March 8th, 2008 is now regarded as the date in where Malaysians awoke from their political apathy and delivered a stunning electoral result which has no parallel in the history of Malaysian politics. It was also a date which saw Christians, for the first time, being more politically aware of the politics of the nation. Stories abound of churches hosting dialogues between rival electoral candidates and Christians which were well attended. Of pastors using the pulpit to encourage their congregations to register as voters and to vote on polling day. Of individual Christians who campaigned for their chosen candidates and volunteering as polling and counting agents.

However, it would seem that such anecdotes only tell part of the story. In my own research on Christian political engagement, I have come across Christians telling me that the last General Election was a non-event either for themselves or for their churches. Consider the case of Ms. C, who told me that she had been trying to get her church to organize a voter registration campaign among church members but was met with indifference by the leadership and members alike. And then, there is the case of Ms. P, who said that her church (and by extension, her denomination) considers politics as strictly outside the province of the church. And that politics held no interest for her.

It is undeniable that some Christians have become politically aware but the vast majority shy away from politics. Most Christians seem to have the attitude of separating politics from the life of the church and the both shall never meet … amen to that!

Such an attitude signifies that Christians have fundamentally misunderstood the workings of democratic politics. Democracy requires people to be active participant in the democratic political process to ensure the well-being of the nation. Political power belongs to the people and not governments. Governments are only loaned its power to rule in order to ensure the well-being of the people. Where it is given, it can be taken back. People have the right to take back political power if they judged that what the government is doing is detrimental to their welfare. For this to happen, it requires people to become aware of the political issues of the day and become active participant in the political life of the nation.

In Matt. 22:21, we read “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Consider then … are we neglecting this commandment of Christ by putting a wall between church and politics? It is ironic that Christians claim that God is sovereign in all spheres of our lives … except perhaps politics which politely remains outside of the life of a Christian.

In refusing to take an interest and participating in the political life of the nation, have we been derelict of our political responsibility as citizens? More importantly, are we being obedient to the teaching of Christ as described in Matt. 22:21?

Our nation has reached a critical juncture in our political history which can well determine the path which our beloved country will take. What is required now is for Christians to become active citizens and not passive spectators. We cannot afford to run away from our responsibility in determining the future direction which our country will take.

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