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Post by Brookhouse on Aug 29, 2014 17:15:37 GMT
Most Christians shy away from getting involved in politics yet politics determine many things in everyday life. Jesus apparently didn't get deliberately involved with politics in the way we understand politics yet OT leaders did - Moses, Nehemiah, Daniel, David, Solomon, Jacob, Joseph and the Judges. Do you think Christians tend to shy away from involvement in politics these days for the wrong reasons? If we are to be salt and light in society, doesn't that include getting involved with politics? Or should we stay away because Christianity is 'spiritual'?
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arete
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Post by arete on Aug 29, 2014 22:07:26 GMT
Christians should not be the only one who are expected to keep their worldview out of politics. We need solid believers in every level of government, governing according to biblical principals.
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Post by Brookhouse on Sept 3, 2014 20:13:45 GMT
It's interesting how many of the Old Testament giants were senior politicians and men of great political influence. We need to see these men arise today. When Daniel was taken to a foreign land he was, in effect sent to the Harvard of his day. Moses was in the centre of Egyptian politics before heading for the desert. David was a King. We probably do not pray enough for our politicians, especially our Christian politicians.
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Post by builderunlimited on Oct 7, 2014 17:19:19 GMT
I personally don't think Christians should be affiliated to any specific political party unless they feel a definite call from God. No political party is free from some area where compromise of faith would be demanded. I have in my past been committed to a political affiliation but now believe firmly that the position for the "average" Christian is to be apolitical. Instead we should pray for whoever is in power; that they will have wisdom and discernment and a sincere desire to serve the country as a whole and not show favouritism to any particular section of society. We should certainly be active in politics insofar as lobbying and campaigning on behalf of Gods values are concerned. As Jesus said to Pilate, "You would have no power over me if it were not given you from above". Our politicians carry a great deal of responsibility, and most are too weak to carry it alone. They NEED our prayers!
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arete
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Post by arete on Oct 8, 2014 23:55:27 GMT
I don't believe that Christians have the luxury of being apolitical. The Puritan Richard Sibbes said that "A curse lies upon the man for whom when the truth suffers has not a word to defend it."
At least in the US, one party dances in ungodliness more openly than the other. One warmly embraces the idea of slaughtering the unborn and more.
Both parties have ungodly members. Yet, there are often options (in any party) that have views more in line with Christianity. We have a moral and civic responsibility to engage our culture which includes our various governments.
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Post by builderunlimited on Oct 9, 2014 22:17:03 GMT
I know of Christians who are devout Tories, I also know of Christians who are devout Socialists. Both are equally zealous in their political commitment. Is it then right for Christians to oppose one another within the worldly system or is the suggestion that we plant ourselves as undercover conspirators who try to change all parties from within without actually holding any affiliation to the party of our choice? Surely our role is to protest, campaign, lobby or take whatever action is required towards ANY party who blatantly flout Gods laws.
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arete
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Post by arete on Oct 10, 2014 19:05:40 GMT
I am not familiar with the intricacies of the political system where you are. We have our own issues on this side of the big blue pond.
I would suggest that if Christians begin to describe themselves as undercover conspirators, then they may need some grounding biblically. We do not conspire, we declare the will of God to the glory of God in word and in deed.
I would also suggest that Christians should be iron on iron as proverbs says, and that while sparks will occur that love of the brethren soften hearts over legitimate differences of opinion and understanding. At the same time, politicians who claim Christ, but then act and vote contrary to clear Scriptural mandate should be confronted and voted out at the first opportunity barring genuine repentance.
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Post by Brookhouse on Oct 12, 2014 19:56:34 GMT
I've always held the view that those on the right (conservatives/republican) have a bias towards the love of money which is the root of all evil and those on the left (in the UK Labour, in the US Democrat) have a bias towards trusting in the arm of man (unions etc). I've always believed that the righteousness of the leader is what's important. A godly leader of whatever political hue will gravitate towards those things that honour God and his party will follow (if he/she is a strong leader).
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