Pastor Samuel Appiah did a presentation on Christians and Politics. This presentation was used for references made in the bible study April 4 2015. To see the presentation go to http://bilston.adventistchurch.org.uk/christians-and-politics

1. CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS

2. Definition
 The meaning of the terms political and politics.
 Webster's New International Dictionary (Second ed.)
defines politics and political in the following two ways:
 Politics: "The science and art of government."
 Political: "Of or pertaining to polity, or politics, or the
conduct of government. . . . Of or pertaining to those who
make a business . . . of politics, or politicians in their
partisan activities; as, he is actuated by merely political
motives.”
 The Encyclopedia of Social Sciences (vol. 6, p. 225)
states concerning the import of "politics" and political goals,
"Politics frequently has unpleasant connotations. . . . The
use of the term in the bad sense . . . implies a milieu

3. BIBLICAL BACKGROUND
Joseph considered his position in Egypt's government to be a direct result of
God's leading. As he tried to calm his brothers' fears after their father's death, he
said to them, "God hath made me lord of all Egypt" (Gen. 45:9). He "[sent] me
before you to preserve life" (verse 5).
Daniel and his three Hebrew companions were selected from among captives in
Babylon for training in civil leadership. They did not refuse this training. After
Daniel was promoted to "ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of
the governors over all the wise men of Babylon," he asked that his three friends
might be "set . . . over the affairs of the province of Babylon," and the request was
granted (Dan. 2:48, 49). The three companions were promoted again after going
through the fiery furnace (chap. 3:30). They did not refuse to serve.
The next ruler of Babylon, Belshazzar, made Daniel third ruler after he interpreted
the handwriting on the banquet wall, and just hours before Belshazzar was
defeated by Darius (chap. 5:29).
Darius, the Mede, recognized leadership in Daniel and made him first of three
presidents of the whole kingdom (chap. 6:2).Later, Daniel became the object of
jealousy of the other presidents and princes when Darius was considering putting
him over the whole realm. This is what led to his ordeal in the lions' den. When he
met this test successfully, he "prospered in the reign of Darius" (verse 28). It is

4.  Mordecai the Jew, "sat in the king's gate" and was one of
King Ahasuerus' "servants" (Esther 2:19; 3:3). The king's
gate was a place where business of the realm was carried
on, and offices were there. When he was given a chance to
replace Haman, who had been hanged, he did not refuse.
Eventually he was placed next to the king in power (chap.
10:3). Esther, of course, was queen of the realm during this
time. A few generations later, Ezra and Nehemiah served
as civil servants in their respective governments.
 In the New Testament appears what might be called the
charter of Christian civic responsibility (Romans 13). It
notes that "the powers that be are ordained of God" and in
light of this, "whosoever therefore resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God" (verses 1, 2).

5. ADVENTIST CHURCH HISTORY
 At the General Conference in 1865 the following resolution
was adopted under the heading "Voting": "Resolved, That
in our judgment, the act of voting when exercised in behalf
of justice, humanity, and right, is in itself blameless, and
may be at some times highly proper; but that the casting of
any vote that shall strengthen the cause of such crimes as
intemperance, insurrection, and slavery, we regard as
highly criminal in the sight of Heaven. But we would
depreciate any participation in the spirit of party strife."
(Reported in the Review, May 23, 1865.)

6.  "Is it possible to heed this counsel and at the same time
exercise our right of franchise in national and State elections?
We believe it is. One can vote for certain men and measures, he
can give his support by ballot to ways and means which make
for the good of the state and society, and at the same time keep
free from the control or domination or spirit of some political
party which advocates the measures which he approves. We
know of many brethren who have done this for years. They
engage in no political agitation or discussion, privately or in
public. They do not pose as the abettors or supporters of any
particular political party. They seek always to recognize
principles apart from and above men. If they vote, they do not
link their interests with such parties. They cast their votes for the
candidates who in their judgment are best qualified for particular
offices, without reference to party affiliation. We cannot believe
that in so doing they violate the spirit of the instruction which we
have received. . . . When one becomes partisan, when he
dabbles in politics, seeks to unduly influence votes, links himself
with some political party, to work for its measures and its
candidates regardless of the principles involved, it is this spirit

7. CHURCH HISTORY
 Pastor J. Lamar McElhany, president of the
General Conference for 16 years, expressed
himself (in the Review, October 23, 1952) in this
way: "The church has never attempted to
instruct its members as to how they should vote,
or for whom they should vote. These are
matters that must be left to the members'
individual conscience. Nor has the church
placed any ban or censure on its members if
they as qualified citizens choose to exercise
their right to vote, or on any who may choose

8.  1936 Pastor Francis McLellan Wilcox, for 33 years editor of
our major denominational journal, wrote in the Review,
March 26, 1936, an article on "Seventh-day Adventists and
Politics" and another article "The Preacher and Politics," in
the April 2, 1936 issue. "What relation should Seventh-day
Adventists sustain to the question of politics? Is it proper
for them to exercise the right of franchise, to go to the polls
and cast their votes . . . ? We believe that this is their God-
given and undeniable right. And this right they have chosen
to exercise through all the years. . . . Is it right for a
Seventh-day Adventist to hold political office? . . Based
upon the history of the children of God through the
centuries, . . . I must believe that this is consistent with
Christian faith and practice. . . It is not for the church
to advise any man to accept political position, nor . . has
the church the right to deny any of its members this
privilege and right."—March 26, 1936.

9.  Elder McElhany also made this comment: "We
believe every member ... is entitled to exercise
his or her right of franchise. The stability and
foundation of good government rests upon the
people. If those who are stable and law abiding
and have a high regard for the principles of
good government hold themselves aloof from
the task of choosing good and fit men for
governmental leadership, they thereby make
themselves responsible for failures in
government. This is a responsibility good
citizens should seek to avoid in so far as their
votes make this possible. ... It is important that
all issues that are to be placed on the ballot

10.  The Seventh-day Adventist Church is mindful of
the long history of the involvement of the people
of God in civil affairs. Joseph wielded civil power
in Egypt.Similarly, Daniel rose to the heights
of civil power in Babylon and the nation was
benefited as a result. In our own church
history, Adventists have joined with other
religious and secular organizations to exert
influence over civil authorities to cease
slavery and to advance the cause of
religious freedom. (GC, official statement,
2010).

11.  The growth of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church has resulted in a
corresponding growth in our ability to
exert political influence in some areas
of the world. This political influence is
not in itself problematic. Indeed,
Adventists may properly aspire to
serve in positions of civil
leadership.Nevertheless, we must
remain ever mindful of the dangers
that are associated with religious
influence on civil affairs and

12.  When Adventists become leaders or exert influence
in their wider society, this should be done in a
manner consistent with the golden rule.We should
therefore work to establish robust religious
liberty for all and should not use our influence
with political and civil leaders to either advance
our faith or inhibit the faith of others. Adventists
should take civic responsibilities seriously. We
should participate in the voting process available
to us when it is possible to do so in good
conscience and should share the responsibility
of building our communities. Adventists should
not, however, become preoccupied with politics,
or utilize the pulpit or our publications to
advance political theories. (GC, 2010).

13. Comments by early Adventists:
JAMES WHITE
 During the formative years of the Advent Movement the
United States was involved in turbulent political currents.
The issues that resulted in the outbreak of the
War Between the States were much agitated before the
1860 national election.
 James White wrote in the Review, August 21, 1860: "The
political excitement of 1860 will probably run as high as it
has for many years, and we would warn our brethren not to
be drawn into it. We are not prepared to prove from the
Bible that it would be wrong for a believer in the third
message to go in a manner becoming his profession, and
cast his vote. We do not recommend this, neither do we
oppose. If a brother chooses to vote, we cannot condemn

14. Ellen G White’s Comments
 Ellen White's comments come through
clearly: "The Lord would have His people
bury political questions." "We cannot with
safety vote for political parties." "Let
political questions alone." "It is a mistake
for you to link your interests with any
political party, to cast your vote with them
or for them." Gospel Workers, pp. 391-
393.

15. EGW
 In a statement first published as a tract in
1899, Ellen White said that we are not to
vote for men that "use their influence to
repress religious liberty," for if we do, we
"are partakers with them of the sins
which they commit while in office." "We
cannot with safety take part in any
political schemes," she said. Christians
"will not wear political badges.

16. WARNING
 Strong warnings against becoming involved in
"political issues" or activities: "Let political
questions alone. . . . Every teacher, minister, or
leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire
to ventilate his opinions on political questions,
should be converted by a belief in the truth, or
give up his work." —(FOE., pp. 392, 393). "God
calls upon the teachers in our schools not to
become interested in the study of political
questions."—Fundamentals of Education, p.

17. ELLEN G. WHITE COMMENTS
 Discussing the coming political campaign of 1880 in one of his
last editorials, James White said: "We as a people, as
Adventists, have before us an all-absorbing subject, and a work
of the greatest importance, from which our minds should not be
diverted. . . . "It should be our duty to adapt ourselves, as far as
possible without compromising truth, to all who come within the
reach of our influence, and at the same time stand free from the
strife and corruptions of the parties that are striving for the
mastery." Ibid., March 11, 1880.
 Writing from Australia in 1898, Ellen White emphasized the
same points: "We are not as a people to become mixed up with
political questions. . . . Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers in political strife, nor bind with them in their
attachments. . . . Keep your voting to yourself. Do not feel it your
duty to urge everyone to do as you do." Selected Messages,
book 2, pp. 336, 337.

18. WARNING
 While Seventh-day Adventists are to vote, they
are to cast their vote with prayerful consideration.
 E.G. White, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 337
(admonishing Adventists to vote); E.G. White,
Fundamentals of Christian Education, p 475
(stating that Adventists cannot safely vote for
political parties); & Ellen G White, Last Day
Events, p. 127
 (Adventists become partakers in the sins of
politicians if they support candidates that do not

19.  The Adventist, if voting, must remain
free and independent. He should not
vote the "party ticket" without
analyzing the individual candidates
and issues. The attitude "right or
wrong, my party" is foreign to the
intelligent Adventist. Adventists, if
voting, cannot participate in under-
handed political practices: "We cannot
with safety take part in any political
scheme.”—(FOE)., p. 391.

20.  Adventists, if voting, must not link their
church with any political party: "God
employs the strongest figures to show
that there should be no union between
worldly parties and those who are
seeking the righteousness of Christ."—
Ibid., p. 392.
 Adventists, if voting, must not be
emotionally or violently engaged in
partisan strife: "Those who stand as
educators, as ministers, as laborers
together with God in any line, have no

21. Should Adventists take a political position
Can Seventh-day Adventists
participate in certain aspects of
politics with good conscience?
Are we ever to help in the
making of laws, and if so, how?
Is it ever proper to hold public
office, either elective or

22. Adventist and Political Position
 Careful Study of Two statements by Ellen White . In
Education, page 262, we read: "Many a lad of today,
growing up as did Daniel in his Judean home, studying
God's Word and His works, and learning the lessons of
faithful service, will yet stand in legislative assemblies, in
halls of justice, or in royal courts, as a witness for the King
of kings.” That this witness is not limited to occasional
appearances on behalf of specific issues, and in fact
includes participation in legislative decisions.
 It is evident from another statement Ellen White made in an
address to the teachers and students of Battle Creek
College, November 15, 1883. She said: "Have you
thoughts that you dare not express, that you may one day .
. . sit in deliberative and legislative councils, and help to
enact laws for the nation? There is nothing wrong in

23. Adventists Higher aspiration
 Have you thoughts that you dare not express,
that you may one day stand upon the summit
of intellectual greatness; that you may sit in
deliberative and legislative councils, and help
to enact laws for the nation? There is nothing
wrong in these aspirations. You may every one
of you make your mark. You should be content
with no mean attainments. Aim high, and
spare no pains to reach the standard." (E.G
White, Fundamentals of Christian Education, p.
82).

24.  Ellen White went on to explain the circumstances under
which it is proper to accept such responsibilities. She said
that we are not to be content with low goals, but we are to
remember that "the fear of the Lord lies at the foundation of
all true greatness." We are to hold "all temporal claims and
interests in subjection to the higher claims of the gospel of
Christ.”
 She also indicated that "as disciples of Christ, you are not
debarred from engaging in temporal pursuits; but you
should carry your religion with you." And, "balanced by
religious principle, you may climb to any height you
please." Notice that the climbing is to be "balanced by
religious principle.”
 Further, our God-given powers and talents are not to be
perverted "to do evil and destroy others" or to be used to
"spread moral ruin and corruption." Rather, our
responsibilities are to be "faithfully and conscientiously
discharged." (See Fundamentals of Christian Education,

25.  Election of Seventh-day Adventists to public
office goes back at least 88 years. A rather
unusual editorial by Uriah Smith stated: "Elder
William C. Gage has been elected mayor of the
city of Battle Creek." The editorial went on to
explain that the advocates of temperance in the
city had felt betrayed by current officeholders,
and when no other man could be persuaded to
run against them, Elder Gage had been
approached. The editorial continued: "When it
appeared that to decline absolutely would be to
jeopardize the interests of the temperance
cause, he accepted, and the people ratified the
nomination, giving him a plurality." Review and

26.  Both Uriah Smith and G. I. Butler, president of the General
Conference, appeared apologetic for the election of Gage.
In the same issue of the Review, Elder Butler urged
support of the temperance issues of the day, but cautioned:
"We have not time or ability to waste in the arena of politics
while the cause of God is languishing." Both men stated
their conviction that Adventists normally should not become
involved in politics. Elder Butler stated further that even
though we favor temperance, we are to be cautious "about
being absorbed and carried away in excitements over it or
any other question" (ibid).
 Surely, this advice is appropriate in the light of pressing
social and political issues of our day. It may be of interest
to note that halfway through his one-year term as mayor,
Gage was strongly rebuked by Ellen White. She said: "He
has ever been a curse to the church in Battle Creek." She
added: "I warn the people of God not to take this man as

27. VOTING ON SABBATH
 Indeed, Ellen White’s plea to Adventists was to vote on
issues of moral imperative beyond temperance: “Every
individual exerts an influence in society. In our favored
land, every voter has some voice in determining what laws
shall control the nation. Should not that influence and that
vote be cast on the side of temperance and virtue?” (EGW,
GOSPEL WORKERS, P.387)
 Even voting on the Sabbath was urged, if necessary, if
matters of temperance and virtue arose. Notes, the
pioneers “were very concerned with temperance.”
Interview with Land. The “voting on Sabbath” comment
is related in Herbert E. Douglass, Messenger of the Lord,
chapter 13;

28. CONCLUSION
 The Adventist attitude toward civic and public affairs seems to
be that the genuine Adventist is primarily a citizen of the
heavenly kingdom, established upon principles outlined in the
Bible. The true Christian is a converted man, an ambassador
from God to men. The Christian's chief program for national
and international betterment is the spiritual gospel, which links
man to Christ and liberates man from his dependence upon
social and civic measures. The true Adventist is not of this
world; he is swiftly on his way out. Yet, while passing through
he seeks to attract other men to the heavenly kingdom by
translating its divine principles into human action. As a part of
this, the true Christian will aid in the proper promotion of
sensible plans for the extension of health, for the realization of
religious and other proper freedoms, for the relief of want and
fear, and for the pacific stability of the social and political order.
Peace among men and peace among nations are among his
personal concerns. Justice is one of his aims.

29. Three conclusions seem clear from this
study
 1. We are always to vote "on the side of
temperance and virtue.”
 2. The decision to vote for candidate(s) is a
personal decision. If you vote, "keep your
voting to yourself. Do not feel it is your duty
to urge everyone to do as you do.”
 3. We are to stand free from political strife
and corruption.