No politics or religion is a phrase that enjoys tremendous popularity in our society. The person who holds this view will engage in conversation, friendship, etc. with one caveat, at no point can politics or religion be discussed. The proponents of this ideology believe they are gendering peace and harmony by eliminating any and all discussions that might bring disagreement or conflict. Even the very elect has fallen for the promise of a pseudo peace by the elimination of reasoning. Do politics and religion gender strife and heated arguments at times yes, they do. However, the answer to that problem is not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The complete rejection of legitimate debate or discussion is the bedrock of an ignorant and subsequently fallen society. Shutting down legitimate discourse is an ideology of which Satan would be proud.
The complete rejection of legitimate debate or discussion is the bedrock of an ignorant and subsequently fallen society.
Morne Stephanus
Expelling any discussions about controversial subjects is counterproductive to advancing knowledge and wisdom. A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, Proverbs 1:5. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning, Proverbs 9:9. How do we learn how we advance our understanding or become wise in life and unto salvation (Cf.2 Timothy 3:15)? We do so by acquiring and understanding information. Yet, what if the information I have is wrong, unscriptural, or foolish? How can I arrive at a correct understanding without the ability to reason through that information? With the mindset in question, one cannot. If I’m not allowed to talk about politics or religion, my views on both will be limited to my understanding of them even if that understanding is faulty. The fallout of this will be a society where everyone has their own views or opinions with zero tolerance for open discussion. Sadly, this is indicative of our present society. Imagine the Ethiopian Eunuch telling Phillip that he would rather not discuss religion, he’d still be lost (Acts 8) Imagine the Athenians rejecting to even hear Paul about the unknown God; those who obeyed would still be lost (Cf. Acts 17: 34). Without the hearing of Divine information, there can be no salvation (Romans 10:17). Eradicating healthy discourse about religion is diametrically opposed to redemption!
What about politics? In His earthly ministry, Jesus was confronted with a political question. Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Matthew 22:15-17. This was an acutely divisive question about an intensely dividing subject. The Jews were divided on whether or not it was morally right to pay taxes to the Roman government.
The Pharisees were strongly opposed to foreign domination and thought it derogatory and sacrilegious for the people of Jehovah to pay impost to a foreign and heathen authority. The Herodians, on the other hand, submitted without reserve to the supremacy of Rome, and, for political reasons, silenced all nationalist and ultra-patriotic feeling.
(The Pulpit Commentaries)
Jesus was aware of their scheming ways and the contentious nature of the subject nevertheless; He did not shy away from answering the matter. The Master took an opportunity to teach his people a better way of thinking. Through logic or reason, He masterfully settled the matter in a few words. Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s, Matthew 22:19-21. That discussion about politics laid the foundation for future Christians to know that paying taxes is not sinful. Envision the Lord taking the view that all controversial subjects are to be avoided, we’d have an empty Bible! Many biblical issues have been hijacked and rebranded as political. Abortion, homosexuality, and climate change are not political issues they are biblical issues. These are not matters about which the Christian can keep silent even if it’s considered political (2 Timothy 4:1-3). It is impossible to convict, convince, and convert a lost and dying world when debates and discussions are prohibited. The truth of the matter is this, politics and religion are considered taboo because people’s hearts are set on what they believe. There is no room for debate, no humility for concessions, no desire to change, and no honesty to admit wrong. In the end, we cannot force people to engage in discussion, but we certainly cannot stop trying (Matthew 28:18-20). If it relates to righteousness, the Christian discusses politics and religion without reserve.