Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

How Should Christians Think About Politics Today?

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Pastor J.D. discusses four core myths about Christians and politics while encouraging listeners to exercise both empathy and charity in their daily lives, especially when talking about politics.

A glimpse inside this episode:

  • This is always tough for me.
    • On one side, I feel guilty for having said too little … on the other, for having said too much.
    • It’s important to remember that politics is just one way we impact society.
      • Luke 12
      • Four myths about Christians and politics:
        • (1) Secondary political ideals are matters of first importance.
          • We might be wrong about them.
          • Politics doesn’t have the same weight as the gospel. (Matthew the tax collector and Simon the zealot)
          • (2) Christian truth doesn’t apply to politics.
            • MLK was able to oppose racism because of his Christianity.
            • (3) There is never a time to take a controversial political stand.
              • We should be vocal of people saying, “If you aren’t vocal about this issue, you aren’t being faithful.”
              • But there does come a time when we need to connect the dots. Bonhoeffer went from “Discrimination is wrong” to “We must oppose the Nazi party.”
              • (4) We see everything clearly.
                • Great Christians can be wrong. Support of slavery, of Jim Crow…
                • For us specifically today, two words—empathy and charity
                  • Empathy – If you voted for Trump, you should be listened to those who are dismayed, and your voice should be the loudest in opposing xenophobia, misogyny, or racial stereotypes. Show that you care for the poor and disenfranchised.
                  • Charity – Assume the best about those who voted differently than you. Not every Trump voter was a villain. Give the benefit of the doubt and choose to believe a better narrative than our society tells about politics.
                  • Additional Resources from Pastor J.D.:
                    • Four Myths Christians Believe About Politics (Video)
                    • Challenges to Racial Integration: Politics
                    • When Should the Church Make Political Statements?
                    • Empathy and Charity: How Christians Can Respond to the 2016 Election
                      • ...more
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                      Ask the Pastor with J.D. GreearBy J.D. Greear
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