This is utterly true and 100% relevant to churches and who have supported Bush and Trump. A church should be a refuge from worldly power games and a place where there is only one Lord and one gospel for all , whatever one's politics are.
Can Christians involve themselves in politics? Sure, but the gospel is on a whole different plane and must be kept separate.
Yes. As basically a conservative and a former evangelical I am not happy to see the church mixing politics and Christianity. Both because that shifts the emphasis instantly away from the gospel and because it is far too easy to meddle in politics and persuade yourself you are serving God by doing so. I mean you might be, but chances are you are just going to be sucked into the whole power game mentality.
I was born in the late 1960s and raised in the United Methodist church, which even then was becoming "political," albeit not seemingly partisan. Although Republican and in disagreement with some United Methodist political stances (especially the church's support of the UN), my parents continued attending because they'd both been raised in the United Methodist church as well. I wouldn't consider attending a United Methodist service today, unless it was connected to the wedding or funeral of a relative or close friend. I've considered attending and perhaps joining a different church; if I do, I think I will tell the minister that I wasn't really raised in a Christian church and probably have a lot to learn about Christianity!
I find much solace in my church community. Politics or anything that divides us must remain outside the doors. Last Sunday my pastor prayed for us to remain sane in turbulent times…just was all he had to say in recognition of current events…then back to Moses.
Politics quickly becomes a game of us (the "good" people) vs. them (the "bad" people) whereas really we are all flawed and fallible, Democrats, Republicans, whatever.
Chances are our opponents' ideas have more merit than we're aware of. And chances are ours have flaws we don't perceive. Not that political ideas are equal, as I said I'm a conservative and find Rep. positions nearer to my thinking. But I am nearing 70 years and over time have found there's always more to a topic than i know.
Politics tells you that victory is having your agenda prevail over that of your opposition. But that's not victory at all. Victory is treating others (including your "opposition") as Christ would have you treat them. As an added bonus this is probably going to do more to win them to your way of thinking (and your Christlike decency and humility will make you open to whatever merits their ideas have as well.) . But your main objective amidst your political activity is to treat others well. How are they going to know the love of God if we don't model it?
This is utterly true and 100% relevant to churches and who have supported Bush and Trump. A church should be a refuge from worldly power games and a place where there is only one Lord and one gospel for all , whatever one's politics are.
Can Christians involve themselves in politics? Sure, but the gospel is on a whole different plane and must be kept separate.
I agree with you. Although this article is aimed at Democrats and their repeated behavior...I feel the same way for all politicians.
Yes. As basically a conservative and a former evangelical I am not happy to see the church mixing politics and Christianity. Both because that shifts the emphasis instantly away from the gospel and because it is far too easy to meddle in politics and persuade yourself you are serving God by doing so. I mean you might be, but chances are you are just going to be sucked into the whole power game mentality.
I was born in the late 1960s and raised in the United Methodist church, which even then was becoming "political," albeit not seemingly partisan. Although Republican and in disagreement with some United Methodist political stances (especially the church's support of the UN), my parents continued attending because they'd both been raised in the United Methodist church as well. I wouldn't consider attending a United Methodist service today, unless it was connected to the wedding or funeral of a relative or close friend. I've considered attending and perhaps joining a different church; if I do, I think I will tell the minister that I wasn't really raised in a Christian church and probably have a lot to learn about Christianity!
You are on fire. No punches pulled.
I find much solace in my church community. Politics or anything that divides us must remain outside the doors. Last Sunday my pastor prayed for us to remain sane in turbulent times…just was all he had to say in recognition of current events…then back to Moses.
That's perfect.
Thank you for that courageous essay.
I feel compelled to add more on this topic.
Politics quickly becomes a game of us (the "good" people) vs. them (the "bad" people) whereas really we are all flawed and fallible, Democrats, Republicans, whatever.
Chances are our opponents' ideas have more merit than we're aware of. And chances are ours have flaws we don't perceive. Not that political ideas are equal, as I said I'm a conservative and find Rep. positions nearer to my thinking. But I am nearing 70 years and over time have found there's always more to a topic than i know.
Politics tells you that victory is having your agenda prevail over that of your opposition. But that's not victory at all. Victory is treating others (including your "opposition") as Christ would have you treat them. As an added bonus this is probably going to do more to win them to your way of thinking (and your Christlike decency and humility will make you open to whatever merits their ideas have as well.) . But your main objective amidst your political activity is to treat others well. How are they going to know the love of God if we don't model it?