From the Garden to Government: What does Creation have to do with Politics?
Jul 1, 2024
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Dr. Vince Bacote, a theology professor at Wheaton College, dives deep into the intricate relationship between creation and politics. He explores how Christians can engage responsibly in governance while embracing stewardship of the earth. The discussion highlights the significance of Jesus' incarnation and common grace in societal flourishing. Bacote encourages a proactive approach to community impact inspired by faith, emphasizing love for one’s neighbor amidst the complexities of political life, while promoting thoughtful self-examination within the Christian community.
Christians are called to actively engage in politics as an integral part of their stewardship duty towards creation and society.
The concept of sphere sovereignty encourages believers to live out their faith authentically across diverse societal domains, reflecting God's intentions.
Deep dives
The Significance of Creation and Purpose
The discussion emphasizes the theological importance of the doctrine of creation, arguing that it goes beyond merely addressing origins to explore humanity's purpose within God's creation. This purpose, highlighted in Genesis 1:26 and 1:28, is framed as a 'first great commission,' involving stewardship over the Earth. The speaker insists that humans have a responsibility to care for and manage God's world, rather than viewing creation as something to be exploited or taken for granted. This stewardship is seen not just as a duty, but as a significant part of humanity's role in reflecting God’s sovereignty and care for creation.
Politics as an Element of Stewardship
The episode argues that politics is intrinsic to human society, contending that even in a flawless world, humans would still engage in political life to manage shared resources and coexistence. The speaker posits that discussions about space utilization and resource management among families would naturally necessitate political structures to maintain order and cooperation. Thus, politics is not a mere post-fall construct but an essential aspect of human stewardship, where collaboration and governance arise from the need to promote common good and flourishing for all. This perspective reframes politics not as a source of corruption and conflict but as a vital component of communal life reflecting God's intentions.
Common Grace and Political Agency
The concept of common grace is introduced to explain God’s ongoing generosity towards creation, implying that despite humanity's fall, opportunities for goodness and flourishing still persist. This grace allows for the continued functioning of society and the possibility of righteous engagement within political life. The discussion highlights the significant political agency Christians have today, particularly in democratic societies, urging listeners to embrace that agency for the welfare of their communities rather than retreating into apathy. The speaker maintains that Christians are uniquely positioned to influence political life thoughtfully and responsibly, leveraging their stewardship role.
Sphere Sovereignty and Domain Participation
Sphere sovereignty, as articulated by Abraham Kuyper, suggests that God’s sovereignty extends to all areas of life, including politics, education, and the economy, and invites Christians to engage in these spheres while upholding their integrity. The speaker emphasizes that the goal is not to transform non-church institutions into churches, but rather for Christians to authentically live out their faith within these contexts. By discerning the ordinances of creation, Christians can contribute positively in diverse domains, pursuing innovations and public policies that reflect their values. This approach encourages Christians to embrace their roles in society with purpose and creativity, seeing every field as an opportunity for stewardship rather than domination.
How should we, as Christians, think about the role of government? And how should we think about our own roles as public servants? Dr. Vince Bacote, professor of theology at Wheaton College, joined us in a partnership with the Center for Public Justice for a theological discussion on government, authority, and sphere sovereignty — a term coined by 19th century Dutch theologian, politician, and pastor Abraham Kuyper.