Exploring the intersection of Christianity and politics, discussing the importance of approaching the topic with a godly mindset. Emphasizing the role of Christians as influencers in the culture. Delving into the significance of civic engagement and the responsibility of Christian citizens. Examining the involvement of churches in politics and the limitations placed on them. Reflecting on the struggles Christians face when voting and the importance of evaluating character and stance on Christ-centered issues.
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Approach Politics with God's Heart
Approach political conversations with the heart and mind of God, not partisan views.
Aim to emerge from these discussions as brothers and sisters in Christ, united rather than divided.
insights INSIGHT
Politics Matter: Be Salt and Light
Politics truly matter for Christians because culture matters and Christians are citizens of this world.
Christians should be like salt preserving against decay and like light actively spreading truth in society.
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Vote to Fulfill Christian Duty
Christians must actively participate in politics, at least by voting, to fulfill their role as salt and light in society.
Avoid passivity and recognize that individual votes can make a real difference in elections.
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In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the world of Christians and politics. What should Christians consider before entering into political conversations? Is it possible to come out of these conversations as brothers and sisters in Christ? Should politics even matter to a Christian? With the primaries nearly upon us, this is a very important conversation to be having.
Episode Links
Dr. White delivered a five-week series at Mecklenburg Community Church related to this topic that you'll definitely want to check out. It is titled “Where Angels Fear to Tread: Meck Talks Politics” and we received so much positive feedback about this series. He also talked about the fact that it's important for pastors to speak out on important cultural topics like gay marriage, gender and creation care. You can find a collection of series that Dr. White has delivered on cultural topics HERE.
There are two books that Dr. White mentioned in today's conversation to help you delve further into this subject:The Message of the Sermon on the Mount: Christian Counter-Culture by John R.W. Stott and Mass Communication and Everyday Life by Dennis Davis and Stanley Baran. In the latter, the authors cited an article from Daniel Boorstin titled “The Road to Diplopia.”
In the discussion they referenced a 2016 Christianity Today article titled “Bible Influences Only 1 in 10 Evangelicals on Immigration Reform,” revealing how little Christians let the Bible guide and shape their political views. Had Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taken this same approach to his Christian faith, he may have never been able to pen the words in his Why We Can't Wait (Letter from a Birmingham Jail).
For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday.
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