Many Christians wonder if faith and politics should mix. According to Jacob Hill from the Australian Christian Lobby, the answer is a resounding yes.
Clearing Up the Confusion
Jacob believes the common idea of “separation of church and state” is often misunderstood.
“When people say the church shouldn’t be involved in politics, they often can’t explain why,” Hill said. “They’ve just heard it somewhere.”
He points out that the Australian Constitution begins with these words: “Humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God.”
“That one sentence sets the context for our entire legal and social structure,” Jacob explained.
What Separation of Church and State Actually Means
In Australia, the Constitution prevents the government from enforcing a religion or restricting religious freedom. But it doesn’t silence people of faith.
“It’s not about keeping the church out of the state’s business,” Jacob said. “It’s about keeping the state out of the church’s business.”
He argues that this principle protects the freedom of believers to speak, act, and vote in line with their values.
Faith-Based Advocacy Is Legal and Needed
As the State Director for the Australian Christian Lobby, Jacob works to represent the church to the government. He said, “We’re the voice of the church to government. That’s our role in the body of Christ.”
ACL does this by consulting pastors, denominational leaders, and church organisations. Hill’s team then shares these views with policymakers.
“We have honest conversations with MPs and their advisers,” Jacob said. “We want to make sure the church is included in the process.”
Your Beliefs Influence Politics, Whether You Admit It or Not
When asked whether politicians should keep personal beliefs out of policymaking, Jacob was clear.
“You can never truly separate your beliefs from your decisions,” he said. “That’s what motivates people to get into politics in the first place.”
He believes Christians should bring their values into the political space.
“Democracy is where worldviews go to war,” Jacob said. “That’s what politics is. Competing visions for what’s best.”
What About Helping the Poor?
Some argue that helping the poor is the church’s job, not the government’s. Jacob sees it differently.
“Yes, it’s the church’s mandate,” he said. “But governments often support churches because we’re already doing the work.”
He added, “Charities save the government money by doing their job. That’s why they get tax breaks.”
How Can Everyday Christians Get Involved?
Jacob encourages believers to stay informed, speak up, and take action.
“The first thing I’d do is connect with a group like ours,” he said. “Sign up for emails and follow on socials. Know what’s going on.”
The next steps might include talking to your local MP or even joining a political party.
“God often highlights issues on our hearts,” Jacob explained. “If something’s bugging you, that might be your call to get involved.”
Even Petitions Help
Petitions might seem small, but they matter. “They show MPs there’s a group of people who care,” Jacob said. “Their job is to represent your concerns.”
Christians not only can, but should, engage with politics. “It’s part of living out our faith,” Jacob said. “Jesus didn’t just say ‘Come and meet me.’ He said, ‘Go and make disciples.’ That means bringing our values into every part of life, including government.”
Listen to the full conversation below.