Imlibenla Wati
Guinness elsewhere remarked that the early protestant reformers viewed all the vocation as service to God and the Catholics viewed those who served as priest as special call o serve God. He then proceeds to say, however it is reversed now. How true. We often encounter the view that serving God as missionaries or pastor is extra special among the protestants. However that is not the case as Abraham Kupyer very beautifully said, “there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!'” What is remarkable is Kupyer was the prime minister of the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century.
For those of us claiming to be Christian, how then should our Christian worldview inform us when it comes to how we look at politics? Should we simple look at politics as too worldly and dirty with the view “Do evangelism, not politics”? If God is indeed the Lord of all, every square inch of human enterprise comes under the Lordship of Christ. I may as well add politics too. The total Gospel consist not just “saving souls” but transformation of society. Politics is one of the means in the effort of transformation of society. If so, why not the talented and the learned involvement in politics and influence our government. Why politics should be left to ‘political families’ or those who can flex muscles? Why not march towards a better society through wise policies and capable leadership? In other words, why not the good people, the learned and the capable involve in politics?
Closer to home, we are right now engaging on the issue of 33% reservation for women. I believe that women were made in the “Image of God” just as men are. This implies that women should be treated with dignity and whatever rights are available for men should also be available for women. I therefore humbly submit that women should also be given a chance to sit in the table of decision making. This however should be base on the individual’s merit. Some of the prominent successful women politicians credit not the reservation but merit.
Margaret Thatcher political career was shaped not through reservation but her amazing combination of her wit, will power and courage. Historian Paul Johnson remarked that Prime ministers like Bandaranaike and Golda Meir “advanced themselves by brains, persistence, guts.” I therefore firmly believe women should be given the freedom to serve and transform the society through political platform, based on her merit.
If Christians are interested in total gospel, we ought to include transformation of society as well. Politics is a means of achieving that goal. If that is our goal, women should also be allowed to participate in that enterprise.
