Religion and Politics...A Deadly Duo
A good rule of thumb at family gatherings, it seems, is never discuss religion or politics. Why? Well, because they are so divisive. So to discuss BOTH seems almost suicidal. Since Christians consider themselves a "family" many think the concept should apply to us as well. I think not.
I named this blog "Straightshot" for a reason. I wanted it to be to the point, no spin (except mine)and to,well, do some damage. But only to the lies that surround us, deceive us and enslave us. In short, I want to influence people by unabashadly going after the truth.
I want to change minds. And there is no more important arena than faith and politics. They are forever entwined, in every culture, in every era. So I do not shy away from these forbidden topics, here or anywhere else.
Here is a great quote from theologian Wayne Grudem, editor of the new ESV Study Bible:
“Should Christians speak out at all about the large, moral issues facing our nation, issues of abortion or homosexual marriage or any of the other things we can think about? Should Christians say anything about those things or is that just politics and we should stay out altogether?
“I think Christians should speak out on these things. Why? Because if Christians do not speak out about the moral and ethical issues that face a nation, who will? If Christians do not speak out about moral and ethical issues, where will people learn about ethics? Where will our nation learn about matters of right and wrong? What will be the source of ethical norms? Well, if we don’t speak out, I guess people will learn about ethical norms from Hollywood movies and from feelings and conscience– those feelings and conscience may or may not be instructed by God’s principles. Or they’ll learn about ethical norms from friends at work, or from friends at the local bar that they talk to, or they’ll learn about ethical norms from going to professional counselors, or children will learn about ethical norms, I suppose, from their kindergarten teachers. …
“But that just throws the question right back again, where do kindergarten teachers learn about right and wrong? Or where do professional counselors learn about right and wrong? … Where do we learn about right and wrong? Where is the source for ethical norms?
“The simple fact is that if Christians don’t speak about what the Bible says about issues of right and wrong, there aren’t really many other good sources for finding out any transcendent sources of ethics; any source outside ourselves. So I think its right for us, both when speaking to Christians and even to non-Christians– I think its right for us to speak up and say ‘This is what the Bible says,’ or ‘This is what I understand the Bible to teach’ and then people can accept it or reject it as they wish, but at least we borne faithful witness.”
I agree.
Let the discussion begin!
I named this blog "Straightshot" for a reason. I wanted it to be to the point, no spin (except mine)and to,well, do some damage. But only to the lies that surround us, deceive us and enslave us. In short, I want to influence people by unabashadly going after the truth.
I want to change minds. And there is no more important arena than faith and politics. They are forever entwined, in every culture, in every era. So I do not shy away from these forbidden topics, here or anywhere else.
Here is a great quote from theologian Wayne Grudem, editor of the new ESV Study Bible:
“Should Christians speak out at all about the large, moral issues facing our nation, issues of abortion or homosexual marriage or any of the other things we can think about? Should Christians say anything about those things or is that just politics and we should stay out altogether?
“I think Christians should speak out on these things. Why? Because if Christians do not speak out about the moral and ethical issues that face a nation, who will? If Christians do not speak out about moral and ethical issues, where will people learn about ethics? Where will our nation learn about matters of right and wrong? What will be the source of ethical norms? Well, if we don’t speak out, I guess people will learn about ethical norms from Hollywood movies and from feelings and conscience– those feelings and conscience may or may not be instructed by God’s principles. Or they’ll learn about ethical norms from friends at work, or from friends at the local bar that they talk to, or they’ll learn about ethical norms from going to professional counselors, or children will learn about ethical norms, I suppose, from their kindergarten teachers. …
“But that just throws the question right back again, where do kindergarten teachers learn about right and wrong? Or where do professional counselors learn about right and wrong? … Where do we learn about right and wrong? Where is the source for ethical norms?
“The simple fact is that if Christians don’t speak about what the Bible says about issues of right and wrong, there aren’t really many other good sources for finding out any transcendent sources of ethics; any source outside ourselves. So I think its right for us, both when speaking to Christians and even to non-Christians– I think its right for us to speak up and say ‘This is what the Bible says,’ or ‘This is what I understand the Bible to teach’ and then people can accept it or reject it as they wish, but at least we borne faithful witness.”
I agree.
Let the discussion begin!
posted by Rob | 9:02 AM
1 Comments:
Yes, absolutely, Christians should speak out! But Christians need to be careful not to equate political parties with Jesus. Political parties are human institutions and thus are corrupt by nature. Jesus did not come as the political/military leader the Jews expected, and that has a lot to do with why they did not recognize Him. Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." He did NOT say vote for this man or that man or this party or that party. He said, "Love God, and love one another." He did NOT say it's ok to use hateful speech in an election cycle.
The Republicans are right about some things, but the Democrats are right about others. As Christians, we should hold both parties accountable and ask,"What would Jesus do?" We also need to recognize that no human being (except the One who is also part of the Trinity), and certainly no political party, will ever have all of the answers.
Post a Comment
<< Home