Should Christians Be Slandering Politicians?

[Hidden In Him]

Greetings all, and blessings to all.

I'm a member on staff at another Christian forum, and this topic has come up for conversation recently. I vacillated for awhile on both sides, but after actually studying the scriptures I came to the conclusion that the real New Testament answer was no. I will put it up for debate here and see what everyone has to say. As for myself, the result was a Bible study I posted there and am now posting here at CB in a slightly different format. I pray our discussion is fruitful and honest in search of the truth together.

Blessings in Christ to all who wish to respond.
Hidden In Him

Overcoming "Evil" With Good: The Christian Response To Politics

Overcoming "Evil" With Good: The Christian Response To Politics Wrote this study out at another forum recently, and thought I would post it here. Responses are welcome, Hidden In Him Another Presidential election is almost here in the United States, and the ugliness and vitriol are at...

www.christianityboard.com

 

[TLHKAJ]

There are examples in scripture of God's people criticizing politicians/leaders.

Mark 6:17-18
[17]For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
[18]For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

 

[Hidden In Him]

There are examples in scripture of God's people criticizing politicians/leaders.

Mark 6:17-18
[17]For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
[18]For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

There's another on Jesus referring to Herod as a fox. Been writing up a piece on it that I can post later, but let me see what other responses we get first.
So how have you been these days. Been blessed? We haven't spoken in awhile.

 

[Scott Downey]

To me slander implies lying, so we should not lie, but we should tell the truth about politicians.
The things they say and do, people need to know about, this is in the public record.
And we need to know how that compares to what scriptures say about such people.
Scriptures clearly condemn sexual immorality, and other awful things people do, it says such people are worthy of death who approve of them that practice those things.

Another question, should Christians prosecute and judge murder, rape, crimes? And if not, why not?

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their [i]women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the [j]men, leaving the natural use of the [k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, [l]sexual immorality, wickedness, [m]covetousness, [n]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 [o]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, [p]unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

 

[Scott Downey]

Did John the Baptist slander Herod?
What John said infuriated Herod and Herod threw him in person and then beheaded John, a man Christ called a great Old Testament prophet

Matthew 14

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

Feeding the Five Thousand​

13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.


Matthew 11
1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.

2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he [a]sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

 

[Hidden In Him]

To me slander implies lying, so we should not lie, but we should tell the truth about politicians.

Greetings Scott, and blessings in Christ! Good to see you still around.

Yeah, I actually bounced around a little as far was what word to use. Maybe "malign" would be a better fit, but slander is essentially the same thing. Criticize can be interpreted as simply being "critical" of someone, and that's not what I'm asking, because as you say, we ought to at least be able to weigh the candidates policies and even history, but yet discuss such things in the context of showing respect for our leaders, or what scripture refers to as honoring them.

Tell me, have you had a chance yet to read through the piece I posted a link to in the OP? I ask because it would set the context for my reply.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Slander, no. We should never falsely accuse anyone of things that are not true.

But to state the truth about a person, I do not see an issue with this. We had a discussion about this last night, someone asked why the churches are not telling their members to vote. And why many believers think it is ok for them not to vote. Or why a pastor will not come out ans speak about both parties. and tell the truth (especially in this election when you have one side mocking God in all of their policies and supporting sinful ideas and habits)

I lend to the side they should. I also know alot of people. I believe including churches may be being paid of to keep quiet. to not "stir the pot" so to speak.

 

[Lambano]

Should Christians Be Slandering Politicians?​

Nah. The truth will suffice.

 

[Scott Downey]

Greetings Scott, and blessings in Christ! Good to see you still around.

Yeah, I actually bounced around a little as far was what word to use. Maybe "malign" would be a better fit, but slander is essentially the same thing. Criticize can be interpreted as simply being "critical" of someone, and that's not what I'm asking, because as you say, we ought to at least be able to weigh the candidates policies and even history, but yet discuss such things in the context of showing respect for our leaders, or what scripture refers to as honoring them.

Tell me, have you had a chance yet to read through the piece I posted a link to in the OP? I ask because it would set the context for my reply.

Hi, yes I just did.

Further thinking in general on the world...which is doomed to destruction, and we are not of the world, we are of God, and will not share it's fate.

Does God have enemies?
Are God's enemies our enemies?
Are we friends with the world?
Or rather should we warn them about the coming wrath, coming for them?
What is true love, warning people they are under God's condemnation they must repent and believe or they will perish?

If you love your enemies, you will tell them the truth how they are God's enemies and unless they believe in Christ, God has reserved them under punishment of hell fire. As a Christian we need to warn them. We should understand they are doomed to destruction.

That means pointing out their issues and how they do not agree with the teachings of Christ, that they are antichrist.
It is not our job to change their hearts, that is up to God to grant repentance to know the truth. But I still think today we are supposed to be the light on a hill that shines into their darkness, even if they do not comprehend the light.

I don't think of this as slandering them. If they do not listen to Godly criticism, then that is on them, not you.

OT warning
Ezekiel 3:18
When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.

Jesus did not pray for the world, should we? Nope, I don't think we should, but people do that anyway.
We are not supposed to bless and wish God speed on the people of the world.
Rather we are to warn them of the coming wrath of God.

Sins leading to death, John says do not pray for that
John 5
16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

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How do you apply this warning in dealing with those of the world?

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that [c]we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.

9 Whoever [d]transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
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John 17
6 “I have [c]manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.


Psalm 139

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you [i]bloodthirsty men.
20 For they speak against You wickedly;
[j]Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with [k]perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

 

[TLHKAJ]

There's another on Jesus referring to Herod as a fox. Been writing up a piece on it that I can post later, but let me see what other responses we get first.
So how have you been these days. Been blessed? We haven't spoken in awhile.

Loaded question ....too much for here, honestly.

I have a video....two videos, actually... that I'm going to post elsewhere that is very important for us all to hear and seek God on.

 

[marks]

Should Christians Be Slandering Politicians?​

No, you should never lie about others.

Much love!

 

[Hidden In Him]

Slander, no. We should never falsely accuse anyone of things that are not true.

But to state the truth about a person, I do not see an issue with this.

Greetings Eternally Grateful! Good to see you again..

Here is my argument. I do think the issues should be addressed, but respectfully. My response to those who say we should "tell the truth" is that sometimes the truth can be incredibly dark, and yet the command of scripture seems to have been to speak of them honorably anyway, that we might lead peaceable and quiet lives, show ourselves to be exemplary citizens, and pray even for those who despitefully use us. I reference my study I wrote up just recently because the two primary passages on this - one written by Peter and the other by Paul - were both written a few years after Nero's persecution against Christians had begun in earnest, and believers were being burned to light the dinner parties at his palace. That IMO is pretty bad, worse than anything I think Trump or Harris are doing, and yet the command was very clearly to "honor the king."

What do you think would be your response to that, and thank you for the courteous reply.

Blessings!
- H

 

[Hidden In Him]

Jesus did not pray for the world, should we? Nope, I don't think we should, but people do that anyway.
We are not supposed to bless and wish God speed on the people of the world.
Rather we are to warn them of the coming wrath of God.

Man is that post a lot to unpack, LoL.

Let me just say this. While I would agree that the New Testament teachings were to Christians, and focused on what Christian conduct should be in regard to politicians and political issues, Jesus seemed to deflect when it came to this, and advised that we redirect our focus to Him and not to the world OR to politics. This seems obvious in when the Pharisees came to him asking if they should pay taxes to Caesar, and rather than falling for the trap, He said, "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's." I think we are sort of doing the opposite when we are on night and day going on and on about politics as if that's what consumes our minds, and not devoting them to the Lord Jesus Christ instead.

And as far as the world goes, how can they follow the right example of we aren't doing so first?

 

[Hidden In Him]

No, you should never lie about others.

Much love!

Greetings Mark, and hope you have been well.

Ok, now again, I was searching for the right word to use, and I eventually arrived at either slander or malign (as being the opposites of "honor"). Lying is what Monty Python would have referred to as "right out." It's a given, seeing as how believers are commanded to set aside all lying and speak the truth in love to one another.

So approaching it again, where do you stand. If the truth hurts and it is indeed somewhat "slanderous" in a way, should we still be speaking it or should we do something else instead? (see Post #12, and keep in mind, the same might be applied to what we say of others in general or even believers. Should we always say the truth, even if it does not honor but shames the other person?)

Blessings,
- H

 

[marks]

Greetings Mark, and hope you have been well.

Ok, now again, I was searching for the right word to use, and I eventually arrived at either slander or malign (as being the opposites of "honor"). Lying is what Monty Python would have referred to as "right out." It's a given, seeing as how believers are commanded to set aside all lying and speak the truth in love to one another.

So approaching it again, where do you stand. If the truth hurts and it is indeed somewhat "slanderous" in a way, should we still be speaking it or should we do something else instead? (see Post #12, and keep in mind, the same might be applied to what we say of others in general or even believers. Should we always say the truth, even if it does not honor but shames the other person?)

Blessings,
- H

Truth is not slanderous. Maybe inconvenient. Maybe embarassing. Dishonor would be the opposite of honor. Malign, slander, these speak of dishonesty and malice. Truth does not dishonor. The one who is dishonored by truth has actually dishonored himself. Speaking truth only reveals that fact.

You gave the answer yourself. Speak the truth in love, that is, with the desire for what is best for others. Not to self affirm, or some such.

Stand for righteousness and truth.

Much love!

 

[lforrest]

It's not slander if it is true. Also it is often that the politician's own words condemn them.

 

[Scott Downey]

Man is that post a lot to unpack, LoL.

Let me just say this. While I would agree that the New Testament teachings were to Christians, and focused on what Christian conduct should be in regard to politicians and political issues, Jesus seemed to deflect when it came to this, and advised that we redirect our focus to Him and not to the world OR to politics. This seems obvious in when the Pharisees came to him asking if they should pay taxes to Caesar, and rather than falling for the trap, He said, "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's." I think we are sort of doing the opposite when we are on night and day going on and on about politics as if that's what consumes our minds, and not devoting them to the Lord Jesus Christ instead.

And as far as the world goes, how can they follow the right example of we aren't doing so first?

Christians are not perfect, but we are forgiven our lawless sins.
God justifies the ungodly by their faith in Him.
God forgives us for the sake of His Great Name, the Name above all names.

Romans 4
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

The world and the Christian are separate, as in we are not of the world, Christ called us out of the world to be His own special possession.

I agree politics can be a distraction of this world, and we should not be doing works of the flesh because of politics, holding on to contentious or dissentious politics and politicians which are opposed by the scriptures.

We can be politically aware and active, I would like to see more Christians in government.

Because of what government policies are, they have a great effect on our daily lives, which means I will support the ones that also support my religious POV and oppose the ones which are obviously scripturally proven wicked.

I know it is an old testament example, but God raised up Daniel along with the other 3 men and set them over the affairs of a very worldly kingdom. And God also did this later on with Mordecai and Esther. If it pleases the Lord to bring times of refreshing to worldly governments, then He will do it, and this is what I think Paul means when he tells people to pray for kings and all those in authority that we can worship God in peace in this world. That God will raise up godly men and women to serve Him in governmental affairs. The means God uses vary, He may restrain and stop their evil, He may turn their hearts, He may appoint His people to rule.

Daniel and His Friends Promoted​

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. 47 The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in [p]the gate of the king.

Esther 4

Esther and Mordecai
10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” 12 So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.

13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in [c]Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded [d]him.
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1 Timothy 2

Therefore I [a]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in [b]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and [c]reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth [d]in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Truth is not slanderous. Maybe inconvenient. Maybe embarassing. Dishonor would be the opposite of honor. Malign, slander, these speak of dishonesty and malice. Truth does not dishonor. The one who is dishonored by truth has actually dishonored himself. Speaking truth only reveals that fact.

You gave the answer yourself. Speak the truth in love, that is, with the desire for what is best for others. Not to self affirm, or some such.

Stand for righteousness and truth.

It's not slander if it is true. Also it is often that the politician's own words condemn them.

1 Timothy 2

Therefore I [a]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in [b]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and [c]reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

Loaded question ....too much for here, honestly.

Ok, let's take a different tack then, approach it from a different angle, and put things to a test. 1 Peter 2:17 says this, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." and 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority." Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are now in authority over their respective parties, and one is about to become the next President of the United States.

Give me an example of how you each would honor them - not just one but both - at the current time. What specific words would you use in obedience to the scriptural commands to honor them and/ or give thanks for them?

 

[TLHKAJ]

Ok, let's take a different tack then, approach it from a different angle, and put things to a test. 1 Peter 2:17 says this, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." and 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority." Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are now in authority over their respective parties, and one is about to become the next President of the United States.

Give me an example of how you each would honor them - not just one but both - at the current time. What specific words would you use in obedience to the scriptural commands to honor them and/ or give thanks for them?

Why did you quote me? lol

 

[pompadour]

Satin, Is/was a high ranking Angel, are we to show him respect and not criticize him?