Many Christian voices, including devoted pastors, mistakenly reject the legitimacy of Christian involvement in the culture wars. However, there are compelling justifications for our engagement. This article articulates my reasons for standing firm in the culture wars as a Christian. While others may have their motives, I speak solely for myself. The ongoing misunderstandings in society drive me to share my perspective. So, what exactly is the culture war? It encompasses the urgent need to unveil and challenge the agendas beneath contemporary thought, politics, and policy. These agendas are often concealed or misrepresented by those in the media, business, politics, and entertainment, who exhibit a bias toward leftist ideologies. As a result, leftism is gradually normalized, infiltrating our churches as well. C.S. Lewis captured the media’s powerful influence in ‘That Hideous Strength’:
“They have an engine called the Press whereby the people are deceived.”
Lewis, C. S.. That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy) (p. 289). HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Deception arises not only from misinformation but also from a deliberate silence regarding issues that demand our attention. Christians and conservatives play a crucial role in the culture wars by exposing hidden policies that most people, if they were aware of them, would reject outright. It is imperative that these issues are communicated clearly and directly so that citizens can make informed choices at the ballot box. As we express truth, those engaged in the culture wars also hold in their prayers those they publicly critique. The reason for our involvement in these cultural battles is to awaken the public to real agendas, but it is also about striving for long-term change for the vulnerable, who are often overlooked amid the empty rhetoric of political leaders. Consider the unborn and their urgent need for advocates. Moreover, we now see agendas that were once broadly rejected by both Christians and non-believers quickly becoming normalized, and this is not a sign of cultural progress. Rather, it signals a regression toward paganism, tribalism, and primitivism.
I highlight several scripture passages that decisively guide my engagement in the culture wars. To illustrate, consider the universally accepted role of a Christian nurse or doctor stepping up in the face of a natural or man-made disaster. This act is undoubtedly a testament to godly charity, as it embodies the refusal to remain passive, merely praying without action. Similarly, when Christians expose lies, this is no less an act of charity. This approach does not aim for a utopian world but embraces our duty to confront deception. For me, the guiding Scripture is Matthew 24:45-46, which concerns Jesus’ words about His expectations of His people :
(NASB) 45 Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
Throughout the OT and NT, the people of God often engaged with the political powers of their time. Notable examples include Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh; Nehemiah, a true Jew and cup-bearer to the pagan King Artaxerxes; Daniel, who served as an advisor to the pagan-turned-God-worshipper King Nebuchadnezzar; and Queen Esther, who adeptly influenced her husband, King Ahaseurus, for the benefit of the Jews. Many prophets boldly confronted the kings of Israel and Judah, while John the Baptist vocally criticized the immorality of King Herod. Jesus, in his wisdom, referred to King Herod as a fox, and Paul engaged in dialogue with Felix, another Judean governor, when wrongfully accused of sedition by the Jews for preaching the gospel. Indeed, Paul, like Jesus, proclaimed Christ as the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law and the prophets. It’s important to recognize that these ancient kings were absolute monarchs, in contrast to our constitutional monarchs, who do not wield political power to the same degree as those absolute rulers did.
Changing tack for a moment, I want to clarify a significant term before we continue. Today, policymakers frequently use concepts like “upstream” and “downstream.” Consider the pressing issue of imposing a tax on added sugar to combat its detrimental overuse by the public. This initiative has been advocated by nutritionists and dietitians at the political level as a possible public health measure. Rather than passively waiting for diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer rates to surge, we should proactively implement a sugar tax that could favorably impact the future health of a substantial portion of the population. By creating a disincentive to consume excessive amounts of sugar, we can significantly mitigate the risk of disease before it manifests. It’s important to clarify that I do not claim added sugar is the sole culprit behind these diseases, but it is undeniably a major factor that is often overlooked. Keep this upstream perspective in mind as we explore Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan:
Luke 10:30-37 (NASB) 30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
The vulnerable, whether in times past (human slavery) or present (child victims of abuse), must be defended and protected from mercenary forces. This vital work can be accomplished at both upstream and downstream levels. Saving at the downstream level entails focusing on individual cases, which is how most people interpret Jesus’ parable. This interpretation is not only valid but commendable; hats off to those who dedicate themselves to helping individuals at this level. However, considering the current age of pervasive brainwashing that creates confusion among the youth regarding their identity and gender, it is imperative to target change at the political, upstream level to effectively reverse this troubling trend. This approach exemplifies upstream good Samaritanism, whereby millions of lives can be safeguarded through transformative changes in law and culture. While this may not necessarily result in a mass conversion to Christianity, it can eliminate barriers to faith. In any case Christians should concern themselves with the welfare of their neighbours, knowing that the whole culture becomes corrupt through evil laws.
Romans 12:1-2 (NASB) 1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
One of the most significant challenges facing the church today is its conformation to worldly agendas, which are rooted not in the genuine pursuit of understanding and obeying God, but rather in our culture’s predominant ideology, Marxism.
Ephesians 5:11 (NASB) 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
Although this verse follows Paul’s list of sins for the Ephesian Church members to avoid, it unequivocally applies to the justification for engaging in the culture wars. “Deeds of darkness” must be exposed. The necessity of revealing evil as evil is glaringly apparent in the overly naive, or worse, complicit mindset of many believers. Christians are frequently being manipulated by Marxists to execute their agendas. Clear examples are evident in Christian activism surrounding dubious inclusivity, climate change, abortion, feminism, and CRT, which is a thinly veiled Marxist incitement to racial violence and division (see my All Black Lives Matter article).
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NASB) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
These verses affirm our call to action, building on numerous chapters that guide us on how to navigate our existence in this world. We are equipped for a battleground—indeed, it is a battleground not only of the spiritual realm but also against insidious satanic ideologies. We must recognize the truth in the saying, “The first casualty of war is truth.” Our world is all too often strewn with deception.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
If we forget about God at the polling booth, we are not fulfilling our duty. God is Lord over every facet of life as Christians, and that undeniably includes our political engagement. I find it baffling that some leaders attempt to justify Christian detachment from politics with statements like, “Well, what would you expect from the world? It’s evil. We are in a different realm.” I reject that notion; we are deeply rooted in this world to act as preservatives (salt) and light-bearers (light) to guide others. Our purpose is to ensure that God’s “will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Ancient Israel was meant to be a shining example that attracted surrounding pagan nations to God by embodying salt and light, yet they faltered, succumbing to the corruption of those they were called to enlighten. What’s wrong with a Christian standing up to expose truth and lies? If Christians do not take on this responsibility and allow other information sources free rein to shape thought, who will? This is a vital engagement of ideas. It’s essential to recognise that the culture wars have been ongoing for far longer than you might realise and have been part of the struggles of God’s people throughout history.
