In this final episode of the special eight-episode series called ‘Politics discerned differently,’ Dr. Mark Turman and Curtis Chang discuss the intersection of faith and politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. They explore the implications of political violence, the role of the church in political discourse, and the importance of character in political candidates. 

The conversation also delves into the unique American experiment of majority rule and minority rights, the relationship between Christianity and democracy, and the need for Christians to engage meaningfully in the political process, especially as they may find themselves in a minority position. 

Curtis emphasizes the importance of renouncing political violence and fostering a culture of life, while also addressing the limitations of relying solely on law to shape moral values. The episode concludes with advice for future political leaders on how to govern inclusively and with integrity.

Topics

• (03:13): Navigating the Political Landscape
• (05:55): The Threat of Political Violence
• (08:52): The Role of the Church in Politics
• (11:57): Character vs. Policy in Politics
• (14:51): The American Experiment: Majority Rule and Minority Rights
• (18:11): The Relationship Between Christianity and Democracy
• (24:03): The Importance of Engaging as a Minority
• (30:01): Expectations of Politics and the Role of Faith
• (35:46): The Limitations of Law as a Discipler
• (41:11): Election Fairness and Integrity
• (45:50): Advice for the Next President

Resources

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Related Denison Forum podcasts: 

• Peace in Politics: How to reduce anxiety during the 2022 midterms: A conversation with Josh Miller
• Can you trust American institutions? A conversation with Curtis Chang
• An invitation to “The After Party”: Reframing Christian engagement in politics with David French and Curtis Chang
• Should Christians pursue power? A conversation with David French
• Losing Our Religion: A conversation with Russell Moore
• When politics get extreme, what should Christians do? A conversation with Tim Alberta
• Navigating extremism: A conversation with Elizabeth Neumann
• How does the Bible apply to today’s politics? With Kaitlyn Schiess

Related Denison Forum articles & resources: 

• Election 2024: Discern politics differently
• Peace in Politics ebook by Josh Miller 
• How fair are the US elections?
• Respectfully, I Disagree by Dr. Jim Denison 
• What to do when church members question elections
• How can Christians respond redemptively to election turmoil?
• The lost art of civility • Denison Forum
• How should Christians vote?
• Are Christians required to vote?
• What does the Bible say about politics? • Denison Forum

Other trusted resources: 

• AllSides
• Ground News
• The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics
• My Faith Votes
• Redeeming Babel
• The Good Faith podcast
• Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here
• Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America: Moore, Russell

About Curtis Chang 

Curtis Chang bridges the worlds of secular institutions and theology. In the former world, he is the founder and CEO of Consulting Within Reach (CWR), a firm serving nonprofits and government agencies. His consulting work has won an award in social innovation from the Obama White House, and he teaches strategic planning as a faculty member of American University’s School of International Service.

In the Christian world, he is a consulting professor at Duke Divinity School and a Senior Fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. Curtis is also a former senior pastor of an Evangelical Covenant Church in San Jose, California. He is the author of The After Party: Towards Better Christian Politics (with Nancy French), The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry Is the Doorway to Your Best Self, and Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.