Some Christians believe politics and religion should be separated, with religion focusing on spiritual matters and Christianity judging people based on their treatment of God and neighbors rather than politics. However, other Christians believe religion should be involved in politics to help address issues like poverty. They argue Christianity is a whole way of life and Christians should vote based on religious principles. The Bible also says faith without works is dead, implying religious faith should inspire action and change. Therefore, these Christians believe separating religion from politics means religion is not controlling politics as it should be according to Jesus.

1. POLITICS From a Christian Viewpoint. Some believe in separation and some believe in involvement.

2. 1. Some believe politics and religion should be separated… They believe religion is concerned with the spiritual side of life and not with society. Christians will be judged on how they have loved God and their neighbour – not on their politics. Therefore Christianity is concerned with worship and relationships. Whereas politics is concerned with how society should be governed. And should work according to Christian principles.

3. Mark 12: 14-17 … When the disciples asked if it was right to pay taxes to Ceaser, Jesus replied, ‘ Give to Ceaser what is Ceasers and give to God which is God’s. This means keep religion and politics separate!!

4. They ALSO believe this because… St.Paul said that Christians should obey political leader because they have the authority of God. This means God looks after politics and Christians must look after their souls. In a multi-faith society, religion must be kept separate from politics – otherwise there is likely to be conflict.

5. Some Christians believe in the involvement of politics… One main reason is in response to the problem of world poverty. Christians feel they must help work to end world debt and end suffering. They can only achieve this if they are involved in politics. Also they feel that Christianity is a whole way of life and it is impossible to separate Christianity from politics. They feel Christians should decide who to vote for on the basis of Christian principles.

6. They believe this because… ‘… faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.’ Mt 6:24 This means that religious faith must be revealed through action. You must show that you truly believe in God. Religion is a way of changing people’s situation – Christians must be involved in politics.

7. James 2:14-17 No-one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

8. THIS means… Jesus showed that religion is more important than politics when he threw the money lenders out of the Temple. Jesus showed it is impossible to serve God and money. Meaning religion must CONTROL politics. If you separate religion from politics you are then being controlled by it – this is not on!!!

9. ALSO… The Churches all made statements about how Christians should be involved in helping the suffering, working for peace and sharing the world’s resources. All these require a Christian being involved in politics.

10. EXAM QUESTION!!! Explain the differing Christian attitudes towards politics. (8)

11. ANSWER. Some Christians believe that politics and religion should be separated because religion is to do with spirituality and politics to do with society. Also in the Bible it states that the two should remain separate; ‘ give to Ceasers what is Ceasers and give to God that which is God’s. However, some Christians believe religion should be involved with politics because there are many world issues which need solving and Christianity must play a part in the decision making. Also in the Bible it states ‘you cannot serve both God and money’ ( Jesus turned the money lenders out of the Temple) This means if you deny political thought you are in turn being controlled by politics and this is unacceptable. Also it is impossible to say you believe in God if you do not do anything about it! Politics is a way of changing people’s lives and so Christians must follow religious principles.