The Subtle Threat of Mixing Religion and Politics
Most of us are probably familiar with C.S. Lewis’ classic work, The Screwtape Letters. For the uninitiated, Lewis writes from the perspective of a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew and protégé, Wormwood, on the various ways to get “the patient” to turn away from “the Enemy” (God).
John Stonestreet’s insightful article reminded me of one particular tactic that Screwtape advocates. By way of context, Lewis wrote this in 1942, when England was sharply divided between patriotism and pacifism – to engage in war or to avoid war.
“Let [your patient] begin by treating … Patriotism or Pacifism as part of his religion. Then let him, under the influence of partisan spirit, come to regard it as the most important part. Then quietly and gradually nurse him on to the stage at which the religion becomes merely part of the ‘cause,’ in which Christianity is valued chiefly because of the excellent arguments it can produce in favour of the British war-effort or of Pacifism.”
Stonestreet highlights the pattern:
“Note the progression: first, politics is part of religion. Then, politics is the most important part of religion. Then, religion becomes part of politics. It’s genius.”
Screwtape counseled Wormwood that the way he could shipwreck the Christian faith of “the patient” was not to get the patient to favor one side or the other, but to get “the patient” to overvalue the importance of that choice.
Mark it well: Lewis never advises that Christians ought to abandon political engagement. He does, however, warn how easily it can become the most important part of religion – especially in contentious times.
To my way of thinking, Lewis’ warning is more than appropriate to our day. And pastors and leaders are clearly being targeted by Screwtape and Wormwood. Why? Because they set the tone for those who follow them.
A Few Warning Signs
So how might a leader know if he/she is falling prey to the Enemy’s strategy? Here are a few warning signs.
1. Your focus is more on who’s in the White House than who’s on the throne.
Charles Colson, Nixon’s “hatchet man” was notorious for doing whatever it took to hold onto the White House. He was eventually arrested for his dirty tricks and sentenced to prison. While in prison he came to faith, ironically through reading another C.S. Lewis book, Mere Christianity.
Colson’s post-conversion rightsizing of the power of politics was revealed in his famous statement, “Salvation will never come on Air Force One.”
“Salvation will never come on Air Force One.”
- Charles Colson
The rule and reign of Jesus Christ do not rise or fall on this or any election. Let this fact strongly echo in your leadership.
2. Your communication stirs up anxiety and divisiveness more than peace and unity.
I have been quite troubled by leaders who used the platform of social media to loudly promote their political point of view. In it, they give dire warnings about what will happen if the “other side” gets in power.
Such warnings fuel the fear that is already rampant. And it perpetuates an “us/them” mentality that has poisoned the Body of Christ.
3. You see those who hold the other political viewpoint as enemies.
Scripture reminds us that our real enemy is Satan and his minions. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).
If your enemy is the flesh and blood of the other political party or the other political viewpoint, if we frame other believers in Christ who view things differently than we do as enemies, then we have made politics our religion.
If your enemy is the flesh and blood of the other political party or the other political viewpoint, if we frame other believers in Christ who view things differently than we do as enemies, then we have made politics our religion.
4. You forget that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven and our ultimate loyalty should be there.
Philippians 3:20 clearly states that “our citizenship is in heaven.”
I take real comfort in those words. They remind me that though I may be a resident of an earthly country, I am a citizen of a heavenly kingdom. In a very real way, I am an alien here. My primary loyalty is to the King of kings.
Friends, the Screwtape strategy is alive and well. I encourage you to not fall prey to it. For your followers will take their cues from you.
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