Faith and Politics Part One : Creation and Stewardship What does the Bible say about politics? In one sense, very little. There’s no prescription for a good transport policy, no advice as to whether health care should be provided by the State or the market, no suggestion as to what the best way to set interest rates might be… But politics has been defined as the ‘art of living together in community’ and the Bible is precisely about what it means to be part of God’s people living in God’s world. It sets out His vision for His creation – and for the beings that inhabit it. For our first study we need to look no further than Genesis1 to discover that God’s ‘creation mandate’ demands that we get involved with the world around us and that humankind exercises authority over His creation. This has many implications for the practicalities of politics today.
Read Genesis 1
1. 1: 26, 27 Humans, male and female, are created ‘in the image of God’. We are made in the very image of our mighty Creator – bearing the family likeness. We represent the pinnacle of God’s creation. It is not our size (insignificant) that determines our status but our relationship with Him. As humans we are all significant to God, no matter what value society places on us. Human dignity is conferred on us by God – regardless of our age, health or abilities. Look at Psalm 139 for an indication of His care for us.
2. 1: 26-30
Humans are given dominion over every living creature.
Man and woman are created to be God’s representatives, His stewards over His creation. He gives us the role of dominion that is, in the first place, His own. God’s creation is ordered and we are placed at the head of that order, as His stewards, to look after it. God creates stage by stage and separately. He sees that each individual part of creation is good, and the whole is also good (1:31). Even before sin entered the world, government and order were important parts of God’s world. The universe – including mankind – is intrinsically good (before sin), and not ethically neutral. Even after the Fall, and the entry of sin into the world, creation is good, even though marred, and should be respected and looked after as such.
Discussions and questions Every culture organises itself around an understanding of what it is to be human. Our entire society is based on our assumptions about who we are, why we are here and what we are supposed to be doing here. Consider the views of philosopher Peter Singer. He
believes that chimpanzees share some of the ‘morally relevant characteristics’ of adult humans – self-consciousness, communication, etc – whereas new babies do not. Therefore, he reasons, chimps have a claim on the notion of ‘personhood’ and very young babies do not.
How does our society see human beings today? Who are we, why are we here and what are we supposed to be doing here? What does Genesis 1 say about what it means to be truly human? How does this differ from widely held secular views? What are the practical implications?
The command to fill and subdue the earth has been called the ‘Cultural Commission’ – a commission that goes beyond personal conversion and requires us to develop an entire worldview. This faith encompasses every part of life and every aspect of the world. Every one of us is to participate in the task of stewardship.
If we are given stewardship over God’s earth, what should our attitude be to the world around us? What about environmental issues? What about financial issues?
Politics and the exercise of political authority in our world is an extension of God’s stewardship mandate – but with authority comes accountability. Ideally, politicians should understand that human beings are created in the image of God and have a responsibility to be good stewards of God’s creation. It also means that as Christians living in a democracy, we need to think carefully about the representatives that we elect to carry out practical policies on our behalf, and to represent our local and individual interests. We have a responsibility to choose good stewards for God’s earth. We should not simply cast our vote at random, but find out about our candidates’ beliefs on a whole range of issues. In view of this, how should the Government be conducting its policies in education, the running of the economy, employment and benefits, health, old people and unborn children or prisons? Have you thought carefully about your vote? Do you know who your MP is? Do you ever follow what he or she does in Parliament or the constituency? If you are considering voting for or against him or her at the election, have you taken the time to find out whether he or she has represented your constituency well?
Prayer In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, the Bible tells us to pray for those in authority. Spend some time doing that now, before you close. For further prayer points please see our Election Prayer Guide.
CARE Bible Study for Make the Cross Count 2010 CARE 53 Romney Street London SW1P 3RF T: 020 7233 0455 mail@care.org.uk www.care.org.uk www.makethecrosscount2010.net Charity number 1066963 Scottish Charity SC093811