If Jesus Spoke About South Korean Politics Today — Choosing People Over Parties, Justice Over Power
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
This statement by Jesus was a radical declaration in first-century Jewish society. For Jews torn between resisting Roman rule and remaining faithful to God, Jesus did not advocate choosing one side over the other. Instead, He introduced an entirely different standard. The gospel speaks of citizenship in the Kingdom of God, not allegiance to worldly regimes, and true authority comes not from power structures but from the will of heaven. Two thousand years later, this declaration continues to challenge the relationship between faith and political reality in South Korea.
South Korea’s elections are marked by intense polarization and partisan conflict. Ideological divisions between major parties have grown into antagonistic political identities, and even churches are divided along party lines. Many Christians struggle to discern which candidate or party, if any, aligns with God’s will. But the deeper question is not “Who should Christians vote for?” but rather “What would Jesus say about today’s politics and power?”
How Did Jesus Engage With Power?
The Gospels show that Jesus kept a critical distance from both political and religious power. While many Jews hoped He would become a political messiah to liberate them from Rome, Jesus consistently avoided such roles. When the crowd tried to make Him king, He withdrew (John 6:15). Even before Pilate, He declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
But this wasn’t indifference. Jesus openly confronted unjust tax systems, oppressive legalism, and religious hypocrisy. He stood with the marginalized. His approach wasn’t disengagement but transcendent engagement. He did not play by the rules of power, yet He was deeply present with those crushed under it. He placed the justice and love of God’s kingdom above every earthly system.
Is There a Christian Way to Engage in Politics?
The key question is not whether Christians should engage in politics — as citizens, we already do. We pay taxes, vote, and live under the law. The real issue is how we participate. Can we follow Christ by resisting party loyalty in favor of truth, popularity in favor of conscience, and division in favor of community restoration?
Many believers support candidates simply for being “Christian” or label certain parties as “church-friendly.” But Jesus offered a sharper test: Are the poor being lifted up? Are the oppressed set free? Are the wounded being healed? Jesus stood not with the powerful but with the broken under unjust systems.
Voting as a Confession of Faith
Voting is not just a civic duty — it’s a moral decision and an expression of our worldview. Our vote should reflect not personal gain but values aligned with God’s kingdom: justice, honesty, compassion, integrity, transparency, and protection for the vulnerable. No candidate is perfect, but we can choose a direction.
A “vote of conscience” means seeking not the ideal candidate but the one most aligned with God’s purposes. Choosing someone who defends life, upholds justice, and respects dignity is a tangible expression of faith.
Churches Must Not Be Political Tools — Nor Silent Spectators
The Korean church is often accused of both political overreach and moral silence. Both are dangerous. When the church becomes a partisan mouthpiece, the gospel is distorted. When it ignores injustice, it loses its prophetic voice. The church must stand apart from party lines, sounding truth and calling for healing from Christ’s perspective.
Christians are not tasked with protecting parties or changing governments — our role is to stand above these, grounded in the gospel. We follow not political power, but Jesus. And He still asks, “Have you acted justly? Shown mercy? Walked humbly with Me?” (Micah 6:8)
If Jesus Were Given a Ballot Today
How would Jesus vote in South Korea today? In a time when biblical values and political ideologies often clash, Christians must ask how to cast their ballots faithfully. At the heart of this question is the Kingdom of God — not just political power. Jesus distanced Himself from elites but stood close to those trapped within their systems. So yes, the gospel is still relevant, even within today’s political grammar.
Values Over Parties, People Over Ideologies
Korean politics is highly partisan. People are constantly forced to take sides. But Jesus walked toward unity, not division. He criticized those who believed themselves righteous while despising others (Luke 18:9) and embraced Samaritans, tax collectors, and outcasts. He looked beyond labels and into the heart.
Political parties are tools — not the gospel. While the gospel condemns corrupt rulers, it also leaves room for genuine repentance. Christian voters must judge not by color or slogans, but by which platform better reflects the values of God’s kingdom.
Vote by Conscience, Not Emotion
Short-term interests shape public opinion, but conscience requires long-term accountability. Christians don’t vote to gain power but to uphold righteousness. That means going beyond soundbites and social media, evaluating candidates’ lives, policies, and character.
Voting with conscience isn’t about finding the cleanest candidate. It’s about asking: “Where should our society go, and who will lead us there?” Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit” (Matt 7:16). Christians must discern not just promises but patterns — how a leader treats minorities, women, the elderly, immigrants, and the poor.
Prayer and Accountability Don’t End at the Polls
Voting isn’t the end of responsibility. Christians must pray, watch, and hold leaders accountable. Whether our candidate wins or loses, our call is to intercede for national justice and renewal. We submit to authority, but we also speak out against injustice — just as Jesus did.
Our post-election prayer must be: “God, let this nation love justice, keep leaders humble, and not abandon the poor.” Only then is our political engagement a true extension of our faith.
Engage Politics, But Never Be Enslaved by It
When the church becomes a megaphone for politics, the gospel is sidelined. When it becomes silent before injustice, it becomes powerless. Jesus always stood in the low places, His truth unwavering. Christians must be politically aware — but never politically owned. We are ambassadors of the Kingdom, salt and light in this land.
“What would Jesus say about South Korean politics today?” We don’t know whom He’d endorse. But we know this: He is still with the weak, still unmoved by corrupt power, still calling for justice, mercy, and humility. And through the faithful choices of His people, His kingdom is quietly advancing.
Maeil Scripture Journal | Today’s World, A View Through the Word
