When I’m at church, I’m not supposed to talk about elections, or policies, or laws, or scandals, or crimes, or anything that can be described as “political” because it’s divisive. I’m told that church, “isn’t the place for politics” and that Christian fellowship should be positive, encouraging, and amiable. Here are a few reasons why I ignore all that nonsense and talk politics in church.

Everything is political.

In the couple of centuries since our country was founded, “The Government” has grown, like bread mold, and attached itself to every slice of American life. A festering blanket of laws, guidelines, and regulations covers everything we do. Refusing to “talk politics” in church relegates me to banal conversations about my favorite pizza toppings or good names for cats. It’s not even acceptable to talk about the weather because “the climate” is now a hotly debated political issue.

When everything is political, the church that won’t talk politics has literally nothing to say.

Christians are supposed to have answers.

Scripture says I’m supposed to be prepared to give a reason for my faith (1 Peter 3). I sincerely wish I understood it to say, “You’re only responsible for explaining topics related directly to Christian doctrine when non-believers specifically ask you a question.” That would be great! My “no political talk” policy would then be a kind of righteousness. Unfortunately, I am convicted by a broader interpretation of the instruction to be prepared to give a reason. I think Christians are supposed to help people find truth on any and every topic.

Refusing to discuss politics is an excuse to be lazy.

A church that doesn’t engage is useless.

I’ve got a hunch that when the church refuses to talk politics, political discussions go on without the church. It’s quite naive to think if we simply don’t discuss a topic in church, the people will discuss something else. We don’t get to decide what matters to people. Declaring any subject ‘off limits’ is cowardly and unloving. We’re abandoning people to work through issues such as immigration, civil rights, marriage, racism, and abortion all alone.

Yeah. Politics is divisive. That’s precisely why the church needs to talk politics. How is the culture going to heal when the people who know the great physician keep their mouths shut?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15