Is there a place for faith in politics?

The call for Christians in light of the census data is not to cower away.

This week, new data from the 2021 census showed that – for the first time ever – the majority of people in England and Wales do not describe themselves as Christian. The proportion of the public who identify as Christian fell 13 per cent from 2011. Most of that vote share – 12 per cent – flipped to “no religion”.

The results prompted discussions about what place Christianity, and religious faith in general, deserve in our society today. “Is belief in God an outmoded belief in the 21st century, and if so, is that a good thing?” That was the closing question of this week’s BBC Question Time.

There is a common assumption that the absence of faith is neutral, rational and tolerant, and that having faith is an eccentricity. Faith is seen as a private hobby that people indulge because it makes them feel good, but which can and should be set aside if it will have a bearing on their politics or public actions.

But whether you’re a Christian, an atheist, a humanist or a Jedi, you are following something. We all have a worldview. Nobody expects a Marxist or a Milton Friedman free marketeer to leave their values at the door, so why should we expect Christians to?

Understandably, people are wary of mixing faith with politics because dreadful deeds have been carried out under the guise of religion. Sadly, we Christians do not always help ourselves, and can come across as judgemental and intolerant. If we’re better known for protesting alongside placards with God’s name on than we are for being vessels of God’s grace, mercy, and love for our neighbours, then we’re doing something wrong.

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