It goes without saying that if a Christian man or woman were to run for MP or MPP for the Liberal Party or NDP, we would agree as Reformed people that is not appropriate. It seems, though, that the trend is that if they are a member of the Conservative Party caucus, this is acceptable. The Conservative Party, however, is really no different than the Liberal Party. Why then does this seem to be accepted and may be even supported by most if a Christian were to be a member of this caucus? Are there any biblical references for God’s children as to what type of involvement they may have in politics?

Evidently, the scope of this question goes beyond the purpose and format of this column. Yet, the question certainly is a very important one to be discussed among Christians in general and among our Reformed people as well. Hence, let me first of all make reference therefore to an excellent resource in the book that’s written by our own Dr. C. Van Dam, God and Government. In chapter 10 of his book, with the title “Getting Involved,” p. 225ff, he extensively explains and illus­trates the variety of ways in which Christians can be involved effectively in the political arena.

He shows from Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon (Jer 29:5-7) what attitude they should have in their foreign country and unholy culture. They were to seek the peace and welfare of the city in which they lived. In analogy, he shows how Christians today have an obligation towards the society in which they live, even if that society is hostile to their faith and values. They should pray (1 Tim 2:1-2) and work, also in the political sphere!

As the Lord Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:13-16), they should be a salt and a light. They are salt by opposing the moral and spiritual decay of the society. They are a light by bringing the light of the gospel and the Christian principles into the public square and political affairs. Christians have the Lord Jesus as their Lord and King; and in his service they can do whatever is possible to influence the political direc­tion of the government.

Against this background and on this basis, there is much that can be done; witness the impact the work of ARPA Canada has had on its fellow-Christians, educating, equipping, and encour­aging them to be engaged in the political issues of the day. It is ARPA’s mission as well to influence the political leaders in their development of legislation, even if their political pursuits are not based on Christian principles but on liberal, humanistic, and even ungodly ideologies. Coming to the pertinent point of the questioner, then, it is also possible still for Christians to be involved as a member of a political party such as the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). Admittedly, this may be very difficult and a challenge that few can handle, yet, in line with our democratic principles and the open approach of such a political party, this may still be feasible.

The concept that enables Christians who are politically engaged to be involved as a member (or even as an MP, MPP, MLA) is the so-called “open tent” that constitutes the CPC. As a member, Christians can bring into the policy discussions of the party biblical views, principles, and ideals. Among the CPC there is a large contingent of social conservatives who hold to conservative norms and values that used to be common in our Christian past; and among this faction, Christians are still able to defend their biblical views on social issues such as abor­tion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the like (or vote them down). Such involvement may meet with strong opposition to their biblical views, yet as long as they have the freedom and reception for the presentation of these views and see them having an impact on the overall party policies, such involve­ment will be a blessing for the party and political affairs of the country. Of course, the proviso should be mentioned that for party membership and participation in public office, it should not involve endorsing immoral or unbiblical principles. As long as they are not obliged to tow the party line but receive permis­sion to follow their (Christian) conscience in voting on matters that go against the Word of God.