No matter how commendable the goal of such tactics, there is not one example in the entire Bible of political or social "activism" ever being advocated or used by God’s people. That fact must weigh heavily upon any consideration of this important topic. There are numerous cases of civil disobedience in Scripture, but it was never engaged in for the purpose of forcing an ungodly society to obey Biblical principles. The Hebrew midwives, for example, disobeyed Pharaoh’s edict and spared the lives of the male babies.
God was so pleased that their names, Shiphrah and Puah, have been preserved for us (Exodus 1:15-22). This was, however, a matter of individual conscience before God, not an organized attempt to pressure the pagan Egyptians by mass demonstrations into adopting Israel’s God-given morals.
There are no Biblical examples to support today’s "Christian activism." Christ "suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps." He sternly and repeatedly rebuked Israel’s false religious leaders, yet He never spoke out—not even once—against the injustices of Roman civil authority! Nor did He advocate, organize, or engage in any public protests to pressure Rome into changing its corrupt system, or the society of His day its evil ways. He submitted to unjust authorities as Romans 13 tells us we should do today: "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:21-25). No "activism" here! So it was with the apostles and the early church.
If "Christian activism" is God’s will, Paul would have been the first to pursue it fearlessly at whatever cost. Yet Romans 13 tells us to obey rulers, and 1 Timothy 2 to pray for them–not to attempt to change them by coercion. It is not only foolish but counter-productive to attempt to persuade the unsaved to live like Christians. They can’t do it—and if they could it would only blind them the more to their sin and need of a Savior.
"Christian activism" involves today the well-meaning but foolish attempt to force "Christian principles" upon a godless society through more effective lobbying, larger demonstrations, and greater "social upheaval" than the homosexuals, abortionists, or pornographers can produce. But rather than pressure the ungodly to live like saints, we must win them to Christ that they might live wholly for God. As Christians, our personal lives must also be lived in obedience to God even if that brings us into conflict with civil laws. In addition to avoiding idolatry and immorality, Christians must preach the gospel to everyone everywhere, regardless of government edicts to the contrary.
There is a danger of being so caught up in the social aspect of good causes that one forgets that the soul must be placed before the body. The Great Commission does not involve exerting a Christian influence upon society. We are not to "change society," but to "convert individuals." There is much talk today about "changing the world for Christ." In fact, though, there is no Biblical teaching or example to support that popular slogan. Rather than persuading sinners to live like saints, we must call them to "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).
Significant changes in society have been effected by preaching and example. Unfortunately, the abolition of slavery, the enactment of child labor laws, and greater rights for women, while improvements to be thankful for, have not made society any more godly. Nor is it any more likely under these better conditions that a higher percentage of mankind will end up in heaven than before. While such changes are worth working for, many who call themselves Christians have become so absorbed in good causes that they have lost their fervor for saving souls. They have ended up joining forces with non-Christians who also espouse "traditional values," and promoting a compromised "social gospel" that cannot save.
We must denounce sin, call for repentance, and preach the gospel in convicting power. Yes, Christians should call for repentance from homosexuality, child abuse, pornography, and abortion, but we should primarily be calling for repentance from rebellion against God and rejection of Christ. Rather than indicting the church for its lack of "social concern," it should be held accountable for its heresies and failure to preach the truth. We must denounce the destructive false teachings that abound, particularly psychology which is the major vehicle of so much of this evil, and we must expose it for what it is and for what it does to the dishonoring of God’s Word. This must be done with respect to the churches and seminaries and schools which say they represent God’s Word and God’s position, when in reality they do not. It is hypocritical for the church to protest the world’s sins while tolerating and honoring those who preach a false gospel and are the enemies of the cross of Christ.
Instead of protests, we need prophets who call the world to repentance: Enochs who walk with God and warn of judgment (Jude 14-15); Noahs, "a preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5), who warned of judgment to come and built an ark for escape. What if he had tried instead to reform society?! We need Daniels: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Uparsin"—the handwriting is on the wall America! You’ve been weighed in the balance and found wanting! Murdered babies, the abomination of homosexuality, and society’s flippant, deliberate rebellion against God arouses His anger! We need Isaiahs and Jeremiahs, who had never heard of making a "positive confession" or of the "power of positive or possibility thinking," but preached truth!
"Christian activism" is not Christian, and represents a detour from the straight path the church is to walk before the world. It can confuse the real issues, lead to compromise and unholy alliances, and divert time and effort that would better be used in proclaiming the gospel. Weigh the demands upon your time and set priorities. Be fully engaged in rescuing souls for eternity.
[Adapted from an article by Dave Hunt and used by permission of The Berean Call, P.O. Box 7019, Bend, OR 97708.]
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