Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

How Should Christians Think About Politics Today?

Listen Later

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
                      View all episodesView all episodes
                      Download on the App Store
                      Ask the Pastor with J.D. GreearBy J.D. Greear
                      • 4.8
                      • 4.8
                      • 4.8
                      • 4.8
                      • 4.8

                      4.8

                      622 ratings

                      More shows like Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

                      View all
                      Messages by Desiring God by Desiring God

                      Messages by Desiring God

                      1,639 Listeners

                      Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Tim Keller

                      Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

                      15,974 Listeners

                      Crazy Love Podcast by Crazy Love Ministries

                      Crazy Love Podcast

                      2,400 Listeners

                      TGC Podcast by The Gospel Coalition

                      TGC Podcast

                      1,122 Listeners

                      Ask Pastor John by Desiring God

                      Ask Pastor John

                      3,931 Listeners

                      David Platt Messages by David Platt

                      David Platt Messages

                      1,460 Listeners

                      Light + Truth by Desiring God

                      Light + Truth

                      1,447 Listeners

                      The Summit Church by The Summit Church

                      The Summit Church

                      527 Listeners

                      Summit Life with J.D. Greear by J.D. Greear Ministries

                      Summit Life with J.D. Greear

                      1,299 Listeners

                      Pray the Word with David Platt by David Platt

                      Pray the Word with David Platt

                      1,398 Listeners

                      Knowing Faith by Kyle Worley, JT English, Jen Wilkin

                      Knowing Faith

                      2,325 Listeners

                      The Paul Tripp Podcast by Paul David Tripp

                      The Paul Tripp Podcast

                      760 Listeners

                      The Family Discipleship Podcast by Cassie Bryant, Chelsea Griffin, Adam Griffin

                      The Family Discipleship Podcast

                      550 Listeners

                      Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin by Rebecca McLaughlin

                      Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

                      309 Listeners

                      The Overcomers with Matt Chandler by Matt Chandler

                      The Overcomers with Matt Chandler

                      327 Listeners