Politics in the Pulpit and Pew

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 16^th 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.