Christian responsibility getting politically involved

Brotherly Spirit · Mar 17, 2018

I have more time and definitely happier when ignoring politics. It seems a waste going nowhere compared to anything else I could be doing. But honestly somethings I do aren't relevant to life or people. Politics is something that affects us, even if we're willing to separate ourselves from it and face the consequences; it continues to affect lives of others.

So while I can't be informed about everything or certainly know the solutions, do I have a responsibility to get informed and support something? Or is it better to concentrate efforts in my own life to others in it? Affecting change this way giving the time and effort to God getting my life into order by his will?

Life is busy and complicated enough, do you believe politics is worth it and if so what are Christians responsibilities to it?

OldWiseGuy · Mar 17, 2018

Voting for the best interests of yourself and your community is a good thing, as long as you aren't caught up in "party spirit". If you vote for issues and not party or personality you're probably ok. Of course the devil can be hidden in the details of any proposed bill so one has to be careful. I vote because even as a Christian I have an interest in my community and my country. Besides I would like at least some say about how my tax money is spent.

dreadnought · Mar 17, 2018

Brotherly Spirit said:
I have more time and definitely happier when ignoring politics. It seems a waste going nowhere compared to anything else I could be doing. But honestly somethings I do aren't relevant to life or people. Politics is something that affects us, even if we're willing to separate ourselves from it and face the consequences; it continues to affect lives of others.

So while I can't be informed about everything or certainly know the solutions, do I have a responsibility to get informed and support something? Or is it better to concentrate efforts in my own life to others in it? Affecting change this way giving the time and effort to God getting my life into order by his will?

Life is busy and complicated enough, do you believe politics is worth it and if so what are Christians responsibilities to it?

What goes on in the world does affect our lives, so sometimes we feel compelled to speak out or act.

salt-n-light · Mar 17, 2018

I think its important to first understand our responsibilities as Christian in general, and to treat the world in that lens. So christian are to give God's glory, to count on God's promises, to walk in purity and obedience, be willing to die for the faith, to go and make disciples. In short, we have to first understand what is God's will for us as followers and the Will He wants others to come to know to.

With that said, within politics, you can discern what is important to know and what is not important to know without being emotional. A lot of that emotion is of the falsity that if only we have this law and that law, there will be no problems. If we know anything about Israel and their 600+ commandments, they still ended up wicked. We know that all laws will never be perfect since we know this world is fallen and its really God that can do the true change. How much involvement you want to be in changing policies is up to the individual, such as livelihood, education, health. We are also called to fend for the helpless, so also being involved in your community, how you can help, and just getting to know people and their struggles, and minister to them.

Personally, I don't want news media, I rather get new brief and sort it out myself. Im more involved locally. But the main goal is that you are operating under God's will. That means respect the laws, and fend for those in need, dont be shock when evil goes around, and bring others to Christ. Aim to show that true change lies with God.

faroukfarouk · Mar 17, 2018

Mskriskris said:
I think its important to first understand our responsibilities as Christian in general, and to treat the world in that lens. So christian are to give God's glory, to count on God's promises, to walk in purity and obedience, be willing to die for the faith, to go and make disciples. In short, we have to first understand what is God's will for us as followers and the Will He wants others to come to know to.

With that said, within politics, you can discern what is important to know and what is not important to know without being emotional. A lot of that emotion is of the falsity that if only we have this law and that law, there will be no problems. If we know anything about Israel and their 600+ commandments, they still ended up wicked. We know that all laws will never be perfect since we know this world is fallen and its really God that can do the true change. How much involvement you want to be in changing policies is up to the individual, such as livelihood, education, health. We are also called to fend for the helpless, so also being involved in your community, how you can help, and just getting to know people and their struggles, and minister to them.

Personally, I don't want news media, I rather get new brief and sort it out myself. Im more involved locally. But the main goal is that you are operating under God's will. That means respect the laws, and fend for those in need, dont be shock when evil goes around, and bring others to Christ. Aim to show that true change lies with God.

It's good to remember that whatever the political verbiage, the following will always remain true:

"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." (1 John 5.19)

Brotherly Spirit · Mar 18, 2018

Thanks y'all, it's helpful to know other's considerations about it. Most if not all that was said, I tend to agree.

I think we should get involved based upon issues, addressing certain problems needed by government while understanding solutions are limited. Both the problems and solutions affect us in ways we shouldn't ignore and excuse.

I don't disagree a bit about the media, while we require information it's better to get it from non-opinionated sources. Preferably on-line articles you could read specific to certain issues; usually articles are more factual and informative. You can read at your own pace about a single issue on a day, compared to watching quick sound bites about everything.

Shempster · Mar 24, 2018

Politics is a dead end road.
It is simply a system of two schools of thought and they exist in virtually every country where free thinking is allowed.

The Left: a system based on hate. Hate for those with power, money and influence who take advantage of the weak for self preservation.
The Right: a system based on fear of losing their power and wealth by being overtaken by minorities.

My personal opinion is that we should just love everyone and care for them no matter their views.

OldWiseGuy · Mar 24, 2018

Shempster said:
Politics is a dead end road.
It is simply a system of two schools of thought and they exist in virtually every country where free thinking is allowed.

The Left: a system based on hate. Hate for those with power, money and influence who take advantage of the weak for self preservation.
The Right: a system based on fear of losing their power and wealth by being overtaken by minorities.

My personal opinion is that we should just love everyone and care for them no matter their views.

Sharing is caring. :holy:

Radagast · Mar 25, 2018

Brotherly Spirit said:
I have more time and definitely happier when ignoring politics. It seems a waste going nowhere compared to anything else I could be doing. But honestly somethings I do aren't relevant to life or people. Politics is something that affects us, even if we're willing to separate ourselves from it and face the consequences; it continues to affect lives of others.

If you live in the US, you have the right and the duty to elect the President, and other government officials. That basically gives you the job of "judge for a day." You have the obligation to carry out that God-appointed task properly.

Brotherly Spirit · Mar 25, 2018

Radagast said:
If you live in the US, you have the right and the duty to elect the President, and other government officials. That basically gives you the job of "judge for a day." You have the obligation to carry out that God-appointed task properly.

I agree we have a right in our democratic nations to participate. Also we should do so as it affects all of us for better or worse. What's questionable is whether it's a religious duty; and how we're to involve ourselves. Is it from the inside through the political process or outside through the spiritual process? A combination of both?

Did you mean a political or religious duty? Why do you believe it's an obligation by God to us?

Radagast · Mar 25, 2018

Brotherly Spirit said:
I agree we have a right in our democratic nations to participate. Also we should do so as it affects all of us for better or worse. What's questionable is whether it's a religious duty; and how we're to involve ourselves. Is it from the inside through the political process or outside through the spiritual process? A combination of both?

Did you mean a political or religious duty? Why do you believe it's an obligation by God to us?

Romans 13:1 tells us that government leaders are ordained by God. In a democracy, on election day, everybody is a leader ordained by God. And there is an obligation to carry out that role wisely.

Brotherly Spirit · Mar 25, 2018

I'm not sure if it's about the government or church, and whether it's to respect proper authorities or not revolt against authorities. (Romans 13:3-4, Romans13:6-7)

If it's about the government to be respectful when addressing it, and not resist it; even when we disagree we're to follow the law least as it concerns man, when it concerns God to rightfully and peacefully protest it? Would this require political participation or simply protest at the grassroots level?

Seems to me what I know, though not much as I should; Jesus and disciples weren't involved with politics, but did for issues concerning God and as for Jesus I remember him more for what he did toward the Pharisees than the Romans. An example would be telling us to pay taxes, yet he called Matthew a tax collector to follow him. He didn't separate himself, but it was outside the political process. (Matthew 9:9-11)

Paying taxes is required by law or you go to prison, but not voting. If it was illegal to not vote than definitely I think Jesus would say go ahead with God in mind; write-in to abstain and protest. Do you think Jesus would vote regardless? Why?

jovanovic · Mar 25, 2018

there is nothing to vote on in sweden, all parties here support non-christian values.

Radagast · Mar 25, 2018

Brotherly Spirit said:
I'm not sure if it's about the government or church, and whether it's to respect proper authorities or not revolt against authorities. (Romans 13:3-4, Romans13:6-7)

But on election day, the voters are the authorities. For one day.

Brotherly Spirit said:
Seems to me what I know, though not much as I should; Jesus and disciples weren't involved with politics

They didn't get to vote on who the Emperor should be. They were not living in a democracy.

Brotherly Spirit said:
If it was illegal to not vote

I'm an Australian. Here, it is illegal to not vote.

Brotherly Spirit said:
write-in to abstain and protest

And that may be the best way to exercise your authority-for-the-day.

But Romans 13:1 tells us that the authority-for-the-day of the voters is given by God; so it needs to be taken seriously. In this day and age, it seems to me, it requires the wisdom of Solomon.

straykat · Apr 20, 2018

I don't think you necessarily need to ignore, but it's best to not turn the opposing side into outright monsters... unless, of course, they are doing something monstrous (pedophilia, iffy excuses for war, arguably abortion.. or at least, extremely careless views of it). It's too easy to cast everything else in an overly negative light when dealing with politics, and forgetting how to love or realizing you're a sinner too.

Brotherly Spirit · Apr 20, 2018

straykat said:
I don't think you necessarily need to ignore, but it's best to not turn the opposing side into outright monsters... unless, of course, they are doing something monstrous (pedophilia, iffy excuses for war, arguably abortion.. or at least, extremely careless views of it). It's too easy to cast everything else in an overly negative light when dealing with politics, and forgetting how to love or realizing you're a sinner too.

At this point I think it's more about priority than ignoring it. More about the theatrics than the issues, even which it seems I lack time to be informed. Like you said it shouldn't be ignored, there are important issues that affect us. Even if it's not perfect or myself when it comes to being about the issues, informed and decent; I could least try finding time to check what's happening and should know, especially for the issues I supposedly care the most about.

Brotherly Spirit · Apr 21, 2018

Great debate found on Youtube as I had a renewed interest about this topic:

While I agree somewhat with the Josh Good (left), felt I agreed more with Matthew Milioni (right). The difference to me was as one comment had described it:

Sheldon Kilmer 8 months ago
After watching this whole debate it seemed to me that Mr Good was functioning more as as a Christian political pundit than a debate panelist. Milioni was perhaps better prepared for the debate format and seemed to have a more consistent viewpoint.

There's a conflict of interest in my mind I can't shake, when it comes to religion and politics. Especially Christianity, whose God has a Kingdom not of this world and Son whose name we're suppose to bear in his image. I'm not convinced Jesus was or would be politically involved, except to address the issues spiritually and personally; him looking to his Father for answers and not man, going to the people himself accordingly and not the government of men doing otherwise.

I'm on the fence about it, but I think as a Christian I should be more involved with certain issues of importance; except not the theatrics and hopelessness of relying on politics. For example being informed about environmental impact on the earth, what it means for the present and future generations; but take the responsibility myself to not only do some things personally, yet with people be involved making a bigger difference.

Anyone else have this understanding that Christianity is suppose to be a spiritually lead Kingdom on earth, grassroots? While it's difficult for anyone of us to separate ourselves from this world for the next, I'm not asking if you personally have achieved this; but ideally are we suppose to have divided loyalties as citizens of God's kingdom and nations on earth?

Mayflower1 · Apr 23, 2018

Politics have brought out the worst in me and friends in the past. I have grown in this area and therefore have grown in my faith as a result. This is something to be grateful for. I've decided not to vote anymore though, because I am definitely not good at the research and get pretty upset with campaign commercials. I believe there are different spiritual gifts, and the brain power (edit: with a good attitude towards others) needed in the voting process is definitely one of them.

Brotherly Spirit · Apr 23, 2018

lily00 said:
Politics have brought out the worst in me and friends in the past. I have grown in this area and therefore have grown in my faith as a result. This is something to be grateful for. I've decided not to vote anymore though, because I am definitely not good at the research and get pretty upset with campaign commercials. I believe there are different spiritual gifts, and the brain power (edit: with a good attitude towards others) needed in the voting process is definitely one of them.

Exactly what I is the problem with politics, it's more about competition and force than cooperation and convincing. So the issues become secondary to getting power and used as weapons. Either they're dishonest about the facts; exaggerate, understate, defensive, offensive (rhetoric for exciting their base of voters and make the other person look bad).

If you separate the issues from politics, involve yourself at the grassroots level and not rely on the political process (government); then you're free to address the issues with others the best way you know how and put issues first. I think voluntary organization would have better cooperation and convincing, as all are there of their free will for it and mostly agree already.

Me too, I believe people have different spiritual gifts. But I don't think the average person inherently lacks the intelligence. The problem people live busy lives not having time to research, even if they did none of us can learn and remember it all.

So we're reliant on professionals and experts who either have many work or free hours. It's a situation of being able to leave it to them, trusting they're not biased or bought; which would be easier if they're outside of politics.

Regardless most people seem competent despite politics, for example illegal immigration; I think a majority of the total population has been supportive of doing certain things to solve it and the political process hasn't accurately represented it (for other issues too).

faroukfarouk · Apr 24, 2018

Brotherly Spirit said:
Thanks y'all, it's helpful to know other's considerations about it. Most if not all that was said, I tend to agree.

I think we should get involved based upon issues, addressing certain problems needed by government while understanding solutions are limited. Both the problems and solutions affect us in ways we shouldn't ignore and excuse.

I don't disagree a bit about the media, while we require information it's better to get it from non-opinionated sources. Preferably on-line articles you could read specific to certain issues; usually articles are more factual and informative. You can read at your own pace about a single issue on a day, compared to watching quick sound bites about everything.

Often when considering something, if we first consider Philippians 4.8, then we'll likely get a good perspective on things.

Christian responsibility getting politically involved

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