Navigating Political Ideologies: A Conversation with Robert Cunningham

In this episode, Damein Schitter discusses following Jesus in politics with Robert Cunningham. Robert is the founder and director of Christ for Kentucky, and the former Senior Pastor of Tates Creek Presbyterian Church. He and Damein were at Covenant Theological Seminary at the same time, and Robert is now a current Ph.D. candidate at the University of Leicester, researching the role of religion in America's founding era.

In their conversation, Robert and Damein draw on David Koyzis's book, Political Visions & Illusions, to make a bold statement: politics often masquerades as a modern idol, promising salvation and redemption much like religious doctrines. Their exploration then challenges us to reconsider where we place our faith and trust amidst a polarized society.

Taking a deeper dive, Damein and Robert look into the concept of political ideologies as "isms" that offer false promises of redemption, akin to religious gospels. They highlight the dangers of viewing political opponents as heretics, fueled by echo chambers and partisan media. They underscore the importance of renouncing these ideological idols and reorienting ourselves towards the kingdom of God, advocating for a gospel that inherently carries social implications without equating salvation with social deeds. They invite us to grapple with engagement in a secularizing world, finding balance between withdrawal and deeper involvement.

In conclusion, they shift their focus to the broader social responsibilities of Christian faith, challenging the tendency to compartmentalize it as merely a personal practice. Inspired by John Stott's interpretation of being "salt and light," they encourage believers to actively create a world that mirrors God's will. They also address the misconceptions about political divides, highlighting the significance of connecting with real-life neighbors rather than relying on algorithm-driven echo chambers. They land on an emphasis on the power of feeling seen and the importance of engaging deeply with your community to gain a nuanced understanding of today's political landscape.

For more about Robert, you can visit his website, and find the episodes on his podcast going further into David Koyzis's work here: Every Square Inch