The Social Gospel?

Strawman argument.


It was the view of Christians until the advent of the Catholic Church (when Rome became "Christian" by decree) that Christians cannot be participants in these forces without abandoning their faith - without allowing the concerns of this world choak out the gospel in their hearts.

But this does not mean Christians recluse themselves from influencing elections. The issue is HOW Christians influence the World.

Is it by doing "kingdom work", by being "salt and light" to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Or is it by becoming a Republican or Democmcrat and participating in these political forces?

I say it is the former. Scripture says it is the former. Christians until Rome made its government "Christian" said it is the former.

You say the latter.

The problem is you look like a Republican rather than a Christian. You support keeping abortion federally legal (as a compromise), you support gay/ transgender issues insofar as they are GOP issues, you support lies, you support so much evil in order to combat what you believe to be a greater evil.

I believe this demonstrates so little faith in God to rise up and tear down nations that you would support those evils, that you would put your hand to the plow and look back, to try and redeem the World.

 

Again, a strawman argument (I think it is fair to call 2 strawman arguments in a row a "lie").

I am NOT saying that we abstain from influencing the existing culture. I am saying exactly the opposite.

I am saying that we influence the existing culture by being "salt and light" instead of becoming a part of that existing culture.

I can not compromise, for example, on abortion. You, however, support keeping abortion legal for our nation as a compromise to gain power.

I can not compromise and say homosexuality-transgender is wrong while loving the people. You, however, accept those elements into your "resisting evil".

Why? So you can protect our freedom of speech just in case a future administration would prevent Christians from talking?

You put your hand to the plow o ly to look back and be concerned with the affairs of the world. In doing so you have lost your testimony, your witness. You simply look like any other Republican claiming faith but wanting to save a condemned world.

 

Not true. There are Christians who have united with the GOP. These people are not hesitant to be a part of a platform that advocates keeping abortion federally legal as a compromise to gain power. These do not hesitate to suppor a platform dedicated to upholding gay and transgender rights (something, that as a worldly power, is appropriate).

The lie was that the idea of the true gospel saying God changing people from the inside out, giving them a new heart, is abstaining from influencing our cultures.

 

Sure, why not?

What does the Bible say of resisting evil?

In our lives:

1. Overcome evil with good (Roman 12).
2. Submit to God, resist tge Devil, come near to God (James 4)
3. Guard your heart (Proverbs 4)

In the World:

1. Resist not evil (Matthew 5:39)
2. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2)
3. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?(James 4:4).


In the context you have suggested my favorite is Jesus' command "resist not evil".

 

No. What you are doing is resisting the evil in the world (and, I assume, resisting evil in your heart as well).

Concerning evil in the world that comes against Christians Jesus gave this command- "resist not evil" (Matthew 5:39).

I admit, that is a hard command to obey. We like to think that our struggle is with flesh and blood.

 

I do resist evil in my heart. And to be fair I also am at times disobedient by resisting evil in the World.

I voted every election. This will be my 1st Presidential election I abstain. But more importantly, I often resist evil when it is done to me. And I need to work on that. I appreciate you pointing that out.

But regarding resisting the evil of the World, Jesus commanded us -"resist not evil".

That means we suffer. Maybe it is suffering under a government. Maybe a slap. Maybe an insult.

My failure does not negate Jesus' command. And my failure does not negate my voice in proclaiming that command. It simply means that I, having read that command in God's Word, am prone to sin.

But you do me a mercy by pointing that out. I can't be reminded too often. Such mirrors are aids to live a more holy life.

 

No. The opposite.

God tells us to resist evil in our hearts and guard our congregations against entertaining sin. Sin crouches at our door.

BUT in regard to the evil of the World, the evil that threatens us with harm, God commanded us to "resist not evil".

God's command to "resist evil" and "resist not evil" are not contradictory.

 

@Silverhair

I also need to point out that what is at stake in the election is not good vs evil. Beyond the rhetoric the GOP platform is to keep abortion federally legal. The gay/transgender community is a substantial part of the GOP. The issue is primarily which side has the better economic and immigration plans.


We resist evil in our lives and congregations, this is true.

But I can't get past Jesus commanding us, in regards to world evils that may come against us, to "resist not evil".

How can I call myself a Christian if I don't at least try to be obedient to Chist's commands?