Talking Points with Pastor Lucas: On politics and our baptismal calling
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Another election season is upon us. It is a reminder that we live in a land of law and order, with governmental elected officials, designed to care for and bring order to the society of our land. Lutheran Christians understand that government (or the “state”) is the realm of force made necessary by the sinfulness of humanity, but which exists alongside of and protects the constructive realm of love made possible by the Gospel.
The mission of the Holy Christian Church, therefore, is not to create Christian nations per se, but rather to proclaim the forgiveness of sins earned by Jesus Christ to every last man, woman, and child on the face of this planet, regardless of the type of government present.
In our present pandemic context and with racial reconciliation and justice now in the foreground, matters of politics and governmental oversight have been relentlessly put before us the last number of months. Regardless of what you think about any one particular government official and their performance, the office each of them fills has been put in place for the good of our society and the care of humanity.
the role of government.
Lutherans have long understood the authority of the state to be rooted in the fourth commandment:
Honor your father and mother. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them. (Luther’s Small Catechism)
Therefore, the structure and root of government comes from God’s ultimate authority and was first established through the divinely created vocation of parents. Like parents who care for, nurture, protect, guide, and discipline their children, the role of government exists for a similar purpose, though with some very distinct features which are often specific to the particular type of government a country may have. Sometimes, those features can be very good and useful in helping the people of a society to flourish; other times, they can be oppressive, harsh, or even tyrannical, causing the repression and subjugation of a people.
We live in the blessing of a democratic republic, designed with three specific branches of government to foster the public good and to be objective checks and balances on one another. On the whole, it has been considered by many to be the premiere form of government that fosters “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence). Yet though not necessarily original to its inception, our democratic government has come to be primarily based upon a two-party political system of elected officials, who bring varying ideas and philosophies of what would be best for the good of the American people.
“us vs. them.”
As a result, “politics” has become a regular part of our society. Unfortunately, because of our fallen and sinful human condition, politics can be very ugly as each candidate view for office—slander assaults on character, lies, rancorous supporters, and acrimonious opponents. To seek the power of a given office meant for the betterment of a society means one has to do everything possible to disempower someone else who is also seeking that power.
In our current digital world and with the advent of social media platforms, the nature of our governmental election system has seen this process become extremely vitriolic and unhealthy. It often pulls in well-meaning people who suddenly begin seeing others (perhaps even neighbors or family) as enemies. Unfortunately, politics can become cutthroat and cause others to think and act in terms of “us” vs. “them” and, subsequently, how the “them” can be destroyed.
Of course, Jesus died and rose for both the “them” and “us” of society, regardless of any one person’s political affiliation. There is no limit to His love and no boundary to His mercy—which you most assuredly and abundantly receive through the water and the Word of Holy Baptism. In those waters, the Lord calls you to be His very own in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You are His and He is yours.
Regardless of your country’s governmental structure or your political preference, by faith you are a citizen of God’s eternal kingdom, held fast to God’s sovereign and everlasting care through the shed blood of Jesus. That means no pandemic, government official, or public policy can ever change your baptismal heavenly citizenship and the blessed rights that come with it—the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
But as it relates to our vocation as responsible and active earthly citizens, Lutheran Christians hold that our baptismal calling gives us an identity that . . .
Asks us to be above the fray of hyper-partisanship and rancor as we readily engage in our civic duties.
Drowns our sin in daily contrition and repentance, particularly if we give in to the vitriol and anger of the political process and sin against others.
pray for our leaders.
What is more, our baptismal calling asks us to see our government authorities, even those with whom we disagree, as people needing our prayers and respect. In fact, the apostle Paul reminds us of this:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV)
As we continue in this pandemic context and enter into another political season, which will invariably be affected by these anxious times, we do so in the baptismal love and promises of our Lord Jesus Christ, heeding the call to pray for our governmental leaders, act in love toward our neighbor, and continue with our Lord in the desire for the salvation of all people through the bold proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Lucas
Rev. Dr. Lucas V. Woodford
President
Minnesota South District, LCMS
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