Christians Cannot Afford to Sit Out Politics: The Explosive Debate Tearing the Church Apart

Why Christians Must Not Abandon Politics: The Biblical Case for Engaging Government

A growing debate among prominent Christian voices is raising a critical question: should believers withdraw from the political arena or lean into it?

Kathy Athearn, a correspondence writer at the Family Research Council, has penned a forceful response to theologian Preston Sprinkle and pastor Mike Erre, both of whom have questioned the place of Christians in politics. The discussion gained new urgency following the assassination of Christian apologist and political influencer Charlie Kirk in September 2025.

On his podcast "Theology in the Raw," Sprinkle interviewed Erre about "political discipleship after Charlie Kirk." Erre framed the central tension this way:

The big wrestling we have in the church over the last several years has been, "Does the church exist to change and transform culture, or does the church exist to be transformed and be faithful to Christ."

Sprinkle, author of Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of the Empire, advocates for Christians to distance themselves from political engagement. He has argued that believers should "reject the empire, yet submit to it, because Jesus is king."

Athearn calls this a "false dichotomy," writing that "the Church should both transform our culture in a way that glorifies God and continually ask God to sanctify us." She draws on Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper's concept of sphere sovereignty, which holds that different areas of life including family, church, state, and education each have God ordained authority without one dominating the others.

Citing the cultural mandate from Genesis 1:26 28, Athearn argues Christians fulfill God's purpose by building societies and engaging politically. She emphasizes that America's First Amendment protects religious freedom without establishing Christianity as the national religion.

We do not believe that we should seek to "influence power" solely for Christians so that they're protected. Rather, we seek to influence public policy for the common good of all of society because we love God and we love our neighbors.

Athearn concludes that the Great Commission commands believers to reach "all nations" without exceptions for government, making political engagement fully compatible with Christian witness.

Christian Leaders Clash Over Faith, Politics, and the Legacy of Charlie Kirk

The debate reflects a broader fault line within American Christianity. On one side, leaders like Athearn and the Family Research Council champion active political involvement as a biblical mandate, advocating for policies that protect life, parental rights, religious freedom, and the family. On the other, voices like Sprinkle and Erre warn that political entanglement risks compromising the Church's primary mission of spiritual transformation.

With nearly 100,000 people attending Charlie Kirk's memorial service at State Farm Stadium last September, the question of how Christians should engage the public square shows no signs of fading.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let me be direct: the idea that Christians should retreat from politics is not humility. It is surrender. When Sprinkle says "reject the empire, yet submit to it," he is essentially telling millions of believers to sit on the sidelines while their children's schools, their laws, and their freedoms are shaped by people who reject everything they stand for.

Charlie Kirk gave his life because he believed Christians belong in the public square. He was right. The same Bible that tells us to render unto Caesar also tells us to be salt and light. Salt that stays in the shaker preserves nothing. A light hidden under a basket illuminates no one.

Every law on the books reflects someone's morality. The only question is: whose? If Christians refuse to show up, the answer writes itself. And it will not be an answer our children thank us for.

Take Action

• Read Kathy Athearn's full response at The Christian Post and share it with your church community.
• Engage your pastor in a conversation about what political engagement looks like for your local church body. Bring the question to a small group or Bible study.
• Support organizations defending religious freedom and Christian civic engagement: visit Family Research Council and First Liberty Institute.
• Register to vote and encourage every member of your congregation to do the same. Visit Vote.org to check your registration status.
• Support persecuted Christians worldwide who cannot freely participate in their own governments. Donate at www.TheShepherdsShield.org or Open Doors.