What is centrism? Should a Christian be a centrist?

Answer  
  

Believers ought to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead in all things (Jude 1:19\). That may result in enthusiastic approval or rejection of certain ideas and policies. Other times, it may require a humble attempt to find balance (Proverbs 18:17\). The decision to follow the Spirit’s lead should come before considering the views of any secular [political party](Christian-politics.html). Since the Bible calls on Christians to be reasonable (Philippians 4:5\) and measured (Proverbs 14:15\), it’s tempting to conclude that Christians must perforce be “centrist.” But it’s not that simple. Beyond extreme cases, it’s impossible to categorize biblical faith with political stamps (Philippians 1:27\). Simple labels don’t explain the nuances of beliefs. And the words are often subject to interpretation and re\-definition.  
  

Biblical Christianity establishes crucial principles for a consistently godly approach to politics. Yet most political disagreements are about methods, not the ideals themselves. Scripture demands care for widows and orphans (James 1:27\), but it neither mandates nor forbids tax\-funded welfare. That we should submit to government’s restraint of evil is biblical (Romans 13:1, 4\), but the Bible doesn’t explain precisely how a culture should handle law enforcement or the military. Even issues with an explicit moral basis are subject to practical questions such as the balance between government power and individual freedom (Romans 14:1; 1 Corinthians 10:23–24\).  
  

Under the most common definition, a “centrist” takes political positions distinct from extremes, often balancing the desires of opposing philosophies. This is related to the term *moderate*, but *centrist* usually implies a deliberate attempt to find policies with broad appeal. Centrists are often unfairly criticized using oversimplified assumptions. One is the suggestion that centrism is indecisive. Another is that it always takes a simplistic or even naïve stance exactly between two sides. It’s more accurate to say that centrists may favor change, but in smaller steps than the “progressive” approach. Centrists may appreciate the status quo, but are more open to change than the “conservative” mindset.  
  

At least in the United States, most people have an element of centrist political thinking. Broadly speaking, religions, firearms, mind\-altering substances, and so forth are not banned, but neither are they completely unregulated. The U.S. Constitution almost demands a centrist approach, since effecting legislative change is neither impossible nor easy. The intended result is a balancing of the rights and concerns of all involved.  
  

Any political philosophy, including centrism, becomes [idolatry](idolatry-definition.html) when it overrides our obedience to God (see Acts 5:29\). As with any secular political view (Colossians 2:8\), no believer should be “centrist” for its own sake. Neither are believers obligated to avoid such labels and connections.  
  

