There are few things more controversial than whether Christians should be involved with politics, and if so, to what degree and how that involvement should happen. In this episode, I break down two basic premises for thinking well about this subject:
1. Christians have the right, politically speaking, to advocate for our views in the public square.
2. Christians have the calling, spiritually speaking, to advocate for the good of others.
I then respond to seven common objections to Christian political involvement. These (errant) ideas are unfortunately found throughout Pastor Andy Stanleys new book, Not In It to Win It, so I use quotes from that book as a case study to show the problems with such thinking. (To be clear, these are problems I believe there are with what he wrote, not problems he is presenting.)
The objections to involvement that I address are:
1. People dont like the church when we focus on politics.
2. Neither party represents Christianity, so Christians shouldnt be known to be affiliated with a specific party.
3. You cant change peoples hearts by changing laws.
4. Nation changing wasnt part of Jesuss mission, so it shouldnt be part of ours.
5. In fighting for our rights, were not putting others first.
6. Politics create division and division is the enemy.
7. Politically concerned Christians just want to get our way or gain power.
There ARE unhealthy mixes of faith and politics, but thats not the subject of this episode (though I do acknowledge those a bit as I address the above points). My purpose here is to address those who are cautioning Christians to stay out of politics in significant ways. I think that is a grave mistake.
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