EDITORIAL: Democracy, principles & pragmatism

The U.S. response to revolution in Egypt raises vital questions for Christians, particularly American Christians, as we ponder our faith-informed responsibility to our world.

Across two centuries, Americans have proclaimed allegiance to democracy. For Christians and Jews, the democratic ideal squares with the theological proposition that humans are created in God’s image. Consequently, individuals are both intrinsically and infinitely valuable, entitled to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Humanists and other children of the Enlightenment hold similar views. So, we affirm democracy based on how we understand humanity. Democracy is the clearest political expression of those religious and philosophical beliefs.

But a place like Egypt—ripe with potential, riven with problems, riddled by politics—tests our commitment to democracy. Are we principled or pragmatic?

Hosni Mubarak assumed leadership of Egypt almost 30 years ago, immediately following the assassination of Anwar Sadat. For three decades, he’s been one of the United States’ strongest allies in the Middle East and North Africa. Mubarak has provided a reliable pro-Western—or at least Western-reasonable—presence in the Arab world. U.S. presidents have depended upon him to watch America’s back in the most dangerous sector of our planet.

Since Mubarak has been president, his family wealth has ballooned to between $40 billion and $70 billion. Meanwhile, Egypt’s already-low per capita income has fallen steadily the past 20 years, and inflation has eroded the standard of living of its educated middle class. As if the widening chasm between Egypt’s wealthy elite and its impoverished masses weren’t incendiary enough, Mubarak’s ruthless disdain for human rights created sparks that caught the country on fire.

Now, millions of Egyptians are agitating for change. They want new leadership, and most want to participate in choosing their leaders. A Pew Research survey conducted last spring revealed a strong majority—59 percent—of Egyptians favor democracy as the preferred form of government. This presents a delicate challenge for the United States and Egypt’s other Western allies. That’s because an even stronger majority—85 percent—of Egyptians believe Islam’s influence on government is positive. Combine this with the fact the largest opposition group in Egypt is the Muslim Brotherhood, a powerful Islamic political force that reaches across the Arabic world. While the Muslim Brotherhood disavows violence and claims it “does not seek leadership and will not field candidates for presidency,” it is certain to influence the formation of a new government.

This explains why the U.S. and European governments have taken a measured response to the Egyptian revolution: They can’t afford to prop up their long-term ally, Mubarak. Still, if Egypt adopts democracy, its citizens could vote in an Islamist government opposed to U.S. and Western goals and values. So, a democratically elected Islamic state raises several questions—with spiritual as well as political implications:

• If Americans believe in democracy, what is our responsibility to help ensure democracy for others?

• What is our obligation to nurture democracy, even when democracy could transform a longtime ally into an adversary?

• What is our greater obligation: The U.S. national interest or the good of other humans?

• Would Jesus compel us to preserve our national security, standard of living, borders and worldview if relaxing them would secure a higher standard of living and greater freedom for a larger number of people around the world?

• And what should we do when democracy and evangelism come to cross purposes? Contrast a repressive leader who allows missionaries to operate within his country’s borders with a democratically established Islamic state that does not permit missionaries.

Baptists historically have sought to evangelize all people while guaranteeing their religious liberty. We should continue to trust God and embrace democracy. And pray fervently for the nations of our world.

—Marv Knox is editor of the Baptist Standard. Visit his FaithWorks Blog.