Reflecting on Politics, Love, and the Call to Be “Resident Aliens”
Introduction: Why Augustine’s Warning Still Matters
Have you ever wondered why people argue so passionately about politics? Or why it’s so easy for debates about laws and leaders to get heated—even among Christians? Long ago, Augustine, a wise Christian thinker from North Africa, offered a warning: politics always follows love. In other words, what we love most shapes how we live together, make decisions, and even disagree. Today, Augustine’s insight is as relevant as ever.
Two Cities, Two Loves: Augustine’s Simple but Powerful Idea
Let’s break down Augustine’s big idea in plain terms. He said there are two “cities”—not cities like Dublin or New York, but two groups of people shaped by different loves. One city is built on love of self, where people put themselves and their interests first. The other is built on love of God, where people put God and others first. These two loves create very different ways of living, not just in church, but in every part of life—including politics.
Politics and Worship: How Our Loves Shape Public Life
Augustine’s warning is simple: what you love most will show up in your public life—how you vote, what you support, and what you care about. If we love only ourselves or our group, our politics can become selfish, focused on winning or getting ahead. But if our deepest love is for God and neighbor, our public actions start to look different; we become more patient, just, and humble. Our worship—what we treasure most—shapes our politics.
Diagnostic Tool: Questions for Self-Examination
Augustine’s idea isn’t just for theologians; it’s a handy diagnostic tool for regular Christians. Here are some simple questions we can ask ourselves:
· Do I get more upset when my team or party loses than when my neighbor suffers?
· Do I care more about “winning” political fights than seeking truth or justice?
· Is my faith shaping my politics, or is my politics shaping my faith?
If we’re honest, these questions can be uncomfortable—but they help us see what we truly love.
Resident Aliens: Insights from Hauerwas and Willimon
Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, two Christian writers, describe Christians as “resident aliens.” That’s a strange phrase, but it means something simple: while we live in our country, our true home is in God’s kingdom. We participate in society, but we don’t always fit in. Our values, shaped by Jesus, sometimes run against the grain. The Church is called to be independent, not just another branch of the nation’s ambitions. We can love our neighbors and serve our country, but we remember that our first loyalty is to God.
Church and Nation: Loving Our Country, Not Confusing It with God’s Kingdom
It’s good to love your country, pray for its leaders, and work for its good. But Augustine and these modern thinkers warn us: don’t confuse your nation with the Kingdom of God. The Church is not the government, and the government is not the Church. When Christians mix up the two, we risk losing our unique calling—to be salt and light, showing a different way of living based on love, not just power or success.
Misusing the Gospel: A Word of Caution
There’s a real danger in using the gospel for political or material gain. Sometimes, people claim that God is on their side in every political battle, or they use faith as a way to get ahead. Augustine would say: be careful. The message of Jesus isn’t a tool for winning arguments or building personal power. It’s an invitation to love God and neighbor—even when it costs us something.
Conclusion: Encouragement for Christians in Public Life
Augustine’s warning is both challenging and hopeful. He reminds us that our politics reveal what we truly love. As Christians, we’re called to examine our hearts, check our motivations, and remember where our true citizenship lies. Let’s be “resident aliens”—loving our neighbors, seeking the good of our communities, but always keeping our eyes on God’s kingdom. In a divided world, that kind of love is the most powerful witness we can offer.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 