Populism is a political approach that appeals to “ordinary” people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. Populists claim to represent the will and interests of the common people against the elites. The Bible does not directly address populism, but it contains principles relevant to populism and populists.
The Bible warns against putting faith in human leaders over God (Psalm 146:3). It condemns prideful leaders who exploit people for personal gain (Ezekiel 34:1-10). Jesus criticized religious elites who burdened people with legalism (Matthew 23:4). The apostle James denounced rich oppressors and called caring for the poor an act of true religion (James 1:27, 5:1-6).
However, the Bible does not endorse seeing any group as irredeemably corrupt. All people, rich and poor, need God’s mercy (Romans 3:23). Scripture upholds honoring governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7) and commands prayer for leaders despite their flaws (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Overall, the Bible suggests criteria for assessing movements and leaders who claim to champion ordinary people:
- Are they submitted to God or promoting themselves? (Jeremiah 17:5)
- Do they seek justice and righteousness or exploit anger and envy for personal gain? (Proverbs 29:27)
- Do they divide people or foster social cohesion? (Galatians 3:28)
- Do they spread truth or deception? (2 Corinthians 4:2)
The Bible advises people to test leaders’ claims rather than follow blindly (1 John 4:1). Scripture calls all in authority to govern wisely and justly as servants of God (Romans 13:1-4). It upholds economic justice and defends the vulnerable (Leviticus 19:15; Psalm 140:12; Luke 4:18). But the Bible ultimately points people to Christ, not human saviors (Acts 4:12). Any movement that draws people away from God is suspect.
In a fallen world, no system or leader can perfectly represent God’s kingdom. But Scripture provides ethical principles to inform people’s choices. The Bible also anchors hope in God’s power to change hearts and transform society by His Spirit working through faithful people (Matthew 5:13-16). Populism will not fully satisfy, but God offers true hope and help for the marginalized and oppressed when people turn to Him.
In summary, the Bible does not directly endorse or oppose populism, but provides wisdom for assessing populist claims and leaders. Scripture upholds economic justice and care for ordinary people while warning against prideful, self-serving leaders. Ultimately, the Bible points people to Christ rather than human movements or rulers to find meaning and security.
The Bible contains around 2000-4000 verses depending on the translation and formatting. Here are some key verses related to populism and treatment of ordinary people versus elites:
Proverbs 29:27 – An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
Psalm 146:3 – Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Jeremiah 17:5 – Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.
Ezekiel 34:1-10 – Condemns leaders who exploited and scattered the people instead of caring for them.
Matthew 23:4 – They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 5:1-6 – Denounces the unrighteous rich who oppressed laborers.
Luke 4:18 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
Romans 13:1-7 – Upholds submitting to governing authorities as established by God.
1 John 4:1 – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Romans 13:1-4 – Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.
Leviticus 19:15 – You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.
Psalm 140:12 – I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
Luke 6:20-26 – Blessings and woes showing God’s care for the poor and humble.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 – God chooses the foolish and weak to shame the wise and mighty.
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Acts 4:12 – And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Matthew 5:13-16 – You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:2 – But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 Samuel 8:10-22 – Warning that human kings will exploit and oppress people.
In conclusion, the Bible provides wisdom and warning about following self-interested leaders versus serving God alone. It upholds justice and care for ordinary people while offering ultimate hope in Christ, not human rulers or systems. Any movement that misleads people away from God is suspect. Scripture calls people to assess leaders wisely rather than follow blindly.