The weaponization of Christianity: Political figures playing pretend

With statistics still increasing, Christianity is known as one of the largest religions globally. Although, as a Christian myself, it’s hard for me to believe this. To be a Christian means to sacrifice everything you want and desire to serve a God greater than you, whom we know by the name, Jesus Christ. However, I think for most people, just attending a Sunday service is enough to profile them as a “Christian.”

I must apologize for hurting any feelings, but that’s just not how it works. For centuries, such self-acclaimed Christians have used this title as a way to push social, ideological, and–most prominently–political goals. When in actuality, any beliefs or values of Christianity should solely be used for the spiritual purposes they were declared for.

As I’ve come upon the age of 18, I have forced myself to try and understand politics and the government a little bit more, and with subtle research, one can quickly realize the false truths in the government when it comes to claiming Christian doctrine.

Simply put, Christianity is being weaponized to serve our government. My religion is quite literally being converted into something it isn’t. So I write to you today in hopes that we as a community can understand the level of detriment this causes me and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

First, I feel that I should mention what Christianity is: it is not left and right politics but the knowledge of right and wrong doing. Based on a person’s beliefs, you either have a mindset aligned with heaven or with hell, not with conservatism or liberalism.

This inaccurate notion makes my mind go in circles. You cannot put Jesus in a blue or red box; it’s not realistic (Isaiah 55:9), and therefore, I can’t understand why we as a society are letting people in power use this title as a way to maneuver our perspectives.

America carries this notion so comfortably in today’s society. Pushing it in phrases like “Christian coalition,” “moral majority” and so much more.

When political figures use such phrases, they are taking the idea of Christianity and using it to promote policies and form some sort of national identity. Which don’t get me wrong, as much as I would love to see the whole nation live under one God, it’s being done in all the wrong ways.

Since Christianity is the major religion in America, it appeals to one’s senses when it comes to voting on a plan, or agreeing with a certain standard, only because someone either mentioned that they’re a Christian or that their plan aligns with Christian morals.

To which I must unfortunately admit that it works. Religious leaders and organizations quickly jump with no discernment towards these officials, never looking twice at what is actually being done. Like a dog chasing a treat, we believers hear about the cross and automatically assume we’re putting our nation in better hands.

As this occurs, we allow these figures to obstruct our souls from what we’re supposed to know as accurate: God’s word. Christian writer, Matthew Maher, expresses that “we are called to disciple our nation and its rulers, or we will be discipled by our nation and its rulers,” and yet we have missed the first statement, and have fallen into the second.

Many will find this whole argument unimportant if they are not a Christian, let alone religious in general. Still, whether one is considered a believer or not, we are all being deceived by those who have authority over us.

For those who would not consider themselves one, let me ask you: wouldn’t you still trust a Christian?

I would have no problem trusting a Hindu, or a Muslim or an atheist–the list goes on. It does not matter what you believe in to have good morals and an honest background. 

However, Christianity stands on a foundation of love and trust, meaning that, compared to most, we are arguably some of the most trusting people. Whilst having this perspective, anyone can become deceived when we have frauds claiming onto Christ but never having Him at the center of their plans.

Altogether, this deception is just the beginning of the evil work at hand. As people play Christian to push their status and roles, they ultimately push an unknown view of Christianity–an incorrect one at that, ruining our mission.

We Christians are called to be harvesters of the world and reap what is sown (Matthew 9:37-38). In other terms, we are called to evangelize and disciple those in the world so that they may choose a life with Jesus.

In contrast to that, as people in more prominent roles continue in these acts, the idea of Christianity becomes diminished. Our values and what we stand for become blinded, and the act of evangelism becomes 10 times harder.

This will send people in two different directions: those who are more naive will fall under this and only believe in Him for the wrong reasons, or those who think more logically will completely turn away from the notion and God. Essentially, all that is occurring, is the gaining of cultural Christians or the refusal of Christianity as a whole.

On every account possible, this weaponization of our faith is extremely crude to our beliefs. As political figures continue to misuse such a title, the faith continues to cripple for those of us inside and outside. Harming us all, especially us in America.

This, however, is what the enemy wants. So I hope that in your endeavour in reading this article, no matter who you are, you are able to discern what politicians are standing for and refuse to let what they say, or who they say they are, persuade you in any way.

Follow your own beliefs, and uphold whatever laws or policies that support them. Don’t live based on someone’s words but actions, and in the meantime, join me in rejection of the appropriation of my faith.