How evangelicals in the Philippines endanger the Gospel they preach, because of partisan politics
The intention of evangelical leaders in the Philippines to curb corruption and install “righteous leaders” is good—but is this the way of the apostles? The Bible tells us that righteousness in government would only happen when Jesus returns to rule as King of all nations.
The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), NCCP, and recently Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF), through the Christian Values Movement (CVM) in bipartisan politics, endangers the Gospel they preach.
Even the former Chief Justice Sereno, a Christian figure “kicked out by her peers” in 2018, frequently ranted on social media about politics. She also rebuked those who, in her opinion, are using Romans 13 to keep silent on government issues. During her removal from office, she gained open support from PCEC and the elders of CCF.
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
1. It can get in the way of evangelism
Generation Z is the least religious generation, according to Pew Research. More and more people are disinterested in the teachings of Jesus. To teach them “moral values” under the pretext of bipartisan politics is an earthly aspiration—not spiritual.
Yes, We need Christians in the government and every sector of society if we are to influence the nation. However, if one is called to pastor a church—talking politics gets in the way of the Gospel mission.
If God calls a religious leader to run for public office, do so but relinquish the role as a clergy because the disciples of Christ are called for a higher purpose.
To teach “moral values” under the pretext of bipartisan politics is earthly aspiration.
POLITICAL TOLERANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
The separation of state and church is evident in the Bible
The Old Testament describes a “decentralized governmental system” and a jurisdictional separation between Church and State. For example, the Jews were governed by the Sanhedrin, but they were still under the civil imperial Roman government. [Separation of church and state in the Bible]
Evangelicals in America endangered the Gospel
In the USA, influential Christian figures immersed themselves in bipartisan politics. Unbelievers criticized them for pushing religious faith into the government domain. It did little to prevent demonic left-liberal ideology from devouring the country.
Atheists used the constitution to fight the clergy
Atheists were challenged after the church insisted that the government adopt religious values. In the end, the constitution was used to remove prayers in schools, legalize same-sex marriage, and the Bible removed. Worst, church membership is in rapid decline.
catastrophic end when the clergy insisted government Should adopt religious values.
Chinese Christians veer away from politics
In China, Christians do not have religious freedom. Instead of pastors telling what their communist government should do. They focused on discipleship because a soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs to please the one who enlisted him. (2 Timothy 2:4)
Today, Christianity continues to thrive in China, despite persecution.
2. Political discussion alienates and divides people
In 2022, Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF) senior pastor Peter Tan Chi said that Christians should discuss and be involved in politics.
“Shame on us, politics should be discussed… these are important topics. Many Christians are brainwashed into thinking politics is dirty; you don’t get involved; that is a lie. If you study church history, you can see how Christians who entered politics have transformed their nation. [Work to make a difference]
It immediately empowered church members from CCF to criticize members who supported Marcos Jr., who they called “a thief.” Some pastors and pastors’ wives dove into the mire of political debate.
The ranting and shaming left a bad taste in the church. The point is that politics divide.
Since 2016, Christians who support the “Yellow Movement” have been “at war” with members who supported President Duterte. The return of Marcos is a clear threat to them.
The apostles taught never to malign anyone, to be courteous, and avoid quarreling (Titus 3:2). Make it an ambition to lead a quiet life (1 Thessalonians 4:11), and don’t entangle yourself with civilian pursuits. (2 Timothy 2:3–4)
Jesus didn’t speak out on any political issue of His time—instead rebuked religious leaders.
Jesus didn’t speak out on any political issue of His time.
POLITICIZATION OF CHRISTIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
3. It’s a disservice to the mission of the apostles
Several mission groups and devout Christians in the 18th and 19th centuries paved the way for social justice and reforms. To use them as an example to justify pastors involved in bipartisan politics is the height of pride and folly.
“Nothing in His (Jesus) teachings gives even the slightest hint that He had any political involvement,” said apologist Don Stewart.
There is no example of Jesus or the apostles demanding changes from their evil government. Instead, they preached submission to authority, even to those who were unreasonable. They acknowledge that God instituted ALL human authorities. [Romans 13 Commentary]
Renowned apologist John MacArthur uses scriptures to point out sin and evil ideologies in every sector of society—but God’s solution is the Gospel, not politics, he said.
“We would fight if the kingdom were of the world to make sure we got our space in the world. But this is not a kingdom that is part of this world; this is a kingdom of another world.” [MacArthur, “Our King will not be mocked,” 2021]
Moral decline is a spiritual problem, not political, and its solution is the Gospel, not partisan politics, MacArthur said.
THE FALL OF THE YELLOW REVOLUTION.
4. Christianity is not invincible in the Philippines
Even if churches like CCF continue to accelerate membership and PCEC members grow in church numbers, the country is facing a rapid moral decline, and “righteous politics” cannot save them.
South Korea in the 1980s was the beacon of spiritual revival. Today, churches lose young congregants who see religion as irrelevant. We see the same pattern in the Philippines as Catholic attendance declines. [UCA]
For now, the Philippines remains predominantly religious—but that number will not last long. Eventually, more liberal lawmakers who push anti-Biblical morals may be elected.
The only way to prevent a corrupt and liberal ideology in the government is with a nationwide spiritual revival—not political rallying.
Perhaps, God is sending a stern warning
- In 2018, CCF elder’s wife Cata De Jesus bragged photos of church elders that included her husband Ito and CVM chairman J.P. Makasayan. They were in a rally to support Chief Justice Sereno, who is a Christian. Still, Sereno was “kicked out” by her fellow Supreme Court justices 6-8 vote.
- NCCP is heavily into social justice reforms and political rants. In 2019, they were unjustly labeled as a front for local communist terrorist groups by the Department of Defense.
- Even after countless prayer vigils and rallies—none of the Liberal opposition candidates won. NCCP, Bishop Noel Pantoja, and some CCF leaders openly supported them in 2019.
- Likewise, presidential candidate Leni Robredo lost in 2022, despite her visible support among evangelicals.
- Two presidential aspirants, Duterte Sr. and Marcos Jr, they openly disavowed won by a landslide in 2016 and 2022.
Perhaps God is sending a Stern Warning.
Moral decay is a spiritual problem
Moral decay is not a government issue but a spiritual problem. The only way to push values in legislation is if lawmakers know and love Jesus. Likewise, an effective “Christian values moment” should detach itself from politics, not embrace it.
Atheism under the guise of “free thinkers” and “humanists” satanic groups is growing. The political landscape has nothing to do with it either.
- In 2020, Senator Zubiri revived GMRC because of the weakening of moral codes.
- In 2021, approximately 4 to 10% of the population was atheists or agnostics, translating to about 10 million Filipinos. That number is multiplying.
What we can learn from America
In the USA, polls show evangelicals’ slavish devotion to bipartisan politics is the chief cause of the decline of religious belief. America was the beacon of Christianity, but today is the center of hedonism.
The bottom line, the government we have on earth cannot prevent moral decay. Jesus’ theocratic government is yet to come. The issue has always been spiritual, and we deal with it with spiritual things—not preach on who to vote for.
bipartisan politics is the chief cause of the decline of religious belief.
