Political Flag-Waving Isn’t Enough

The Difference Between Speaking Truth to Power and Political Flag Waving

In this podcast episode, Pastor John discusses the distinction between speaking truth to power and engaging in political flag waving. He provides six descriptions of what he considers to be bad political flag waving, including waving the flag of party loyalty as a final allegiance, asserting a moral or social position without distinguishing between the position and the party, and grounding moral stands in partisan platforms instead of a biblical worldview. Pastor John emphasizes the importance of not placing undue hope in partisan politics for achieving the common good and highlights the need to avoid foregrounding partisan politics in inappropriate settings, such as Christian worship. He then proceeds to explore the concept of speaking truth to power, clarifying the phrase separation of church and state and discussing the obligation Christians have to proclaim the truth of the Gospel to both those in positions of power and the weakest members of society.