7 Christians In Politics

Though many politicians have spoken of God when it serves their campaign purposes, few have made the decision to publicly walk the walk upon election. In a landscape in which it is sometimes more acceptable to do the popular thing or the one which will encourage the highest amount of votes, the men listed below have made a point to assert themselves as believers in a different set of standards: The ones set forth by God. Read on to find out more about their political high points and their own personal views on what it means to be a political leader and a Christ follower.

7. Senator Tim Scott- Political Affiliation: (Republican/North Carolina)

Strong Stance: Co-sponsored a bill that prevented abortions once a pregnancy reached the 20^th week mark.

Faithful Quote: "I'm a big believer that even in the midst of a storm, the Word works…I believe God has a unique call on America and I believe that we survive the storm that we're in,"

6.  Governor Rick Scott- Political Affiliation: (Republican/Florida)

Strong Stance: Signed into law a bill that would authorize public prayer in schools and allow “inspirational messages” at school sponsored events.

Faithful Quote: ““As a Christian you need to help people. You help those who are disadvantaged.”

5. Senator Marco Rubio- Political Affiliation: (Republican/Florida)

Strong Stance: Strong supporter of legislation that would offer legal protection to unborn children.

Faithful Quote: “Our national motto is 'In God we Trust,' reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American value of all.”

4. Reverend Al Sharpton- Political Affiliation: (Democrat/New York)

Strong Stance: Threw his fame and political prowess behind the rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina, drawing both media attention and an increase in relief offerings.

Faithful Quote: “I live my life, and in my life the existence of God has been confirmed to me in my own personal dealings and in my own faith being vindicated and validated.”

3. Newt Gingrich- Political Affiliation: (Republican/Georgia)

Strong Stance: Publicly spoke out in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional saying,  "I had been watching the courts grow steadily more secular and steadily more anti-religious starting with the 1963 school prayer decision. But for some reason this particular decision struck me as so blindingly stupid, so profoundly un-American." Gingrich returned to public office in response to this decision.

Faithful Quote: “Who you pray to, how you pray, how you come close to God is between you and God. But the notion that you're endowed by your creator sets a certain boundary on what we mean by America.”

2. President Barack Obama- Political Affiliation: (Democrat/United States)

Strong Stance: Campaigned to expand the delivery of social services through churches and other religious organizations.

Faithful Quote: "I didn't become a Christian until many years later, when I moved to the South Side of Chicago after college. It happened not because of indoctrination or a sudden revelation, but because I spent month after month working with church folks who simply wanted to help neighbors who were down on their luck no matter what they looked like, or where they came from, or who they prayed to. It was on those streets, in those neighborhoods, that I first heard God's spirit beckon me. It was there that I felt called to a higher purpose -- His purpose."

1. (Former) Governor Mike Huckabee-Political Affiliation: (Republican/Arkansas)

Strong Stance: Faced criticism after strongly defending his belief in creationism in a GOP debate by saying, “I believe there is a God who was active in the creation process. Now, how did he do it, and when did he do it, and how long did he take? I don't honestly know, and I don't think knowing that would make me a better or a worse president... if anybody wants to believe that they are the descendants of a primate, they are certainly welcome to do it--I don't know how far they will march that back...”

Faithful Quote: “Prayer reminds me it's not just about me. It's about all the people with whom I share this planet, and all of whom God has created, and all of whom he cares just as much about as he cares about me.”

Final Thoughts

In some ways the careers of these politicians may have been easier had they chosen to remain quiet about their religious beliefs. They have made the choice to embrace biblical standards as the compass to which they direct their careers and, in doing so, have opened themselves up to criticism and close observation. While some have faced their own struggles and controversies, all of the men on this list stand apart for their determination to live life in the public eye, not as perfect, but as saved.

Another Reading: 25 Inspirational Christian Quotes From Books