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?17 Rules for Christian Engagement in Politics?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by Alcott, Jul 12, 2007.

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  1. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    What do you think about this guy's "rules" for Christian 'leaders' and their political involvement?... http://www.abpnews.com/2651.article...
    particularly the parts I have emphasized in bold:

    1. Christian leaders must not officially or unofficially endorse political candidates or a political party.
    2. Christian leaders must not distribute essentially partisan or single-issue voter guides that purport to be apolitical or nonpartisan.
    3. Christian leaders must not publicly handicap or comment upon the political horse race.
    4. Christian leaders must not provide private or public advice to particular politicians, parties, or campaigns concerning how they can strategize in order to win evangelical or Christian votes.
    5. Christian leaders must not calibrate their public teachings or writings in order to affect the outcome of political elections or to gain and hold the support of politicians.
    6. Christian leaders must not attend political rallies or campaign events of one candidate or party unless they are prepared to attend rallies and events of all candidates and parties.
    7. Christian leaders must not invite political candidates to speak in church pulpits or on church grounds unless they are prepared to invite all political candidates of all parties to do so.
    8. Christian leaders must not identify the potential or actual victory of any politician as a victory for God or God’s kingdom.
    9. Christian leaders must limit their direct contact with politicians or staff in order to avoid even the appearance of undue loyalty or involvement.
    10. Christian leaders must not engage in voter registration campaigns or get out the vote efforts aimed at mobilizing the voters of one political party rather than another.
    11. Christian leaders must not direct the funds of their organizations toward direct or indirect support for a particular political candidate or party.
    12. Christian leaders may not sidestep these rules by drawing a distinction between their activities as a “private individual” over against their service in their public role.
    13. Christian leaders must offer Christian proclamation related to the large number of public issues clearly addressed by biblical principles or direct biblical teaching.
    14. Christian leaders must encourage Christian people toward active citizenship, including studying the issues and the candidates and testing policy stances and candidates according to biblical criteria.
    15. Christian leaders must model and encourage respectful and civil discourse related to significant public issues as well as political candidates.
    16. Christian leaders must model and encourage prayer for God-ordained government, its leaders and their policies.
    17. Christian leaders must teach and model respect for the constitutional relationship between religion and the state as spelled out in the First Amendment.
     
    #1 Alcott, Jul 12, 2007
  2. 2 Timothy2:1-4

    2 Timothy2:1-4 New Member

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    Its a liberal rag.
     
    #2 2 Timothy2:1-4, Jul 12, 2007
  3. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    I totally disagree with those rules. Christians should do any and every thing they can to uphold Christian values in public officials by speaking out.

    For example, on the issue of abortion, there should be no doubt where we stand. To compromise and vote for a republican who is pro choice (or one who pretends to be pro life and does nothing about it), to keep a pro choice democrat from winning borders on heresey. Its time to vote and speak our conscience and let God worrry about the outcome.
     
    #3 saturneptune, Jul 12, 2007
  4. Rufus_1611

    Rufus_1611 New Member

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    I wonder if he would've given this same advice to men like John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian ministry, who was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation? Perhaps Mr. Witherspoon should've kept his opinions to himself? It would sound as though Mr. Gushee wants a job with the IRS.
     
    #4 Rufus_1611, Jul 12, 2007
  5. Analgesic

    Analgesic New Member

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    13-16 should be happening anyway. 17 seems to belong more in a civics class than in a sermon. The first twelve points sound good, but only if they're followed by all interest groups -- the author seems to just be a classical Rousseauian republican.
     
    #5 Analgesic, Jul 12, 2007
  6. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    #6 Alcott, Jul 12, 2007
  7. Analgesic

    Analgesic New Member

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    If prayer worked to "manipulate" gov't leaders? That's a pretty huge "if" there . . .
     
    #7 Analgesic, Jul 13, 2007
  8. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    True, but what then is the meaning behind that statement you said should be happening: "Christian leaders must model and encourage prayer for God-ordained government, its leaders and their policies" ?

    Does prayer not 'work,' at least in this case? and if so, is this something therefore we should not be praying for?
     
    #8 Alcott, Jul 13, 2007
  9. Baptist in Richmond

    Baptist in Richmond Active Member

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    I don't disagree with everything.

    That is what you think? Hmmm....
     
    #9 Baptist in Richmond, Jul 13, 2007
  10. Analgesic

    Analgesic New Member

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    Well, in my opinion, prayer most certainly works, but its purpose is to ensure that the one praying be humbly reminded of God's sovereignty. Prayer for government, leaders, and policies would help believers form the right attitudes towards them in light of an eternal perspective.
     
    #10 Analgesic, Jul 13, 2007
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