This is a common accusation leveled against Christians – that they try to force their beliefs and values on others in society who do not share their faith. However, from a biblical perspective, the motivation for sharing faith and values comes not from a desire to control or impose, but rather to freely share the hope, joy and meaning that faith brings.
There are several key principles from Scripture that shape the Christian perspective on this issue:
1. Christians believe truth is exclusive and faith must be chosen freely
Christians believe that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life” and that faith in him is the only way to God (John 14:6). This exclusive view of spiritual truth is at odds with a postmodern culture that embraces relativism and believes all religions are equally valid paths. However, Christians believe that if God truly exists and has revealed himself in a certain way, then this revelation represents objective, exclusive spiritual truth that requires a response. At the same time, Christian theology strongly emphasizes that faith must be chosen freely, not coerced. According to the Bible, even God himself does not force faith on people, but rather invites them to respond to his revelation. As the apostle John writes, “To all who did receive [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
2. Christians believe making disciples is an act of love
The desire of Christians to share their faith with others comes from the teachings of Jesus himself. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded his followers, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus wanted his followers to share with others the good news of salvation and new life offered through faith in Christ. This mission wasn’t rooted in a desire for control or power, but rather love – a love for God and a desire to see others know God’s love. The apostle Paul says, “For Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). From the Christian perspective, the ultimate and eternal well-being of others is at stake, so sharing the gospel is the most loving thing to do for others.
3. Christians have a duty to be good citizens and respect authority
There is a common misconception that Christians seek power and control over society. However, the Bible instructs Christians to submit to governing authorities and be model citizens. The apostle Paul writes, “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” (Romans 13:1). The only exception would be if the law of the land directly contradicts God’s commands. In these cases, Christians “must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Aside from these rare cases of direct conflict, Christians are charged to live quiet, peaceable and godly lives while on this earth (1 Timothy 2:2).
4. Christians recognize they are called to serve, not be served
Jesus modeled servant leadership, not grasping for control or power. He said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Elsewhere he taught his disciples, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Christians believe they have a responsibility to follow this example by placing the needs of others first. Rather than seeking to impose values on others, Christians are called to humbly serve others, even if those others are hostile to the Christian faith.
5. Christians face a tension of upholding conviction while showing grace
Christians sometimes struggle to find the right balance between upholding moral convictions and extending grace to those who do not share their beliefs. However, Scripture offers principles for faithful and loving engagement with the culture. Christians are called to speak the truth, but to do so in love (Ephesians 4:15). They are instructed, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18) and to “always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). The example of Jesus and the New Testament authors shows that defending truth, exposing sin and calling for repentance can be done with genuine love and compassion, with the aim being redemption, not condemnation.
6. Christians believe in the transformative power of faith in Christ
Ultimately, Christians share their faith because they have personally experienced the forgiveness, joy and meaning that comes with following Jesus – and they want others to experience this transformation as well. Faith in Christ fundamentally changes a person’s motivations, identity and purpose in life. Christians believe that those who become disciples of Jesus will then go and live as salt and light in the world – exerting a positive moral influence without force or coercion. As one person put it, “A Christian’s job is not to make Christianity work for the world, but to show the world what happens when Christianity works for an individual.” This inner transformation is the motivation for Christian evangelism and social engagement.
7. Christians face criticism for positions consistent with mainstream historical ethics
It is important to note that many of the beliefs Christians seek to uphold in society were considered mainstream ethical positions for most of the past 2,000 years in Western civilization. However, in recent decades Western society has dramatically shifted on many fundamental moral issues. Christians find themselves criticized for holding on to beliefs that were considered normative for millennia. This does not mean Christians are right, but it adds context when Christians are accused of suddenly imposing alien values upon others.
8. All people generally seek to shape society according to their value system
Attempts to influence society toward a particular set of values or morals is not exclusive to Christians. Most people and groups work to shape society in ways they believe are moral, just and conducive to human flourishing. Christians contribute to this process as well. Some will do so in unhealthy, combative ways. But at their best, Christians contribute positively to society by doing good works, promoting ethical business practices, helping the poor, affirming human rights and dignity, strengthening family life and more. These efforts flow from Christian motivations and goals.
9. Christians must acknowledge the messy history of Christendom
It cannot be denied that throughout history many terrible things have been done in the name of Christianity – from waging Crusades to justifying slavery to perpetrating cultural genocide. The mixing of political and institutional power with Christian faith, known as Christendom, has had many negative consequences. Christians must acknowledge this history and approach interactions with humility and wisdom. Coercion by the state on matters of individual conscience and religious affiliation goes against fundamental Christian convictions about freely chosen faith.
10. Christianity must remain distinct from government power
Given its history, many Christians today advocate for institutional separation of church and state. As theologian N.T. Wright says, “[The church’s] job is to teach the world how to be the world, not to make the world behave as though it were the church.” While individual Christians are called to shape culture in positive ways, the institutional church and governmental authorities have different roles. The government uses the power of the sword to enforce law and restrain evil, while the church wields spiritual authority and the gospel message as its tools. When the mission of the church becomes too entangled with the power of the state, both institutions likely suffer.
Conclusion
The Christian call to share the gospel will inevitably lead to complex tensions in a pluralistic society. But at their best, Christians are motivated by love, not domination – by service of others, not control. The goal is to see lives transformed from the inside out by God’s love and redemption. Christians must thoughtfully engage the culture, defending truth while extending grace. And the Christian faith must never be coerced by the state but remain a free choice for each individual.