Are social issues and causes something the church should be involved in?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible calls Christians to live as faithful citizens while standing against evil and advocating for justice. Churches have freedom to discern how to address social issues, from poverty to religious persecution, but their actions should never overshadow the message of the gospel and their commission to make disciples of all nations. The church is not meant to be political, but it is supposed to bring God’s light and love into all areas, including politics and social injustices. Believers are called to care for others, speak truth, and act in ways that honor God. In doing so, we demonstrate God’s love while navigating the responsibilities and limitations of living under human authority.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible commands believers to be a voice for the voiceless (Proverbs 31:8), but it does not specify the details regarding when and how this is to take place.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible is clear that Christians are called to live as helpful citizens. Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:13–25 both describe the Christian calling to live as law-abiding and government-respecting citizens.
• First Peter 2:13–15 especially notes, "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." A Christian who lives as a good citizen honors God and attracts others to the message of Jesus.
• The Bible offers examples of godly people speaking against the evil actions in their society. A powerful example is found in John the Baptist. He spoke out against the immoral marriage of Herod. Matthew 14:3–4 records, "For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, 'It is not lawful for you to have her.'" There are times when God may call a believer to speak out against sin in society. These times may also lead to intense persecution.
• The Bible offers times when believers disobeyed government regulations in order to obey God. One example is when the government would not allow Christians to worship Christ. In Acts 4:19–20, Peter and John answered the Sanhedrin's charge not to speak in the name of Christ, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Much freedom is presented regarding church involvement in social issues. In most cases, each congregation must prayerfully determine which issues to address and in what ways to address them. The truth of the gospel should not be overshadowed by social activism. However, neither should godly care for others be neglected.

An ongoing example is the issue of religious freedom. Many people die for their faith in Christ each year around the world. While the Bible does not command particular details regarding how each church should be involved in helping persecuted believers, it is clear the church should care about persecuted Christians and help however possible. Poverty is another important issue. Christians and the church are called to care for the poor, yet much variety can be applied in practically doing so, whether locally or globally.

UNDERSTAND

• The church should care about social issues and injustices as part of reflecting God’s love and justice in the world.
• Christians are called to live as faithful citizens in this world while remembering that we are ultimately citizens of heaven.
• Churches have freedom to discern how to engage in social causes.

REFLECT

• How do you respond when you see injustice or suffering in your community?
• How could you better reflect God’s love and justice in how you engage with social or cultural issues?
• How can you make sure your involvement in social causes points people to Jesus?

ENGAGE

• What principles does the Bible give us about responding to social issues?
• How can the church address social issues while keeping the gospel as its central focus?
• How can believers work together to bring God’s light into social and political spaces without becoming divided or distracted from the mission of Christ?