« Luther's Small Catechism -- Highlights | Main | Sands of Time »
November 13, 2006
Politics - Questioning the Answers
I can argue answers on almost every side of almost every political issue out there today. But here are some questions I've been asking myself:
What if activism comes at the cost of unity?
What is the church's place in politics? In activism? What is the Biblical precedent?
Which political issues should matter most to Christions?
War is currently the top issue among Americans. What does the Bible say about it? Can you find passages to support war? Can you find passages to oppose it?
What does God think about politics?
Does God call Christians to act on a political front? If yes, then how so?
Posted by Megan at November 13, 2006 10:02 PM
Comments
Megan,
If I knew the answers to these questions for sure, I'd have a much different stance on politics. You summarized most of the questions that have come up in my life in terms of government and my role in it.
As it is, I do know the answers to several other questions in other areas of life, so I'm focusing my attention to those areas.
Here's hoping that a commenter answers all of our questions to our complete satisfaction :)
Posted by: nate at November 13, 2006 10:41 PM
Recently I saw a flier that was advocating a push to end world hunger and I couldn't help thinking how absurd and misguided this was to me. Feeding the hungry is a good thing, but we do it to share Christ and His love with them, NOT to solve the world's problems.
I really don't think that this world's politics matter all that much... I mean the bible says that God has control over who our leaders are. So I figure that as long as we keep praying for our leaders that even though we are persecuted we will never be abandoned. So to state my opinion... it would be better if Church and State were truly separated.
As to war... we make ourselves the slaves of everyone so that Christ may be preached, but we do not break his law. I suppose I should look up the verses sometime.
Ohh and there is the example of Paul(?)'s making the city governors come down to appologize. So I guess we can fight to see that our already established rights as citizens are met. However, I do not see that they have to oblige this, but we must suffer even an unjust master.
Posted by: Steve O at November 14, 2006 12:36 AM
Gosh, I feel like I'm back in my theology class again... As always, good questions. Now if only I could produce some answers.
Posted by: Kristin at November 14, 2006 12:45 AM
Steve said,
"Feeding the hungry is a good thing, but..."
"I really don't think..."
"I suppose I should look up the verses sometime..."
"So I guess..."
Not quite the definitive answers I was looking for, but you bring up some very good principles, Steve.
Posted by: nate at November 14, 2006 01:26 AM
It occured to me about 10 seconds after posting that comment that it could come across as very short and harsh. That's not how I meant it at all, and I genuinely meant "you bring up some very good principles" in all sincerity.
I was trying to say that while you might have brought up great principles, you didn't absolutely answer the question to my total satisfaction. Maybe because it's a prefrence/principle thing where it comes down to individuals in so many cases, but I can't come up with hardly anything really concrete or black and white on those questions. And while your principles are appropriate, they don't address the issues fully.
Posted by: nate at November 14, 2006 01:30 AM