The
quickest way for a pastor to get in hot water is to start preaching about
politics from the pulpit. Not that I
would know anything about that personally, of course. . .
As Election Day approaches, I’d like to say a word about John Calvin, who founded
Presbyterianism in 16th century Geneva, Switzerland. Calvin is one of the foremost theologians in
the last millennium. He concluded his
“Institutes of the Christian Religion” and his catechism for children with
chapters on the power and role of civil government.
He
believed all of life should be ruled by the lordship of Christ, and that
citizens and elected leaders should be accountable to God. Calvin was actively
involved in civil politics as a means of bringing the reign of God to
earth. This eminent theologian even
designed the public sewage system in Geneva, because he saw it as a practical
way to improve his neighbors’ quality of life!
On
the other hand, Calvin did not hesitate to critique political leaders whose
actions were antithetical to Christian faith.
To a large extent, his faith was formed in the crucible of state
persecution. Calvin was forced to flee
his native France when he and other early Protestants were threatened with
imprisonment or death. In one wave of
violence in 1572, from 10,000 to 100,000 Protestants were butchered in the
streets of Paris.
Calvin
found refuge in Switzerland, where he became a leading advocate for immigrants
and refugees. Calvin’s belief that
Christians have a right to disobey oppressive rulers was a major influence
among the leaders of the American Revolution in 1776.
Our
friend John Calvin also established the office of deacon, who is responsible
for providing monetary aid to the poor.
He founded a hospital and an academy that educated girls as well as
boys. He preached often about the need
for just wages.
In
the spirit of John Calvin, I hope you will take your Christian faith into the
voting booth. And let’s not be afraid
to say, “Jesus is Lord!” when we discuss politics in the pulpit and the pews.
