How To Engage in Politics as a Christian

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How do We Engage in Politics as a Christian Moderator:Caleb Eissler, Panelist: Tim Overby, Brad Daniel,Jeff Sheets, Lindy Sheets, Kevin Smith

Notes
Transcript

Introductions

Brad
Tim
Lindy
Jeff
Kevin

Pray

1 Timothy 2:1-3
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior”
To set the tone for tonight, I want us begin by praying for those in government, and those in authority both in our nation and the other nations of the world. The Bible calls us to pray for them and I think it would be an appropriate way to begin our conversation on politics and government by praying for those who lead in politics and government.
Tim Overby to pray

Explanation of the Panel

How can we engage in politics as Christians?
This is not meant to be an issue specific panel. Our objective is not to tell you what candidates to vote for, what we think of the Green New Deal, or whether or not Trump should build the wall. Our intent is to provide you with principles for how to engage in politics as a Christian. So often our political engagement as Christians can be less than Christ-like. Probably even today we scrolled past an angry political post on social media. Many of us have probably had awkward Thanksgiving conversations with relatives who disagree about political issues. It can be easy to throw up our hands and ignore politics. But in reality that’s not what we’re called to do either. We are called to intelligently and respectfully steward our opportunities for political engagement, always informing everything with the Gospel. We will not always agree with each other on politics, even as Christians. In fact, one thing I think you will appreciate about our panelists is that they don’t all hold to the same political beliefs. I can think of a number of issues that they might disagree with one another on and issues I might disagree with them on. Some of our panelists are more conservative, some more liberal, and some in between. But here’s what I love about them. The Gospel is what drives their political beliefs and they all agree on the essentials: that Jesus is Lord and King. Regardless of their political views, they all put the Gospel first. With that in mind, you shouldn’t expect to hear perfect agreement on political distinctives, but you will hear agreement on the Gospel. Our goal tonight is to give you biblical principles for how to engage in politics as a Christian.
Let me explain our format for the evening and then we’ll dive into our discussion.
Explain format
Q&A Notecards
(7:50 pm) About halfway through, we’ll have you pass your notecards to the center of the aisle and we’ll collect your them and use them to ask our panelists your questions.

Questions

These questions are not in perfect order, and we will probably not use all of these questions. These questions are just meant to give you an idea of the topics that could be discussed so you have time to collect your thoughts on these matters.
How has your Christian faith shaped your political journey and views over the years? What resources and experiences have shaped your political journey most as you’ve been a Christian?
Why are people so tribalized and divided today? What causes it? How can we heal?
How do we keep from allowing our political tribes or parties to shape our political views more than Scripture?
How do you handle politics with friends and family members that you disagree with?
Many times when it comes to politics we can be most known for what we’re against. How can we engage in politics so people know us first for what we’re for and not just for what we’re against?
How can we know if we’re making politics an idol?
What are common political myths that you often hear Christians or people more broadly repeating?
How do we discern what issues are primary vs secondary?
What are some principles you would have for us as we wrestle through issues that the bible doesn’t explicitly address?
What would you say to someone that says, “Christians shouldn’t vote according to their faith because then they’re just forcing their beliefs on everyone else?”
What principles should we hold to when speaking of politicians? What are ways we can negatively or positively speak of politicians?
2 Samuel 23:3-4 says “The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
How can we show respect for and properly engage leaders and politicians placed in authority over us? What would you say to someone that doesn’t believe there should be any government authority over them?
How do we wade through fake news to figure out truth? How can we intelligently stay informed on politics?
Abortion can be seen as the primary issue for Christians when it comes to politics. Or at least that’s the impression we can get from watching the news and talking with many people. But is abortion really the one issue above them all for us? What does it mean to be pro life? How can we be more consistent when it comes to being pro life?
How does the idea of social justice fit into a Christian framework? What cultural associations, connotations, and baggage do we need to work through to have an accurate understanding of social justice in a Christian worldview? Are there good and bad forms of social justice?
How do we engage in politics and vote when we perceive the candidates are morally flawed? How do we engage with others when they come down differently on the candidates?
What would you say to someone that says, “We need to quit thinking about social justice and just preach the Gospel?”
Are there such things as systemic sins? Why do some Christians disagree about this?
What lessons can history teach us about political engagement? What can history teach us about our current political climate?
What principles would you give for how to responsibly and respectfully engage in politics as Christians?
What resources (books, articles, etc.) would you recommend for us to help us responsibly engage in politics?

Audience Q&A

I’ll scan throw notecards and vet/ask questions. We will not do an open mic Q&A.

Closing Prayer

Have Brad close us in prayer?
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