The Complex Relationship Between Citizenship and Christianity in Modern Society
Citizenship is a concept that defines the legal and cultural status of individuals within a society, yet it often goes unnoticed until it is challenged. It is during these moments of challenge that the importance of citizenship becomes clear, highlighting the fragile nature of one’s place in the world.
For Christians, their primary citizenship is in heaven, serving as ambassadors of God’s kingdom on Earth. This spiritual allegiance often supersedes national citizenship and has historically created tension with earthly authorities. The Christian prayer for God’s kingdom to come is seen as advocating for a transformative change in governance, a notion that has unsettled leaders for centuries.
Despite these tensions, Christians have historically made significant contributions to society, guided by Biblical teachings on engaging with earthly powers. The Apostle Paul’s writings in Romans 13 emphasize that authorities are instituted by God to promote the common good, and Christians are called to participate in governance without giving blind allegiance to any state, as their ultimate loyalty lies with Jesus Christ.
This balance of dual citizenship has historically enriched Western culture, fostering civic virtues and institutions beneficial to all. However, this duality also poses challenges, particularly for Christians in countries where they face persecution, such as Syria, Iran, and China, where their legal and cultural status is precarious.
In contrast, the West generally upholds civil liberties, yet recent criticisms suggest these freedoms may be eroding. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance recently criticized Western governments for human rights abuses against Christian citizens, citing instances like the cancelled Romanian election and European efforts to suppress free speech. Vance argued that free speech is under threat, highlighting issues like the UK prayer bans around abortion clinics.
Vance’s criticisms extend to the ideological challenges faced by Western culture, as secular values increasingly marginalize Christians, who were once central to societal development. The shift from a positive to a neutral, and now negative, portrayal of Christians reflects a broader cultural change, pushing Christian beliefs to the periphery.
In Dr. David Landrum’s book, Seismos – Christian Citizenship in a Post-Christian West, he explores how Christianity is being sidelined in Western society. The book describes a cultural “seismos” or shaking, where secularism is causing a regime change that challenges the foundational values of Western civilization, often leading to a rejection of the Christian roots that once defined it.
Former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks referred to this cultural shift as “Cultural Climate Change,” where secularism fills the void left by Christianity, leading to a resurgence of pagan-like ideologies. This change is marked by a rejection of Christian morals and an embracing of alternative lifestyles, fostering a culture hostile to Christian values.
Secularism’s rise has parallels to religious zeal, adopting practices like cancel culture and hate speech laws without offering avenues for forgiveness or redemption. This creates a challenging environment for Christians, who face discrimination for expressing their beliefs, as seen in the cases of Kristie Higgs and Felix Ngole, who suffered professional consequences for their private expressions of faith.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for Christians who remain steadfast in their faith. As secularism reveals its limitations, Christians have the opportunity to act as counter-cultural witnesses, demonstrating the enduring power and relevance of their beliefs. By fostering strategic, long-term vision and leadership, Christians can navigate the current cultural storm and continue to influence society positively.
Dr. David Landrum highlights that while secularism lacks the capacity for long-term cultural impact, Christians can draw strength from their faith to persist through these challenging times. Through dedication and strategic planning, there is potential for a future where Christian values once again play a central role in shaping society.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
