Did Jesus Call the Church to Engage in Political Activism? Examining Eric Metaxas’ Call to “Defend the Unborn”
Eric Metaxas, in Letter to the American Church, asserts that "God calls us to defend the unborn." While this statement aligns with the biblical view that life is sacred and that God forms human beings in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5), the method by which Christians should engage with this issue raises an important question:
Did Jesus, during His earthly ministry, advocate for His followers to engage in cultural and political battles to bring about moral change?
Metaxas’ call assumes that Christians must actively resist cultural decay through political activism, particularly on moral issues like abortion. However, a close examination of Jesus’ ministry suggests a different model for engaging with societal injustices. This post will explore:
Whether Jesus engaged in social or political activism
How Jesus addressed moral issues, including the protection of the vulnerable
What the New Testament teaches about the church’s mission
Whether Metaxas’ emphasis on political action aligns with Jesus' approach
I. Jesus and Political Activism: A Missed Opportunity?
If Jesus had intended for His followers to wage a cultural war, His time on earth presented the perfect opportunity to do so. The Greco-Roman world was rife with moral decay:
Infanticide and abortion were common practices. Ancient Roman fathers had the legal right to expose unwanted infants, leaving them to die or be taken as slaves. Abortions, though dangerous, were practiced by the upper classes.
Slavery was an accepted institution. Millions lived under oppressive bondage, yet Jesus did not lead a movement to abolish slavery.
The Roman government was brutally unjust. Crucifixions were carried out regularly, and corrupt officials oppressed the poor.
Yet, in the face of these issues, Jesus did not lead a social reform movement. He had no interest in overthrowing Rome or legislating morality. Instead, He focused on transforming individual hearts, knowing that lasting change comes from within.
1. Jesus Rejected Political Engagement as His Mission
When confronted with opportunities to address societal injustices, Jesus consistently redirected attention to the kingdom of God.
John 18:36 – “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Jesus explicitly states that His followers are not called to “fight” in an earthly sense. His kingdom operates differently from political movements.
Luke 12:13-14 – “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’”
A legal dispute over inheritance was brought to Jesus, but He refused to intervene. Instead, He pointed to the spiritual issue of greed rather than engaging in legal arbitration.
Matthew 22:15-22 – When asked whether Jews should pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus did not lead a rebellion against unfair taxation. Instead, He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Rather than advocating for political resistance, He directed attention to a higher allegiance: God’s kingdom.
Jesus repeatedly turned down the opportunity to become a political leader. Instead, He focused on preaching the gospel, calling people to repentance, and demonstrating the love of God through personal ministry.
II. Jesus’ Approach to Moral Issues: Protecting the Vulnerable
Metaxas argues that since abortion is a moral issue, Christians must actively engage in political resistance. However, a look at Jesus’ method of addressing moral issues reveals a different approach.
1. Jesus Valued Children but Did Not Seek Legal Protections for Them
Mark 10:13-16 – When children were brought to Jesus, His disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Jesus affirmed the value of children in a society that often disregarded them. However, He did not call for policy changes—He ministered personally to them.
Matthew 18:5-6 – “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Jesus strongly condemned harming children. Yet, He did not propose a political solution—He instead warned of divine accountability.
2. Jesus Confronted Sin but Focused on Personal Transformation
When dealing with individual sin, Jesus did not seek to change laws; He sought to change hearts.
John 8:1-11 – The woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus for judgment. Under the law, she could be stoned. Instead of advocating for legal enforcement, Jesus said:
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
He neither excused sin nor sought to impose punishment through legal means—He simply told her, “Go and sin no more.”
This is key: Jesus’ method of addressing sin was through personal transformation, not legislation.
If Jesus had followed Metaxas’ framework, He would have condemned Roman abortion practices, led protests, and sought legal reforms. Instead, He ministered to individuals and called them to repentance.
III. The Church’s Role According to the New Testament
Did the early church adopt a model of social activism? No. Instead, the apostles followed Jesus’ pattern:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Paul instructs believers to pray for rulers, not overthrow them:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”Romans 12:2 – Instead of changing laws, believers are called to be transformed:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Romans 13:1-7 – Paul even calls Christians to submit to governing authorities, not lead political revolutions.
Should the Church Be Silent on Abortion?
No, but our approach should reflect Jesus’ method, not a political battle.
Practical Ministry:
Supporting pregnancy resource centers
Helping women facing unplanned pregnancies
Offering adoption and foster care as alternatives
Gospel-Centered Conviction:
Teaching the biblical view of life
Discipling people to value human dignity
Addressing the heart issues that lead to abortion (fear, lack of support, etc.)
IV. Conclusion: Is Metaxas’ Approach Biblical?
Metaxas is right that abortion is a grave moral issue. However, his method—engaging in cultural warfare to legislate morality—is not how Jesus or the early church operated.
Jesus changed the world by transforming hearts, not laws.
The early church spread the gospel, not political activism.
Christians should address abortion through personal ministry, discipleship, and love, not cultural warfare.
If the church follows Metaxas' model, it risks losing focus on its true mission: proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Instead of fighting a culture war, we are called to live as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom, bringing lasting change one transformed heart at a time.