The president of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination dismissed the idea that politics was too “dirty” for Christians and instead urged believers to be involved in the political process.
Dr Frank Page, president of the 16 million-member Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), discussed politics and American society during an interview with Donald E Wildmon, the founder and chairman of the American Family Association, in a video made available online Tuesday.
Wildmon recalled growing up being taught that politics was “dirty” and that, as a Christian, he should stay out of it. The prominent pro-family leader then asked Page what he thought about Christian engagement in the political sphere.
“I believe Christians should be involved in the [political] process – not only because of our spiritual obligation but because as active participants in a democracy we are required to be participants,” Page responded without hesitation. “You cannot complain and you cannot whine about things if you’re not part of the process.”
He also recalled how Christians are called to be the “salt and light” in the world, and that through political involvement believers can make an impact on the culture for Christ.
In particular, Page urged Christians to vote this November for the next US president whether their favourite candidate is on the ballot or not.
"Unfortunately, you've got a lot of foggy notions out there that electing the right person is going to change everything," Page observed, according to OneNewsNow, the website of the American Family News Network (AFN). "The reality is we're in a system of checks and balances, and not one person can do everything."
