jamieson/Fausset Commentary, his concern was about "making the works of the law required for justification in opposition to the Gospel of grace".  This was something that was occurring at that time.

 

But this Verse was certainly not intended to avoid talking about the Word of God at all; or even about politics or civic duty.

Jesus spoke about things that may be considered "political" today, i.e. civic duty and even morality. Jesus told us to pay our taxes. He condemned the sin, while loving the sinner. He simply didn't argue about it after his point was made. But He certainly never told us to be silent. Quite the contrary, He told us to go to all nations: Mark 16: 15; and Matthew 28:19 among others. He commanded us in civic duty as in Matthew 17:27 and Matthew 22:21. And there are countless other Bible verses that tell us to obey civil governments and leaders: Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13, etc. There is certainly nothing wrong in discussing civic duty in order to bring about a better awareness. And Jesus never chastised anyone for that, nor do I believe He intended that to be considered a problem.

Are we not to imitate Jesus as much as possible? Civic duty and discussion is extremely important in any society. It is a "cop out" to use this verse to avoid responsibility.

Rather, Paul in his instruction to Timothy and Titus (and to us!) was speaking with regard to unimportant details or even "godless chatter" as the commentary in the Life Application Bible refers to it. He wasn't telling us to refrain from civil discourse, or Bible studies.

Again, the admonishment in both Timothy and Titus was due to false teachers spreading false doctrine in the church and causing divide. Another verse often cited is 1 Timothy 6:3-5, but this verse is, in fact, about using the church for financial gain. It had nothing to do with politics. And it was certainly not meant to prevent civil discourse.

It is extremely disheartening to see people take these verses out of context to make a point that in itself is a political point. Don't kid yourself; your silence is making a statement loud and clear. And our opponents win by our silence. Please be sure that that is the statement you want to make and that you are not simply caving to someone's political agenda by trying to shame you into silence.