Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Does "Politics" Get to Trump God's Law?
Here's a quick thought: in a "democratic" country with a lot of Christians, at least some of those interested in political power will seek to cater to the Christians. Thus, topics that interest Christians like "Freedom for Christians to worship and evangelize," "marriage as defined by the Bible," "fornication is evil," and "killing babies is wrong," will become part of the platform of politicians. Does that convert those topics into "political" topics or does it simply show that Christians are having a light and salt effect on the world?
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Our understanding of God's law is informed by our faith which is, in turn, informed by God's law. To apply biblical principles to everyday living is commanded and expected of the follower of our Lord Christ. We will or will not, as the Lord decrees, have a salt and light impact on our world. It makes these topics connected in our world view, but it doesn't "convert" them. I suspect we are guilty of drawing too sharp a line between what we call "secular" and what we call "sacred" duties.
We live in a world where people are blissfully happy to think of truth (if they think of it at all) as being relative to the individual's tastes. Moral relativism and equivalence are the result; the Christian's surety is a blight to these individuals and governments.
TF,
you certainly come up with some challenging thoughts to respond to!
Thanks!!
Psa 67:4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
The question becomes this then, in my view, for us, the adopted Children of God according to His Will and not man, just how do we inspire the nations to be glad and sing for joy if we cannot be involved in the political processes of that particular nation we are a part of?
God judges and guides the nations upon the earth. My reasoning is that He does it through the Church. Paul exhorts us to give ourselves to continual prayer praying for all in authority so that we might enjoy a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness.
Shouldn't we seek out Christ's guidance on this matter then seeing it says this about Him guiding us thus?
Rev 7:17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Also, with that there, is this exhortation, or rather, expression of fact, by Peter, about the True Church experiencing dominion while in Christ in the world among the nations, which, also, in my view, it seems to lend to our participating in some particular political process, those of us living in those nations where we would be allowed to participate in that nation's political process:
1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
1Pe 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1Pe 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1Pe 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1Pe 5:11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Also, these Words come to mind:
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
"Does that convert those topics into "political" topics or does it simply show that Christians are having a light and salt effect on the world?"
Salt and Light effect on the world.
Salt and Light on politics.
Politics affect the world.
Both/And.
TF,
Good points. It would be interesting to know some back story on this post. Are you responding to something in particular?
-anon
Anon:
See this:
http://greenbaggins.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/the-resurrection-of-machens-warrior-children/#comment-83657
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