Varying Views on Christians and Government

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

We are reaching out to our family, friends, and neighbors as the body of Christ.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

“for the authorities are ministers of God”

WHY?…

4 Questions from Wayne Grudem:

*Should churches exert any influence in politics?

*Should pastors preach about political questions?

*Is there only one “Christian” position on political issues?

*Does the Bible teach anything about how people should vote?

TODAY: Varying Views on Faith & Government

Opening Scripture:

Romans 13:1–2 (ESV)

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Various Views About Gospel & Government

(Source: Wayne Grudem)

1. Government Should Compel Religion

Earthly government should compel people to support or follow one particular religious system (or Christian denomination)

Example: Christian Nationalism - “Christian nation”

A Christian Heritage does not mean Christian Nationalism

Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies Against Christian nationalism

When we warn of the evils of Christian nationalism, we are warning of the danger of the government trying to enforce Christian hegemony combined with civil religion (that is, an outward and merely cultural version of Christianity). In other words, the danger is that Christians are given special privileges by the State and Christianity becomes an outward display of patriotic devotion rather than part of true religious affection.

Genuine Faith Cannot Be Forced

Can faith be considered genuine if it is mandated by the government?

2. Government Should Exclude Religion

Earthly government should never mention any religion and religion should never play a role in decision-making in government.

Example: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

People like Daniel provided counsel to world leaders, John the Baptist rebuked Herod the Tetrarch (Lk. 3:19)

Others: Joseph, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and the Apostle Paul

How might the complete exclusion of religion from government decision-making impact the moral and ethical landscape of a country?

3. Christians Should Influence Government

Christian influence is based on God’s moral standards and God’s purposes for government as revealed in the Bible.

Christian influence simultaneously promotes protecting freedom of religion and freedom of speech for everyone.

Example: Alliance Defending Freedom (according to Ministry Watch was 2nd largest type group as of 2020)

Genesis 9:5–6 “5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. 6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”

1 Peter 2:13–14 “13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.”

There are still disagreement among Christians such as “just war”, death penalty, government’s involvement in poverty/wealth.

What are the implications of Christians influencing government policies based on biblical moral standards?

Conclusion/Reflection:

How can you balance promoting your Christian beliefs while also protecting the freedom of religion and speech for those of other faiths or no faith?