A frequently raised objection against Christian engagement with
politics is that anything besides explicit preaching and teaching of the Bible
is a distraction from the mission of the church. But, to a clerical intellect
like Apostle Johnson Suleman, this is a limited understanding of the kingdom of
God and contrary to examples in Scripture.
Thus far, the Edo State, Nigerian born pastor’s innovative and
sustained contributions at the societal level, suggests the Christian worldview
provides a comprehensive understanding of reality, as he grasps at every
opportunity available to speak to all areas of life, including political
engagement. Of course, he is not drifted, for the Bible speaks about civil
government and provides examples of faithful engagement.
Between when he held the last two day ‘Open Heavens’ crusade in Dublin Ireland on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th of July, 2019, Suleman aired his
views on vital national issues, underlining reasons Christians have a duty to
care about politics, in particular.
It is relevant to note that Apostle Suleman is not just a
preaching pastor; he is also a working pastor. He is an entrepreneur, an owner
of high-potential businesses that provide jobs and contribute to economic
growth. Outside the church podium, Suleman runs vast business enterprises in
real estate, oil and gas, banking, media, mining, hospitality. This places him
in good stead to speak on politics and policies of government because he is in
the league of people, the entrepreneurs, who make creative leaps to help the
government solve problems, unemployment being a major one.
Suleman, who is the president of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM)
worldwide, recently on his social media handles, did speak on a number of
issues affecting the polity. Though his views are focused primarily on
security, they are holistic messages with implications for all areas of life,
including how Christians engage the political process.
Apostle Suleman shared deep thoughts on the government-initiated
but suspended Rural Gracing Area (RUGA) initiative, the attacks by herdsmen on
communities outside their geographical regions, the reported Islamization
agenda by the government of the day, the high taxation narrative, and more. The
servant of God stressed an instance when his church suffered victim of the
herdsmen’s impunity. He told how his church headquarters in Auchi was invaded
by four wandering Fulani herders who were arrested by church members but were
reportedly made to escape from the police custody the next day.
Government derives its authority from God, to promote good and
restrain evil. This mandate is expressly stated in the Holy Book, Romans
13:1-7. In Apostle Suleman’s words, good government encourages an
environment conducive for people living peaceably, whereas bad government
fosters unrest and instability.
As he moves the next two-day ‘Open Heavens’ conference to London
on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, the firebrand minister of God maintains that
Christian leaders must be resolute against the political challenge in Nigeria
and elsewhere, as withdrawal opens a moral vacuum liable to influence political
leaders to move outside the scope of righteous governing assigned to them.
Therefore, because of what the Bible teaches and the inevitability of its
effect on people’s beliefs, Christians must care about politics.
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