Dear Theophilus: Are Christians Supposed to Be Political?

Many Christians in today's world are wondering whether or not truth-telling and integrity matter, especially during the 2020 election. Find the answer here!

Start your GCU
journey today.

Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

Degree Level

Make a selection

Class Setting

Make a selection

Area of Study

Make a selection

Program

Make a selection

Current Education Level

Make a selection

Country

United States

Read time 3 minutes

Published On Nov 10, 2020

Dear Faculty, Do truth-telling and integrity matter, or just winning? - Theophilus

Dear Theophilus,

That is a great question, and it is especially relevant during a presidential election. Truth-telling and integrity always matter, regardless of a person’s worldview or religion. However, they are especially relevant if you are a Christian and believe in the Bible.

Absolute Truth

Christians believe that God’s Word provides a standard of absolute truth for those of us who embrace the Christian worldview. Throughout both Testaments, God provides the reader with His principles for establishing the rules of moral and ethical behavior. According to the Bible, it is always wrong to commit murder or assault, to rape, steal or tell lies, and the list goes on. To learn more about God’s standards, all one needs to do is read the Bible. Set aside a time to read the Bible every day. The principles of the Moral Law still apply to Christians and are taught throughout the pages of the New Testament.

Competing Standards of Moral and Ethical Behavior

The relevance of this question is that it does not seem that anyone wants to follow the principles of moral and ethical behavior taught in Scripture. The moral and ethical principles of Scripture restrict our choices and prevent us from doing what we want to do. Therefore, there are ethical dilemmas; we want to do what seems to be the most comfortable choice, not what the Bible teaches. The ethical dilemma arises because we know the right thing to do, but we do not want to do what the Bible teaches. However, we want to feel good about our choices, even when those choices are opposed to Scripture. Because we want to think that our actions are morally and ethically acceptable, competing moral and ethical philosophies have been created that allow choices contrary to the principles of Scripture. This makes it easy for us to ignore what Scripture teaches and instead do what we want to do.

Moral Relativity

Moral relativity teaches that there is no one standard of moral and ethical behavior for all of humanity. Moral and ethical behavior are culturally-based and subject to an individual’s choice. Therefore, we often hear statements like “what is true for you may not be true for me.” However, if a person (or culture) decides that theft is an acceptable practice, does that make it morally and ethically acceptable? According to the Bible and Christian belief, it does not. Even people who believe it is morally acceptable to steal will feel violated when they are victims of theft themselves.

Situational Ethics

Situational ethics teaches that the correct moral and ethical behavior depends upon the situation. This ethical philosophy teaches that, under certain conditions, a normally unacceptable behavior — even murder or lying — could be the most moral course of action. In politics, this could translate into a lie being acceptable if the lie will help the candidate get elected.

Benefits of Telling the Truth

There are benefits to always telling the truth. The most important benefit is that you will not get caught in a lie. If you always tell the truth, you do not have to remember your lies; you merely need to remember the truth. Additionally, if you only tell the truth, you will build trust and respect with your friends, colleagues, voters and employers.

Written By

Brett A. Berger, ThM

Online Degrees

Admission

Scholarships & Grants

Transfer Center

Unlock Your Potential

Speak with a University Counselor today.

Apply Now

Theology & Ministry

What Are Ethics?

Strengthen your ethical foundation through a GCU degree rooted in Christian values, where biblical principles and the Holy Spirit guide a life of integrity and service.

04/22/2025

6 min read

The 5 Types of Calling in the Bible

Discover the five types of calling in the Bible and learn how each calling serves the church and how you can use your gifts for God’s work. Explore biblical insights and find your path with Grand Canyon Theological Seminary.

03/19/2025

6 min read

Understanding Biblical Hermeneutics

Explore the significance of biblical hermeneutics and its various types. Further your relationship with God when you pursue a theology degree at GCU!

03/07/2025

4 min read

View All Articles

Dear Theophilus: Are Christians Supposed to Be Political?

Absolute Truth

Competing Standards of Moral and Ethical Behavior

Moral Relativity

Situational Ethics

Benefits of Telling the Truth

Share This Story

What Are Ethics?

The 5 Types of Calling in the Bible

Understanding Biblical Hermeneutics

Absolute Truth

Competing Standards of Moral and Ethical Behavior

Moral Relativity

Situational Ethics

Benefits of Telling the Truth