Politics and Policy
Written by Thomas Kelly
Why focus on this problem?
If you’re asked to name the greatest human evils, there is a good chance you will list political evils such as unjust wars, intentional famine, genocide, or totalitarian regimes. If asked to name your heroes, there is a good chance you will name those who successfully confronted great political evils such as William Wilberforce or American civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King.
The power of governments over every aspect of life is immense, to cause injustice or to bring justice. The challenges of disease, poverty, slavery, and countless other issues can be worsened or confronted through political action. Virtually every cause can be advanced, at least partially, through the formal political system. Where government action is inappropriate or harmful, political action can be used to oppose such actions.
Martin Luther King at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
Our overall view
Recommended to a committed small minority
Politics is one of the best ways to help others at scale. It’s also one of the best ways to hurt others at scale. We think many Christians should go into politics and policy work, carefully selecting causes where they have good reason to think they have a realistic chance to do a large amount of good.
More than most other career tracks, political engagement poses the risk of moral corruption, interpersonal harm, and a wasted career. Political and policy victories often require a substantial amount of time, and success is far from guaranteed. Good ideas often are not put into practice. Inferior political candidates often defeat superior political candidates.
Careful discernment is crucial before entering this path.
What is our recommendation based on?
Biblical themes:
Faithful men and women, such as Daniel and Esther, are portrayed positively while serving in government even under corrupt regimes (Daniel 1:17-19; Daniel 5:10-30)
God’s interest in good leadership and just laws among Israel in the Old Testament.
Paul’s statement on the government as a vehicle for God’s justice (Romans 13:1-6).
Esther Denouncing Haman (1888)
Strong Historical and Contemporary Examples:
The role of Christians in suppressing the global slave trade and abolishing slavery.
The role of Christians in opposing Soviet Communism, in particular Catholic opposition to the Soviet Union.
The role of Christian leaders and activists in the United States civil rights movement.
What are common theological arguments against it being pressing?
Neither Jesus nor any of his apostles endorsed seeking political power as a way to glorify God or to serve others. Before Pontius Pilate, Christ specifically stated that His “kingdom is not of this world.”
The two kingdoms doctrine held by some Protestants contrasts the kingdom of Christ with the kingdom of the world. Some Christians try to avoid entanglement with worldly politics by refusing to vote, fly a national flag, or recite a pledge of allegiance.
Top ways to make an impact
Pursue a legal degree (for US politics and policy).
Develop policy expertise in an important but neglected area.
For example, Rose Gottemoeller developed expertise in nuclear policy and eventually became the first female Deputy Secretary General of NATO. Check out her full career journey here.
Run for office.
Pursue any meaningful career and take the Giving What We Can pledge to donate at least 10% of your income to effective causes.
