Christians in politics

I don't think we can say one is more dangerous than another. That has been one of the biggest lies on the political right. It is asking just how much cancer is good. The answer is none.

 

Yes, they are. So is secular politics.

The reason secular politics is so atrocious a sin is in its nature. It veils itself in morality and destroys churches from within. All Christians have to do is be faithful to Christ. Yet many will be led away, lured by secular morality.

Sometimes the seed falls among thorns.

 

Muslims and Wiccans have very different views on morality as well. It does not mean I'm joining which ever group I think is better.

 

AGAIN, I said the same thing. I do not know what you and @Revmitchell missed.

Politics is essential for any people. Secular politics is evil by definition. What makes it evil is it replaces the Kingdom with the World.

Just like intimacy is not a sin, but last is; having a drink is not, drunkenness is...so is politics evil when transfered from the Kingdom to the World. It is a misappropriation of the governance God has given His people.

But for the 100th time - politics is not evil. Secular politics (GOP, DNC, etc) is ant- Christ and worldly. Not because of politics but because of the focus of politics (it is misplaced).

 

Christians can do a lot of things. Hopefully their focus is primarily on Christ and not on the unChristian things they may do. The danger, however, is that little leaven leavens the whole loaf. I think that trying to serve God and man can be problematic.

 

It is not what one is involved with but how one is involved with that thing.

As I said, it is essential that Christians to be involved with the World - to engage the Workd. But it is equally essential that Christians not become a part of that World.

 

Well, as far as I know I have never asked you to leave the forum until you were more mature (the last interaction I recall with you was a discussion via PM on the kingdom of God). But I will try to answer your questions.

I will, of course, express my views on topics just as others express theirs on the same topics. I am glad you see a consistency in my views.

Do I believe that talking about politics is evil? No, of course not. That is what we are doing now. That is what Scripture does.

Do I believe that politics is evil? No, of course not. Politics is concerned with the affairs of a group, society or government (hence the name "politics").

Do I believe that world politics is evil? Yes, of course I do. Paul tells us that he offers no judgment on those "outside the church", Scripture tells us that the World is opposed to God, that we cannot serve the World and be fit for the Kingdom of God, that these principles and powers are "darkness", and so on.

Why do I enter discussions on the political forum? Because I can. Just as Democrats talk about the evils of the GOP and Republicans talk about the evils of the DNC, I like to talk about the holiness of the Kingdom of God and the lives that Christians should live.

If politics is so evil why do I go there? Politics is not evil (i.e., the politics or concerns of the Kingdom of God, the Church, etc.). What is evil is when we take those responsibilities (political responsibilities) and apply them to the World rather than to the Church. This is what the early church was talking about when they justified not voting, not holding office, etc. and said that their role is to do those things within the assembly, NEVER within the World.

And if you want Christians to stay out of secular politics while "politics is essential" what is Christian politics like? First of all, context matters. The point I repeatedly made was that politics is necessary. The World will be engaged in Worldly politics (politics concerned with the "powers of darkness"; "the flesh"; "the World", "Satan"). Christians should be concerned with Christian politics (the affairs of God's kingdom, of evangelism, of being a holy people, of obedience to God).

Not "the world of man"? I am not sure what you mean here. I am talking about Christians not being of this world. By "world" I mean the principles and powers of darkness, of this world which is condemned, which is perishing...the world to which Scripture warns us not to become entangled.

I cannot explain my position any differently (sorry). So just let me repeat it here and then you can ask me to clarify which part I failed to articulate well.

I believe that Christians are wrong to engage in secular politics. Well...that's about it. That is what I have been saying. You can't serve two masters.

Now...WHY do I believe Christians should not be involved in secular politics? (this is a bonus....you didn't ask it, but probably should have). Jesus did not engage in secular politics. He engaged in the politics of the Kingdom. He did not condemn Rome or social justice issues of his day. Neither did the Disciples. Neither did the early church. NOT only that, but the early church wrote defenses of Christianity explaining why Christians refuse to vote, to hold political office, to serve in the military, etc. This changed with the RCC. Also, Scripture tells us that the World is condemned and is fading. Scripture tells us that we are not to become entangled in the affairs of the World. Scripture tells us that the World is an enemy (it is principles of darkness).

Questions?

 

My response about maturity concerned your statement "Your "soldier's" conscience is destroying me."

If your statements about politics were destroying me then it would be appropriate that I leave the political forum.

Likewise, if you believe my view that Christians are to exist in but not of the world, that they are to be engaged in Kingdom politics (the affairs of the Kingdom) and nortsecular politics (the affairs of the World) is truly destroying you then it is, I believe, appropriate for you to leave the politics forum.

Simply put, it is not worth engaging other people's view of secular politics if doing so will destroy you.

There is so much more to life than politics. My words were not intended to offend, but to encourage you to leave the topic if it causes you harm.

I would appreciate it if you let your wife know - ask her if engaging me about politics is worth the destruction of her husband. I suspect she and I would agree that it is not.

If you have changed your view, then perhaps we can look at how my (and the early church) understanding of secular politics is able to destroy Christians.