Josh Howerton, Senior Pastor of Lakepointe Church, dives into the intersection of faith and politics. He discusses the responsibilities of Christians in voting, the importance of informed choices, and the complexities of endorsing candidates. Howerton addresses contemporary societal issues like border security and pro-life values, emphasizing that politics can't mend what it broke. With thought-provoking metaphors, he urges listeners to seek moral leadership, reminding us that a vote isn't merely a personal preference but a reflection of spiritual accountability.
The podcast emphasizes that Christians must actively engage in politics to counter secular influences and uphold moral integrity.
Josh Howerton discusses the importance of discerning candidates based on their policies rather than personal beliefs, particularly regarding pro-life issues.
The conversation frames government as a divinely ordained entity essential for societal stability, advocating for a balance between law enforcement and individual compassion.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Faith and Politics
The conversation explores the critical relationship between faith and politics, particularly in the context of Christians' responsibilities within the political sphere. It highlights the concerning statistic that over 30 million Christians abstained from voting in the last election, suggesting a significant abdication of responsibility to engage in the political process. The discussion underscores that many pastors avoid political discussions, risking the church's validity in guiding its followers on moral and social issues. The insight posits that if the church neglects to disciple its members in these areas, secular influences will fill that void.
Navigating Political Endorsements
The episode addresses the cautious stance many pastors take regarding public endorsements of political candidates. While the speaker recognizes the challenges presented by flawed candidates, he emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with policies that uphold moral integrity and societal values. He reflects on how pastors can provide biblical principles to help congregants draw their own conclusions about candidates, rather than outright endorsements that could misrepresent their beliefs. This careful navigation seeks to balance the need for moral leadership with the recognition that all candidates will have imperfections.
The Politics of Life and Abortion Rights
A significant aspect discussed is the current political landscape surrounding abortion rights and the positions of candidates regarding this issue. The speaker notes that neither major party candidate firmly identifies as anti-abortion, raising concerns among Christian voters who value the sanctity of life. He articulates that the pro-life stance should supersede personal beliefs held by candidates, focusing instead on the legislative actions they will take if elected. Therefore, the conversation urges voters to carefully consider who will enact policies that align with their beliefs about life, suggesting that voting is a practical responsibility in the fight against abortion.
Understanding the Role of Government
The episode emphasizes that governments are established by God to maintain order and protect citizens, which includes enforcing laws on immigration and border security. It argues that biblical commands promoting care for sojourners should not conflict with a government's responsibility to uphold laws that protect its citizens. The discussion contrasts the responsibilities of individuals versus those of the state, noting that while individuals are called to love and care for immigrants, the government must enforce laws for the safety and stability of society. Thus, the role of government is framed as a divinely ordained necessity for maintaining societal order and wellbeing.
The Impact of Morality on Governance
The speaker stresses that politics can significantly influence cultural decay and societal health, framing it as vital for Christians to engage in the political process. The claim is made that while politics cannot save souls, it can create an environment that fosters or hinders moral living. This reflects the idea that a nation filled with individuals empowered by the Holy Spirit may require less governance, as people will be inclined towards righteousness. However, an absence of moral clarity among the populous leads to an increased need for government intervention, affirming the importance of informed and responsible voting.
Rejecting False Dichotomies
A critical aspect discussed is the rejection of the notion that one must choose between different flawed candidates or refrain from voting altogether. The episode argues against the idea of pure candidates existing, highlighting that every historical election has involved some level of compromise. Instead, the conversation emphasizes the need for pragmatism in voting, encouraging listeners to evaluate which policy approaches will most effectively protect their values and interests in a flawed system. This leads to a broader understanding of how political engagement can be a form of stewardship rather than mere compliance with party politics.
In this episode, we welcome Josh Howerton to the show. He is the Senior Pastor of Lakepointe Church in Dallas, TX. In this interview, we discuss what it is like being a third-generation pastor, why he decided to do an entire sermon titled “How to Vote Like Jesus” addressing Christians that do not think they should be involved in the political process, the ramifications of allowing the world to disciple people, how politics is getting more theological, why he did not outright endorse a candidate for President during the sermon, whether or not Jesus would vote, why a vote is not a valentine, why a ballot box is not a mailbox, what type of leader we should be looking for, what to do when neither candidate is signaling that they are Pro-Life, how Christians should view border security and overall policy, why politics cannot fix what politics did not break, and much more. Let’s get into it…
