It is almost impossible to avoid the issue of politics completely. In fact I don't know anyone who has no opinions about politics and politicians. It is no easy task for a preacher to hide completely his political opinions. While I am disgusted with the use of the pulpit to advance any politician or political ideology it is unrealistic and unreasonable to expect a pastor to be completely silent about his thoughts on politics. After all, politicians and the things they do impact our lives and our culture in profound ways.
Sometimes I think I walk through the minefield wisely. There are times however when I step directly on a mine.
I appreciated this post by Kim Riddlebarger.
Your thoughts?
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13 comments:
If all you had to go on were my sermons I dare say that you would not know my politics.
certainly there is a political aspect to the gospel itself...although there are also examples where Jesus clearly sidestepped the political quagmires of his time. As a general rule I think that is wise. The old agade that "politics makes strange bedfellows" still holds true. For a church leader this could turn into a credibility issue.
Yep.
And I sign my work. At times when I think I have been wrong then I have publically acknowledged that.
One more point.
I believe the proclamation of God's Word is a much more powerful thing than a blog post. "The grass withers. The flower fades and so will blogs.
Todd, I think you’ve walked the “minefield” well. Kim makes some good points, but I find Kim’s claim, that she has “come to despise partisan politics”, to be troubling. Partisan merely means: party, cause, faction, or idea. And politics, aka civil government, is an institution sanctioned by God. Kim's contempt for political idealogy in general is unhealthy. It suggests we should just discard the whole messy enterprise, when we need to thoughtfully examine the principles and policies of “partisan politics” instead of just dismissing and despising it.
Todd,
to what extent do you think that the church should teach on the Biblical role of government or perhaps more broadly outline a Christian worldview?
Good question. There certainly is a place for Christians in politics. Clearly we cannot all agree on what are the most pressing issues or even on the issues themselves.
The tension we live in as Christians is that we are dual citizens whose ultimate loyalty goes to that place where we have not yet arrived. Even so we are to be productive in and a blessing to that kingdom where we presently live. In that sense Christians can and, I think, ought to speak up when their elected leaders propose or enact laws that are immoral or rob citizens of their liberty. They take a pledge to defend the Constitution which guarantees liberty.
As far as worldview goes, the hope is that the more we feed upon God's Word the more it will come to shape our thinking. Harry Blamires called it "thinking Christianly."
Gene Veith is an example of someone who has written extensively on a Christian worldview. His books are worth reading. So also is Ronald Nash. Very good stuff.
Christian Citizen,
We live in a very different time and place than did the Fathers. Also our brothers and sisters in China must be very careful about what they say and write.
In our day and place however Christians are free to speak to those in power. Indeed we should. That said, there is remarkably little politics on this blog.
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