Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate

In Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate, Hanson suggests that many believers give insufficient thought to the basic principles that biblical.
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Freedom of conscience, religion, and speech, among other freedoms, are unalienable rights and gifts from the Lord God Himself. Christianity cannot be coerced, mandated, or legislated and our goal, as in any endeavor, is the salvation of souls. The government cannot accomplish that. Now, freedom entails responsibility and the understanding that we are bound by God's will, ways, and sovereignty.


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Thus, while Christianity cannot be legislated, political engagement is part of the cultural mandate which is inextricably intertwined with the Great Commission. We must not coerce but we must influence. Bush and Deputy Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, published his book , Tempting Faith , the result, in part, of his disillusionment over administration staffers calling evangelicals "nuts" and "goofy. While much of what Kuo says should be heard and heeded, regarding the fast, Chuck Colson has a more biblical proposal. He notes, "Kuo is right about one thing: Both parties are doing and saying things to attract so-called values voters.

But Kuo is dead wrong to suggest that that Christians ought to enter into a time of 'fasting' from politics Christians need to influence politics for justice and righteousness. But we must do so with eyes open, aware of the snares But that is the price they must pay to preserve their independence and not be beholden to any political ideological alignment Only by continuing to fight for our beliefs, regardless of the temptations, compromises, or being called 'nuts,' can we achieve the kind of moral reform and protection of human rights that Christians throughout the centuries and in every culture work for.

Second, the government has great opportunity to do right. Government officials don't live in a vacuum. Some have access to special revelation and grace while others have access to general revelation and common grace. By virtue of providence and such revelation and grace, they are given opportunity to do right by the people.

When Rehoboam was made King, " Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 'Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you The sad reality is that Rehoboam later made some egregious errors with regard to the people.

Political Engagement: Responsibility, Government & God

And yet, most of the time, individuals don't make regime or nation ending decisions at one time. They spiral downward over time in the face of great opportunity to do right. The erosion of freedom may be swift by way of invasion from a foreign power but most often that erosion is a slow process that occurs over time from within as the state arrogates more power to itself. More on that sad reality below. Third, the government chooses between good and bad advice.

Note the advice given to Rehoboam. Then the young men And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with stinging whips ! Good advice, biblical advice, has to do with servant leadership. Good government is limited and protects the citizenry from predators. Bad government, unbiblical government, is oppressive and destructive of liberty. Rehoboam received bad advice from his boy-hood friends.

It should not escape our notice that the Hebrew word used to describe them as "young" was derisive in context and was meant to describe them as children.


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    7. His sycophantic friends were mere children in regard to their understanding and gave him corresponding counsel. Christians must conduct themselves in principled ways. Those who find themselves in leadership must serve and those who are not in leadership must give biblical advice to those who are. Even as advice was given to Rehoboam, so too must Christians be at the table giving biblical advice to those in the public square. That advice may be given by way of seeking office, writing letters, or speaking to issues in different ways and contexts.

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    At the very least, Christians can vote. That vote must be grounded in biblical principle and thus, even if the vote is cast for a losing cause as the elders advice was rejected by Rehoboam , believers will have stood before God and man and declared "this is the way, walk ye in it. Will we as Christians be "elders" or "children" as we advise with our votes? At the same time, other contexts provide opportunity for biblical, political advice and instruction.

    Politics By the Bible

    He talked about the erosion of our rights, the erosion of our religious freedom, and a variety of related court cases. He noted that homeschooling could eventually be outlawed in this country and that Christian schools are being forced to hire homosexual teachers. Resources Where do I start?

    Christian groups within the parties. Show Up Latest. The Old Testament From the creation mandate in Genesis we received a cultural mandate — to develop institutions upon the earth. Numbers proposes a democratic process under God with the selection of representative leaders. Deuteronomy affirms the idea of equality under the law for Kings and subjects alike.

    Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate

    Judges shows how the Lord raises up and empowers people to lead the nation out of sin, error and judgment. It also shows the need for women to assume national leadership responsibilities. Ruth shows how social responsibility transcends legal contract.

    These books show how leaders are subject to greater accountability for their actions. Ezra demonstrates the power of the Word to restore identity and direction to a people.

    4 reasons Christians should care about politics

    Nehemiah teaches how we learn about how the restoration of authority. Esther and Mordecai were raised up to lobby the authorities to save their people. Job teaches us about trusting a sovereign God in trials. The Psalms cover the whole range of effects that the human condition and the righteousness of God. Proverbs was written to instruct princes how to govern when they become kings. Ecclesiastes talks about the wisdom needed to rule. Song of Solomon describes our relational priorities.

    Isaiah describes the coming saviour and his Kingdom — the increase of whose government there shall be no end. Jeremiah illustrates the need to speak truth to power. Lamentations shows how God can use one nation to punish another. Ezekiel describes how the river from the temple heals the nations.

    With an implicit recognition that for engagement in politics there is a time to defy and a time to comply for the people of God. With Daniel we see how integrity is tied to identity, and how the role of the prophetic is important for governmental power. Hosea attacks hedonism and the abuse of wealth. Joel challenges public consciousness. Amos exposes hypocritical rulers. Obadiah affirms that justice cannot be escaped.


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    Jonah speaks of responsibility beyond the borders of our own race and ethnicity.