Five Myths about Christianity and Politics in America
All Designed to Silence Christians in the Public Square
In today’s politically charged climate, misconceptions about the relationship between Christianity and politics abound. From social media debates to conversations at the dinner table, it seems like everyone has an opinion on how—or if—Christians should engage with politics. As both a pastor and a cultural commentator, I frequently encounter questions and criticisms about the role of faith in the public square. I’d like to address five of the most pervasive myths regarding Christianity and politics in America.
“You Can’t Legislate Morality”
This phrase is often used to argue that moral values, especially those rooted in religion, should not influence legislation. However, the truth is that every law reflects some form of morality. Whether we are debating issues like theft, murder, or even property rights, the underlying question is always about what is right or wrong—what is moral or immoral.
Laws are not created in a moral vacuum. For example, prohibitions against murder and rape are not just practical; they are moral judgments that these actions are inherently wrong. While it is true that not every aspect of Christian morality should be legislated—pride, after all, isn’t a criminal offense—legislation inevitably involves moral considerations. In this way, morality is inextricably tied to lawmaking. Even secular societies base their legal frameworks on ethical principles, often derived from a moral consensus within the culture.
“The Church Should Just Do Evangelism, Not Politics”
There’s a common belief that churches should stick to evangelism and stay out of politics. While it’s true that the church’s primary mission is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, the idea that the church has no role in political discourse is misguided. After all, the gospel includes the declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord over the entire universe, will return one day to set the world to rights, and expects his disciples to be his ambassadors in every sphere of culture, including politics.
The very act of declaring Jesus as Lord is inherently political. When the church proclaims that Jesus is the ultimate authority, it declares that no government, political party, or ruler should hold claim to our ultimate allegiance. Moreover, the church’s moral teachings inevitably intersect with societal issues. Topics like justice, human dignity, and morality are at the heart of both Christian doctrine and political debate. Churches must engage in these conversations—not as slavishly partisan actors but as advocates for truth and justice.
“Separation of Church and State Means Keeping Religion Out of Politics”
One of the most misunderstood concepts in American life is the separation of church and state. Many assume it means keeping religion out of politics entirely. However, this interpretation is historically and constitutionally flawed.
The principle of church-state separation, as originally conceived, was meant to ensure that no single church or denomination would dominate the federal government, and that the government would not interfere with religious institutions. This separation ensures religious freedom, but it does not mandate that religious convictions be excluded from political discourse. In fact, every person, whether religious or not, operates from a set of deeply held beliefs that shape their political views. Religion, in this sense, is not just about formal institutions like churches; it’s about whatever we hold as ultimate in our lives—whether that’s God, money, power, or something else. Our political decisions will always reflect our ultimate commitments, which means that separating religion from politics is impossible.
“America Was Founded as a Secular Nation”
There is a growing narrative that America’s Founding Fathers intended for the country to be entirely secular, devoid of any religious influence. While it’s true that the United States was founded on principles that protect religious freedom and prevent the establishment of a national church, this does not mean that the Founders envisioned a godless society.
Many of the Founders were devout Christians who believed in the importance of religious morality in public life. The Declaration of Independence famously appeals to the “laws of nature and nature’s God,” and the Constitution references God indirectly, particularly in its recognition of inalienable rights endowed by a Creator. Alexis de Tocqueville, a keen observer of early American society, noted that America’s success was in large part due to the influence of Christianity on its citizens. While America was not founded as a theocracy, it certainly wasn’t founded as a secular nation in the modern sense of the word.
“Jesus Wasn’t Political”
Some argue that Jesus was apolitical, concerned only with spiritual matters, and therefore, Christians should refrain from political engagement. However, this view misrepresents Jesus’ life and ministry. While Jesus didn’t seek political office, his teachings and actions were profoundly political.
Jesus openly challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He denounced rulers for their corruption, spoke about the poor and oppressed, and declared the arrival of a new kingdom—the Kingdom of God—which had direct implications for the social and political order. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem resembled a royal procession, and his actions in the temple were a direct challenge to the authorities. Jesus was crucified not just as a religious figure but as a political insurrectionist, alongside criminals accused of rebellion. To suggest that Jesus’ message was devoid of political content is to overlook the revolutionary nature of his ministry.
Conclusion
Christianity and politics are not mutually exclusive. While the church should never become a political machine, it has a responsibility to engage the political sphere with moral clarity and courage. Our laws are, and always will be, reflections of our moral values, and Christians have an important role to play in shaping those values.
Far from retreating into a purely spiritual realm, Christians are called to live out their faith in every area of life—including politics. This doesn’t always mean aligning with a particular party or candidate, but standing firm in the truths of the gospel and advocating for justice, mercy, and righteousness in the public square. By addressing these myths, we can foster a more thoughtful and informed conversation about the role of Christianity in America’s political landscape.
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