Political Engagement

Political Engagement: Practical Guide

This page provides practical guides for engaging politically with Jesus’ ethics. We are called to be salt and light in the world, and that includes political engagement. This is not about partisan politics—it’s about applying Jesus’ teachings to how we engage with governance and policy.

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:13-16

Scripture Foundation

Key Passages:

Why Political Engagement Matters

Jesus is Lord of all creation, including politics. His teachings apply to how we engage politically. We are called to be salt and light—to engage with governance and policy through the lens of Jesus’ ethics.

Principles for Political Engagement

Values-Driven, Not Partisan

What This Means:

  • Focus on principles, not parties
  • Evaluate policies by Jesus’ ethics
  • Avoid political labels
  • Build bridges, not walls

Action Steps:

  • Study Jesus’ teachings on power, justice, and mercy
  • Evaluate policies through Jesus’ lens
  • Support policies that align with Jesus’ teachings
  • Reject partisan thinking

See Also: Policy, Red-Letter Teachings

Non-Coercive

What This Means:

  • Invite, don’t demand
  • Model, don’t mandate
  • Focus on transformation, not conversion
  • Respect others’ choices

Action Steps:

  • Engage with respect and humility
  • Model integrity
  • Invite others to consider Jesus’ teachings
  • Avoid coercion

See Also: Practice Mercy

Solution-Focused

What This Means:

  • Address problems with solutions
  • Build structures for compassion
  • Create alternatives
  • Focus on transformation

Action Steps:

  • Identify problems
  • Propose solutions
  • Build alternatives
  • Work for transformation

See Also: Policy

Voting with Values

How to Evaluate Candidates and Policies

Questions to Ask:

  • Does this policy serve the poor and marginalized?
  • Does it align with Jesus’ teachings on justice and mercy?
  • Does it promote peace and reconciliation?
  • Does it address root causes or just symptoms?

Action Steps:

  • Research candidates’ positions
  • Evaluate policies through Jesus’ lens
  • Vote with values, not party
  • Support candidates who align with Jesus’ teachings

See Also: Voting with Values, Policy

Key Issues to Consider

Poverty and Economic Justice:

  • Does the policy serve the poor?
  • Does it address economic injustice?
  • Does it reduce exploitation?

Healthcare:

  • Does it provide access to healthcare for all?
  • Does it serve the sick?

Criminal Justice:

  • Does it show mercy?
  • Does it work for rehabilitation?
  • Does it address root causes?

Immigration:

  • Does it welcome the stranger?
  • Does it show mercy?

See Also: Policy

Policy Advocacy

How to Advocate for Policies

Step 1: Understand the Issue

  • Research the issue
  • Understand Jesus’ teachings on it
  • Identify policy solutions

Step 2: Build Support

  • Find others who care
  • Build coalitions
  • Share the vision

Step 3: Engage Decision Makers

  • Contact representatives
  • Attend meetings
  • Write letters
  • Organize advocacy

Step 4: Sustain and Grow

  • Build relationships
  • Stay engaged
  • Expand support

See Also: Policy

Community Organizing

Building Power for Change

What This Means:

  • Organizing people around shared values
  • Building power for change
  • Creating structures for action
  • Working for transformation

Getting Started:

  • Identify issues in your community
  • Find others who care
  • Build relationships
  • Take action together

Going Deeper:

  • Develop organizing skills
  • Build coalitions
  • Create structures for change
  • Work for systemic transformation

See Also: Community, Community

Building Structures for Compassion

Creating Alternatives

What This Means:

  • Building structures that reflect Jesus’ teachings
  • Creating alternatives to exploitative systems
  • Supporting policies that serve the marginalized
  • Working for systemic change

Getting Started:

  • Identify needs in your community
  • Create structures to address them
  • Support existing alternatives
  • Advocate for policy changes

Going Deeper:

  • Build comprehensive alternatives
  • Work for systemic change
  • Advocate for policies
  • Create lasting structures

See Also: Policy, Community Projects

Practical Steps

This Week

  • Research one policy issue through Jesus’ lens
  • Contact a representative about an issue
  • Support a policy that aligns with Jesus’ teachings
  • Engage in respectful political dialogue

This Month

  • Evaluate candidates through Jesus’ lens
  • Advocate for a policy
  • Join or start a community organizing effort
  • Build relationships with decision makers

Ongoing

  • Make political engagement a regular practice
  • Stay informed about issues
  • Advocate for policies that align with Jesus’ teachings
  • Build community around values-driven engagement

Common Challenges

I don’t like politics

Focus on values, not politics. Engage through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. Start with issues you care about.

What if I disagree with others?

Disagree respectfully. Focus on principles, not parties. Build bridges, not walls.

How do I know what policies align with Jesus’ teachings?

Study Jesus’ teachings. Evaluate policies through his lens. Focus on serving the poor, showing mercy, working for justice.

What about partisan politics?

Focus on values, not parties. Support policies and candidates that align with Jesus’ teachings, regardless of party.

Connection to Policy

Political engagement connects to policy:

See Also: Policy

Connection to Community

Political engagement is best done in community:

See Also: Community

See Also

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Action