Christ is the Transcendence of Political Ideology

[NewTestamentChristian]

I’ll keep this post short.

I think we Americans are so politically divided and do not give time to become internally silent. When we become silent, we know Christ better. We know God better. Regardless of who becomes president, we need to focus on what really matters.

 

[Josheb]

Christ is the Transcendence of Political Ideology​

I’ll keep this post short.

I think we Americans are so politically divided and do not give time to become internally silent. When we become silent, we know Christ better. We know God better.

If this is meant to say Jesus transcends politics and/or ideology (political or otherwise) then I'm betting every Christian in the forum already knows and agrees.

As written, however, the title means Jesus is dependent upon political ideology and therefore cannot transcend it. Really bad logic. Americans may be divided but maybe not because the one's we hear about division from the most are the dividers. More importantly, not all Americans are Christians, and most Christians are not divided over Christ. Even more important than that, however, is the fact silence is what got us into this divided state.

Regardless of who becomes president, we need to focus on what really matters.

Is it being suggested we do not focus on what really matters?

 

[d taylor]

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Well the problem is that people who identify as christian. Also very much love this world and the ways of it.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

To left we have anything goes, to the right we have validated narcissism, selfishness and self glorification.

Christ offers a third path, far more difficult. It takes discernment, repentance and virtue.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

I’ll keep this post short.

I think we Americans are so politically divided and do not give time to become internally silent. When we become silent, we know Christ better. We know God better. Regardless of who becomes president, we need to focus on what really matters.

So Jesus is pure neutrality? What?

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

To left we have anything goes, to the right we have validated narcissism, selfishness and self glorification.

Christ offers a third path, far more difficult. It takes discernment, repentance and virtue.

Actually, narcissism, selfishness and self glorification are the drivers on both sides but in different ways.

 

[NewTestamentChristian]

If this is meant to say Jesus transcends politics and/or ideology (political or otherwise) then I'm betting every Christian in the forum already knows and agrees.

As written, however, the title means Jesus is dependent upon political ideology and therefore cannot transcend it. Really bad logic. Americans may be divided but maybe not because the one's we hear about division from the most are the dividers. More importantly, not all Americans are Christians, and most Christians are not divided over Christ. Even more important than that, however, is the fact silence is what got us into this divided state.

So Jesus is pure neutrality? What?

The silence that I speak of is one that can only come from knowing God. And I don’t think Christ would remain neutral; IMO, if He came back tomorrow many of us would persecute Him again just like two thousand years ago. Christ offers a way that goes beyond the divisions of Left and Right wing. The path through the narrow gate is to take up your cross and follow Him. It’s to struggle up the hill. It’s to not love the world (1 John 2:15-17) and pray without ceasing for those in the world and for yourself. It’s a path of repentance, a total change of one’s heart, to be born again into a totally new person by divine grace. One doesn’t have to be a monk to follow this.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

The silence that I speak of is one that can only come from knowing God. And I don’t think Christ would remain neutral; IMO, if He came back tomorrow many of us would persecute Him again just like two thousand years ago. Christ offers a way that goes beyond the divisions of Left and Right wing. The path through the narrow gate is to take up your cross and follow Him. It’s to struggle up the hill. It’s to not love the world (1 John 2:15-17) and pray without ceasing for those in the world and for yourself. It’s a path of repentance, a total change of one’s heart, to be born again into a totally new person by divine grace. One doesn’t have to be a monk to follow this.

What do you consider politics or the political to be? You are suggesting a third path and not taking part in the political process, but what is it?

 

[NewTestamentChristian]

What do you consider politics or the political to be? You are suggesting a third path and not taking part in the political process, but what is it?

It’s not so much politics, per se, but the increasing political polarization that I think is dangerous. One does not necessarily have to abstain from voting to follow this third path that I am proposing, but one should abstain from falling into the trap of becoming polarized. I say vote your conscience, base it on biblical principles, and keep It to yourself. Christ matters more than a ballot. Individual salvation and eternal life, true happiness, is what matters the most. IMO partake in the political process but don’t become trapped.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

It’s not so much politics, per se, but the increasing political polarization that I think is dangerous. One does not necessarily have to abstain from voting to follow this third path that I am proposing, but one should abstain from falling into the trap of becoming polarized. I say vote your conscience, base it on biblical principles, and keep It to yourself. Christ matters more than a ballot. Individual salvation and eternal life, true happiness, is what matters the most. IMO partake in the political process but don’t become trapped.

I am talking about what politics is at its core, beyond the system itself. At its most basic level, what is politics? I have an idea but do you?

 

[lifepsyop]

I’ll keep this post short.

I think we Americans are so politically divided and do not give time to become internally silent. When we become silent, we know Christ better. We know God better. Regardless of who becomes president, we need to focus on what really matters.

Imagine if we didn't have Democracy at all, we wouldn't be so encouraged to be individually divided against each other all the time.

 

[Josheb]

if He came back tomorrow many of us would persecute Him again just like two thousand years ago.

Who, specifically, is the "us" in that sentence.

Christ offers a way that goes beyond the divisions of Left and Right wing.

I agree.

The path through the narrow gate is to take up your cross and follow Him.

Incorrect. The path through the narrow gate is Christ crucified and resurrected; his work, not our works.

It’s to struggle up the hill. It’s to not love the world (1 John 2:15-17) and pray without ceasing for those in the world and for yourself. It’s a path of repentance, a total change of one’s heart, to be born again into a totally new person by divine grace. One doesn’t have to be a monk to follow this.

All of which is red herring.

Having a scripturally-informed political point of view and living according to that position with integrity is not mutually exclusive of a life in Christ here on earth. Being in the world but not of the world does not preclude political agency.