Last Tuesday, I was emotionally very sensitive throughout the day. The dominant emotion was ‘sadness.’ While feelings like anxiety, confusion, or anger might have been more natural, I personally just felt sad. There was a time when, during the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, the entire nation became immersed in politics, and I, too, was drawn into it. However, as I got caught up in the whirlwind of judgment and division, it felt as if I was possessed by ideological bias rather than reason. Seeing even Christians turn their backs on each other over differing political views made me realize this was not the way.
During the time Jesus lived, under Roman colonial rule, there were countless politically diverse groups. Yet Jesus introduced the world to a new kind of politics: the ‘Kingdom of God.’ Under this vision, groups that seemed irreconcilable were brought together. As a pastor, I resolved to understand, follow, and proclaim this ideal political vision above all. This was because I was convinced that the Gospel is not merely about going to a tearless, pain-free place after believing in Jesus. It carries the most complete and ideal ideology capable of transforming the world and our lives entirely.
Even when Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, a city largely inhabited by Roman citizens, he encouraged them to take greater pride in being citizens of God’s kingdom than in being Roman citizens and to live lives worthy of that citizenship. I have always hoped that I, along with my congregation, would see the world—whether it be politics, economics, or culture—through the values of God’s kingdom. However, the abrupt declaration of martial law, which provoked the calm and good-hearted citizens of Korea, deeply upset me.
In the UK, there is a group chat for pastors who graduated from Chongshin Seminary. One pastor shared a BBC news video about the martial law declaration, asking for prayers. Naturally, comments followed, saying they would pray. But then, a pastor who was usually critical of the president posted an aggressive comment, and others began sharing information related to the martial law. In response, a usually silent pastor suggested that, given the diverse political views, it might be better for the group chat to focus on sharing alumni news and announcements while praying for God’s resolution to all issues. This, too, sparked a heated debate.
Regardless of the appropriateness of individual comments, I simply felt sad that even among fellow pastors who graduated from the same seminary and are working diligently in the lonely mission field of the UK, there could be such sensitive reactions. Jesus was once asked a difficult question: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor, or not?” Similarly, Paul had to address differing views within the church, such as whether to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
Jesus did not align Himself with any political faction, and rather than giving direct answers to such questions, He prioritized the unity of the Kingdom of God and the Church. As an ordinary citizen, the most active way I can participate in politics is through voting. Beyond that, the most powerful action I can take is to pray.
