Faithful Words
A Christian Blog
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Politics: A Biblical Approach
In
an election year with conventions, platforms, and speeches in the news, we have
a unique opportunity to converse in the public square. Having a Christian
worldview should affect how we think and interact about politics. Here are some
suggestions:
· Be intentional in how you
present history. The
biblical worldview that once helped shape society has given way to relativism
and atheism. Pornography has invaded our homes, including those of our pastors.
How the world has changed! Nevertheless, during the days when most could name
the Ten Commandments, some Americans were less than full citizens under the
law, and lynching was common. Women had no voting rights, nor could they serve
on juries. Only a limited view of our history says we have been on a constantly
downward slide since the days of the Puritans. My grandfather deserted my
grandmother in the 1930s, leaving her with a small child in a day when the
church judged the divorced. I met a woman last week who was date-raped in the
1960s, and she had to go into hiding to keep her church from finding out. The
Christian sub-culture in America was not so long ago a dangerous place to be
broken. Thank God that despite some declines we have also seen some
improvements. The presentation of US history as only declining without
qualification can sound racist and sexist—ways that are not of Christ.
· Eschew offering false fear and
false hope. To
offer any candidate as the solution for a country’s ills is to set up a false
messiah. A candidate might have what we consider a better approach to
healthcare or abortion rights or unemployment, but no candidate can “save our
country.” We tend to err in the extremes of fear mongering or offering utopia.
Neither approach lines up with the truth.
· Recognize the limits of
politics. Christ, not legislation, is the ultimate solution for
culture. Only when His kingdom comes shall His will be done on earth as it is
in heaven. In the days when abortion was illegal, one of my relatives found a
way to have one. Civil law, important as it is, is external and limited
in its scope. But Christ brings new life from the inside out. While the law
does help provide moral structure, the Christian’s hope for change lies in a
“someone,” not in a secular system. Who does or doesn’t inhabit the oval office
is of little consequence compared with the change available in Christ. Lobbying
and boycotting can bring some external results, but they cannot effect inner
change.
· Remember your roots. The Chick-fil-a fiasco reminded the
world that the Christian sub-culture in America is large, powerful, and refuses
to be pushed around. But the Christian sub-culture in most other parts of the
planet was and is politically and socially weak—even powerless. Reading the New
Testament helps us see the church can still flourish when the state hates
Christians; even a Nero in power cannot prevail against the church. While in
the States we have much social power that gives us freedom to worship in
public, pray in public, and broadcast our worldview on the radio (wonderful
freedoms!), such acceptance of Christianity also brings some unique
temptations. We have at times been so cozy with politicians that people now
tend to associate Christianity with one political party. A magazine I receive
for editors lists words that have changed in meaning, and it listed a new
primary meaning for the word “Christian” as “one associated with a right-wing
political party.” Rather than perceiving that we address the greed and
immorality rampant in both parties, the world sees us as too cozy with one kind
of power. Our love for politics and politicians can blunt our ability to speak
and even to hear the truth. ("If we acknowledge the bad in our favored
party, the other party's guy might get elected.")
In the words of John MacArthur, “America's
moral decline is a spiritual problem, not a political one, and its solution is
the gospel, not partisan politics.” I encourage all Christians to involve
themselves in serving to make the world a better place in any way possible. But
we must be biblical and realistic in how we think and talk about what
politicians and legislators can do. Jesus, not Caesar, is the answer for the
world today. Let us render unto God the things that are God’s.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Why I Am/Not Charismatic: What Are Spiritual Gifts? – C Michael Patton | Parchment and Pen
Why I Am/Not Charismatic: What Are Spiritual Gifts? – C Michael Patton | Parchment and Pen: "One of the great messages of the Christian faith is that we are not optional. Of course, we believe in the aseity of God, which means that God is completely non-contingent. Translation: God does not need us for any aspect of his fulfillment. God is perfect just the way he is. He is not dependent on anyone or anything. However, in his grace, God has made us necessary. Because of God’s grace, there is not a useless or optional person among us, no matter their age, race, color, or sex. God has chosen to use those who believe in him in an extraordinary way. The end goal: to accomplish his purpose. The means: the church – the body of Christ."
Struck by this how the Aseity of God and the value of the Christian are never put in conflict with each other.
DJR
Struck by this how the Aseity of God and the value of the Christian are never put in conflict with each other.
DJR
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Book Review of Bart D. Ehrman’s “Forged” – Part 3 | Parchment and Pen
Book Review of Bart D. Ehrman’s “Forged” – Part 3 | Parchment and Pen
interesting review. Ehrmans flaws are nicely identified in Dan Wallace's review.
interesting review. Ehrmans flaws are nicely identified in Dan Wallace's review.
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