Should Christians in a democratic society join political parties? In recent decades this question has become increasingly important as governments legislate policies in a growing list of moral areas and often make decisions running counter to traditional Christian values. Many believers wonder whether they should try to influence party stances. In developing a response we need to keep several basic truths in mind.

Three Basic Truths
First, the government was established by God; it is not part of the realm of darkness. Paul wrote, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1).