human trafficking, and brutal challenges of drug overdoses — among many pertinent societal issues. With that in mind, Cedarville University’s Department of History and Government takes the call to run for office, govern, and serve in government seriously. We seek to build up students so that they are ready to take the Gospel and the love of Christ to government offices at the local, state, and federal levels; to law enforcement and in the military; and to the spheres of intelligence and the diplomatic corps. As such, the department is filled with faculty with both academic and practical experience. Amongst our group, we have a former Police Chief, City Manager, JAG corps Air Force officer, Special Investigator, and several that have served on numerous political campaigns. I, myself, currently serve on the City Council in Beavercreek, Ohio — a city of almost 50,000 people about a 30-minute drive west of Cedarville’s campus. As you may imagine, serving in a political office in the contemporary era is not an easy endeavor. Often, one’s choices are rightly limited by various constitutions, and sometimes very difficult issues land on your desk with immediacy. Periodically, elected officials are confronted with two alternatives for policy decisions: a bad option or a worse one. Yet, Romans 13:4 serves as a constant admonition for me — to do good for the people and avoid what is evil so that the people may not be afraid. 1 Timothy 2:2 similarly captures my attention because good government allows the faithful to lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. Even when confronted with challenging votes in Council, how can I best serve the people in line with Romans 13:4 and 1 Timothy 2:2? Christians should be involved in politics and, at the very least, should vote. Is there anything in Scripture that explicitly commands followers of Christ to do so? No, there is little overt reference because the New Testament was written when the Roman Empire was predominant; Jesus came not to overthrow the Roman Emperor, but to provide the avenue to rescue men and women from their sin. However, there are sections of Scripture that speak to the need for upstanding leaders and impartial judges. If Christians flee from the public sphere and do not engage in the issues of our day — if we are not willing to roll up our sleeves and deal with messy problems — then those who make decisions will almost definitely be devoid of any fear of the Lord. We encourage our students to take the bold step, if they are so called, to get involved, and maybe even to run for office. The natural next question, though, is not an easy one: What happens if you win your election? GOVERNMENT Another term that rarely inspires good thoughts for believers and nonbelievers alike. Many people in our society lament those who serve in office, sometimes for good reason. Nevertheless, Scripture provides us with a different view. Romans 13:1 and Titus 3:1 instruct us to be subject to the governing authorities, and 1 Timothy 2:1–2 exhorts us to pray for those in authority. The Department of History and Government also spearheads a Washington, D.C., Semester that takes up to 15 students each fall to the nation’s capital to engage in an internship while If Christians flee from the public sphere and do not engage in the issues of our day — if we are not willing to roll up our sleeves and deal with messy problems — then those that make decisions will almost definitely be devoid of any fear of the Lord. 12
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