S2 Ep1156: How Jesus Disrupts Politics as Usual: Josh Ryan Butler
Feb 26, 2024
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Podcast discusses how Jesus disrupts politics, importance of political theology, comparisons between Trump slogans and hip hop culture, navigating political identity, unity in church despite political beliefs, and meaningful conversations on theological disruption.
Political divisions can fracture churches, highlighting the need for unity amidst differing viewpoints.
Engaging in formational practices and open dialogue can help counteract the divisive impact of political narratives within congregations.
Fasting from social media can promote mental wellbeing and enhance political engagement by facilitating genuine connections and healthier dialogues.
Deep dives
Exploring Political Theology through Personal and Theological Evolution
The podcast delves into the topic of political theology with guest Joshua Ryan Butler, who discusses his book about navigating politics among the church. Delving into the evolution of personal and theological perspectives, Butler explains how recent elections and experiences in ministry altered his approach to this subject. Reflecting on the intersection of faith and politics, he highlights the influence of political ideologies on church dynamics and the need for critical examination.
Fractures in the Church due to Political Polarization
Butler shares a poignant example of a church split due to political divisions during the 2020 elections, where half the congregation left over perceived partisan ideology clashes. He underscores the damaging impact of political tribalism on church unity and relationships. The story serves as a vivid illustration of how political differences can lead to significant fractures within congregations, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining unity amidst a polarized cultural climate.
Navigating Political Allegiances and Practices within the Church
Addressing the dangers of extreme political allegiance within churches, the discussion shifts to exploring practical strategies for fostering unity despite diverse political leanings. Butler advocates for engaging in formational practices grounded in scripture and communal interactions to counteract the divisive influence of political narratives. By promoting open dialogue, shared meals, and a commitment to understanding differing viewpoints, the podcast highlights the importance of preserving unity in the face of political polarization.
Implications of Political Leanings on Church Dynamics
By examining the impact of political ideologies on church dynamics and relationships, Butler sheds light on the potential fragmentation caused by extreme political allegiances among congregants. The narrative exemplifies the necessity of fostering unity, dialogue, and mutual understanding in the face of divergent political perspectives within the church community. Through intentional practices and engagement, the podcast emphasizes the significance of preserving a cohesive and inclusive church environment despite political differences.
Fasting from Social Media for Healthier Political Engagement
One key point discussed in the podcast is the idea of fasting from social media to enhance one's political engagement and mental wellbeing. The speaker shared an example of a 40-day social media fast leading into an election to help people detach from the polarizing digital environment. By disconnecting from social media, individuals can re-engage with the real world, foster genuine connections, and participate in healthier political dialogues, preparing them to navigate the complexities of political involvement.
Diverse Approaches to Political Involvement
Another significant theme explored in the episode is the range of political involvement options available to Christians beyond traditional partisan affiliations. The podcast highlighted alternative approaches such as local community engagement, the 'Daniel option' for Christian political office-seekers, prophetic action, specialized issue advocacy ('Scuba option'), monastic living, and collaborative reform efforts. These diverse avenues encourage individuals to creatively and meaningfully contribute to political discourse and societal well-being, reflecting a nuanced understanding of Christian political engagement beyond conventional norms.
In this conversation, Preston and Josh talk about his latest book (release date: March 5) The Party Crasher: How Jesus Disrupts Politics as Usual and Redeems our Partisan Divide, which is an incredible book about political discipleship and how followers of Jesus can faithfully engage the political world around us.
Joshua Ryan Butler is a pastor and the author of The Party Crasher, Beautiful Union, The Skeletons in God’s Closet, and The Pursuing God. Josh loves shifting paradigms, to help people who wrestle with tough topics of the Christian faith by confronting popular caricatures and replacing them with the beauty and power of the real thing. He and his wife, Holly, along with their three children, live in Portland, Oregon. They enjoy spending time with friends over great meals and exploring the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
