With the rise of Constantine in the 4th century the Christian faith took a decidedly political turn. What began with the toleration of Christianity under Constantine later became legalization, and ultimately the establishment of the Christian faith as the state religion throughout Catholic and Protestant Europe. Although the Christian faith had a profoundly positive affect upon European civilization, Christendom led to centuries of conflict and warfare among the various Christian kingdoms. Christendom is a failed experiment.
The political visions of the Christian right and the Christian left are nothing more than the ongoing revisioning of the Christendom motif. Both find the source of their political vision in the Gospel of Christ, even if they have sometimes been guilty of allowing their partisan politics to inform (or deform) Christ’s message. We should be reminded that Jesus told Pilate,
My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting . . . but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm (John 18:36).
The politics of the Gospel of Christ transcend this present age. Christians on the right and left should indeed promote a politic of justice and righteousness. But we should not deceive ourselves. The so-called arc of history is not bending upward towards a utopian human civilization. Rather, human history is more akin to a roller coaster. Things go upward slowly, but when history takes a downward plunge, things quickly become scary and dangerous. The optimism that accompanied the beginning of the 20th century was severely diminished by two world wars and a protracted cold war that threatened nuclear annihilation. In fact, the most advanced century of human civilization was also the most violent. Fallen humans exploit creation, oppress their neighbors, and devour their young.
Even in the midst of such violence and corruption the 20th century was also a period of revival and expansion of the Christian faith throughout the world. The Spirit of God continues to bring life out of the chaos of this world.
The sociopolitical systems of this world are corrupt. Human history is the story of domination, exploitation, and violence. Human political systems cannot transform human nature, cannot heal the planet, and cannot defeat death. At best, human government is established as an effort to hold the forces of sin and corruption at bay. The only remedy for the corruption of this present age is death . . . and resurrection.
We need an apocalyptic Gospel because it warns of the impending judgement of this corrupt age and hopes in the revelation of New Creation.
This present age will be judged and destroyed – it must die – so that it can be raised to New Creation. Paul wrote, “That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies. . . (1 Corinthians 15:36). Peter warned, “. . . the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7; cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). But, the fire of God’s Spirit that will consume this present age will also give birth to New Creation.
The resurrection of Jesus is the first-fruits of New Creation. Because Christ has been raised from the dead, all those who die in Christ shall likewise be raised imperishable, glorified, and in power (1 Corinthians 15:42-43). Furthermore, all “creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God . . . that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21).
The best human leaders have feet of clay and are subject to the corruption of power. Just as the kings of Israel failed to establish God’s rule in this age, so too will all human leaders fail. When we place our hopes in the political machinations of this present age we will be disappointed to despair. However, if we place our confidence in Jesus Christ our hope will be expressed in the groaning and labor pains of New Creation.
