Politics Must Serve the Gospel
When political identity overshadows Christian witness, it’s time to reassess what we’re really following.
Politics has become more than politics. For many today, it’s a source of identity, community, and even emotional validation. And for Christians navigating this highly charged environment, the stakes are high not merely in terms of policy, but in terms of faithfulness.
Michael Wear, a longtime advocate for thoughtful Christian engagement in civic life, understands the deep tension believers feel. As a former White House staffer and founder of Public Square Strategies, he’s spent years helping Christians wrestle with the role of faith in public discourse. His message is clear: politics must be kept in its proper place not above the gospel, not equal to it, but beneath it.
“The problem is not that we take politics too seriously,” Wear explains, “but that we take it seriously in all the wrong ways.” This distortion reveals itself in what he calls “political hobbyism” when politics becomes performance. It’s binge-watching debate clips, reposting hot takes, and confusing outrage for influence.
But true political engagement is not about performance. It’s about stewardship.
Politics, rightly understood, is about governance and justice. It’s the way a society distributes responsibility, resources, and protection. It should serve the common good, especially the vulnerable. But when politics becomes a platform for self-affirmation, it stops serving others and starts serving self.
And that’s where Christians must be different.
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That pattern may now include social media rants and tribal identity, but the call remains unchanged be transformed. Lead with love. Seek justice without sacrificing truth.
Wear emphasizes that Christianity offers unique resources for political life resources we too often ignore. Among them is the call to protect the vulnerable, what Catholic tradition calls “the preferential option for the poor.” This aligns with James 1:27, which says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” Our policies and perspectives should reflect concern for those who are most at risk.
Yet many today turn to politics for the security only Christ can provide. That’s a dangerous trade. As Wear puts it, “There’s a distortion that takes place if you view politics primarily as the place in which you secure your own personal rights. That is not a Christian way of thinking.”
Christians are called to something higher. We’re part of a body that transcends political tribes. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “carry each other’s burdens,” not to score points or preserve power, but to reflect the love of Christ.
That’s not easy. Especially in an age of polarization and cynicism. But our faith demands more than worldly strategies. Wear reminds us “Faithfulness is not just the means. It’s the end. You can’t reach the end of faithfulness through unfaithful means.”
This means rejecting tactics that demean others, even those we disagree with. It means refusing to weaponize Scripture for partisan gain. And it means keeping Jesus at the center of our public witness even when that feels impractical or unpopular.
Theologian James K.A. Smith calls for a “tinge of ambivalence” in Christian political life. That ambivalence is not apathy. It’s the humility to know that even the best intentions can have unintended consequences. It’s remembering that no political party perfectly reflects the kingdom of God.
But withdrawal isn’t the answer either. In a democratic society, disengagement doesn’t absolve responsibility. Wear puts it plainly “In the United States of America, you don’t have a choice but to have a certain level of political influence.” That influence must be stewarded wisely.
So ask yourself: Who am I trying to help? What am I trying to accomplish? Is my political engagement shaped more by the gospel or by fear, pride, and self-interest?
Jesus didn’t shy away from public life. But He never confused it with His mission. His call remains the same: Love your neighbor. Speak the truth. Live with integrity. Seek justice with humility. And never forget that your allegiance belongs first to Him.
Let your politics be guided by your faith not the other way around.
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