Apolitical Baptist?

Christians in politics

I just don't see from scripture, where we are encouraged to be involved. Especially, in relation to what might be termed as "Christian political activism".

 

Agreed. We have a responsibility to do our part in our community (render unto Ceasar) but we need not get all upset and bothered by it.

 

It is one thing to live above partisan politics, at least as "official" representatives of the Christian church. It is another thing altogether, however, to attempt to live apolitically. I believe we are called at least to vote -- rendering unto Caesar is more than paying taxes -- which means we will have to take a personal stand on candidates. And it is nothing more than the right of free speech to attempt to persuade others to vote for him/her. What is beyond the pale is using the pulpit or the resources of the church for partisanship.

Then you also must consider the witness of the prophets of the 8th Century, who spoke out about what we would call "social evils" as well as about idolatry. On this MLK Day we do have to consider what a different and less just nation this would be if black clergy and some of the rest of us of paler hue had not taken principled and activistic stands in the '60's.

I may not be where some pastors are on some of the "hot button" issues of today, but I do have to defend their right to teach and promote the moral stance in which they believe. Who was it who said, years ago, that we may save them one by one, but the culture is taking them twenty by twenty? Ours is not only a gospel of individual salvation, but also is a message of social justice.

 

And there is a difference between taking a stand on moral issues like abortion, gay marriage and others and becoming a branch of any political party.

 

Amen to that! I'm a Christian, not a Republican or Democrat.

 

Churches should be apolitical. Politics have no place in church. Individual Christians should demonstrate civic responsibility through informed voting, and if desired, through political office.

 

Disagreed. We're to spread the Gospel, heal the sick, feed the poor and house the homeless. Not spend $100 million on a political campaign.

 

"rendering unto Caesar is more than paying taxes -- which means we will have to take a personal stand on candidates."

It's stretching things to use this to say that we must take a political stand of any kind.

I can't support anyone who professes to be Christian, but doesn't stand for biblical truth. Even though he/she may be the lesser of two evils.

 

It may feel good to be purist and to attempt to stand apart from the political process, but I think that is not only impossible, but also irresponsible. It is true that we are called to live not OF the world, but we are called to live IN it. That means, to me, that we do have a responsibility to participate in those things that are redemptive and create justice for those denied justice.

If you say that you cannot support candidates who are not fully Biblical -- which, of course, means your interpretation of what it is to be Biblical -- does that mean you stay home on election day?

Most of all, does that mean you enjoy the benefits this nation offers without working to correct its defects?

 

A good friend of mine says something quite often with which is made clear in this thread.

When you remain silent you have spoken.

When you remain silent to the tragic death of millions of unborn children then you have spoken.

There is no aspect of life for a Christian that is not a spiritual aspect.

 

So what do we disagree about exactly?

We need to keep in mind that feeding the poor and housing the homeless does not involve subsidizing sin. We have no responsibility to feed or house those who will not work. In fact, we have an obligation not to feed or house them. But that hardly precludes a Christian from being involved in politics. It's a job ... just like working on the line, or selling widgets, or teaching school. It's an occupation. And the Scripture does not forbid that.

 

Of course, but it does not mean that we are too take politics to our pulpits and become religiopolitical organisations.

 

We aren't called to judge who is worthy of our giving. We are called simply to give. We don't only give for the person in need, we give for ourselves as well. Faith without works is dead.

 

Abortion will never go away. I wish it would, but it won't. BOTH sides NEED it.

 

I just used that as an example of my point. I dont want to get off on that topic here.

 

I understand, I really do. It's a hard indoctrination of sorts. I was raised in church and that church constantly reminded me that Jesus was a Conservative (codeword for Republican) and no matter how immoral the candidate may be, we should always vote and vote for Jesus.

I think the church just as the wrong idea as to our role in this country. If we spent less time worrying about flag amendments and more time about lost souls, we wouldn't have to worry about voting.

 

I believe your statement has a lot of validity. But it is easier to talk about the problems, pick up a phone and call our elected officials or send money to support campaigns than it is to get up off the pew and get involved in the untidy lives of the community.:thumbs: