The Elephant in the Pew

Politics and Christianity

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The country is getting inundated with political advertisements and debates.  You don’t know who to believe, some promises sound too good to be true, some have the hint of lies others don’t even seem plausible.  How are we, as Christians, supposed to discern what to do in these times of great cultural and political battles?  Election years have long been the source of heated debates within the church and communities, how are we to act and react?  Politics are a huge Elephant in the Pew for many in the church.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/10-reasons-why-the-church-should-not-abandon-politics-132249/

One argument that seems to bring me to the point that we shouldn’t abandon our post and just hand over the government and let Christians slip from the arguments is the issues that have become “political” issues that used to be Church issues.  We’ve let our laziness dictate our voice and regardless of past generations or our current generation we can’t just let Caesar have everything.  Jesus commanded us to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but we have started giving him our responsibilities as well.  Specifically taking care of the poor, orphaned and widowed.  With the inch we gave them on these things we’ve allowed other issues to fall under their control, abortion, marriage, now healthcare.  Where does is it stop?

Biblically-

Jesus and Government

  • Then Jesus told them, “Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him. – Mark 12:17
  • Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. – Romans 13:1
  • Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shouldn’t I drink the cup that the Father has given me?”- John 18:10

    • Historically-

    The Early Church

    • Avoided the government. Christianity was outlawed until Constantine.

      • Roman Catholic

      • Became the hub of politics and power.

        • Reformation

        • Martin Luther on “Christian” government.

          • “If anyone attempted to rule the world by the gospel and to abolish all temporal law and sword on the plea that all are baptized and Christian, and that, according to the gospel, there shall be among them no law or sword – or need for either – pray tell me, friend, what would he be doing? He would be loosing the ropes and chains of the savage wild beasts and letting them bite and mangle everyone, meanwhile insisting that they were harmless, tame, and gentle creatures; but I would have the proof in my wounds. Just so would the wicked under the name of Christian abuse evangelical freedom, carry on their rascality, and insist that they were Christians subject neither to law nor sword, as some are already raving and ranting.

          To such a one we must say: Certainly it is true that Christians, so far as they themselves are concerned, are subject neither to law nor sword, and have need of neither. But take heed and first fill the world with real Christians before you attempt to rule it in a Christian and evangelical manner. This you will never accomplish; for the world and the masses are and always will be unchristian, even if they are all baptized and Christian in name. Christians are few and far between (as the saying is). Therefore, it is out of the question that there should be a common Christian government over the whole world, or indeed over a single country or any considerable body of people, for the wicked always outnumber the good. Hence, a man who would venture to govern an entire country or the world with the gospel would be like a shepherd who should put together in one fold wolves, lions, eagles, and sheep, and let them mingle freely with one another, saying, “Help yourselves, and be good and peaceful toward one another. The fold is open, there is plenty of food. You need have no fear of dogs and clubs.” The sheep would doubtless keep the peace and allow themselves to be fed and governed peacefully, but they would not live long, nor would one beast survive another.
          For this reason one must carefully distinguish between these two governments. Both must be permitted to remain; the one to produce righteousness, the other to bring about external peace and prevent evil deeds. Neither one is sufficient in the world without the other. No one can become righteous in the sight of God by means of the temporal government, without Christ’s spiritual government. Christ’s government does not extend over all men; rather, Christians are always a minority in the midst of non-Christians. Now where temporal government or law alone prevails, there sheer hypocrisy is inevitable, even though the commandments be God’s very own. For without the Holy Spirit in the heart no one becomes truly righteous, no matter how fine the works he does. On the other hand, where the spiritual government alone prevails over land and people, there wickedness is given free rein and the door is open for all manner of rascality, for the world as a whole cannot receive or comprehend it. ”

          Source: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/155021-if-anyone-attempted-to-rule-the-world-by-the-gospel

          Pilgrims or Brownists (First Americans)

          • Robert Browne started a rebellion in the Church of England. Most of that rebellion was on the Mayflower.
          • Robert ended up back in the Church of England after only 6 years of dissent. A church of England parish priest.
          • This is the attitude of the first americans. Everything should have God in it! Church and country.

            • Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownist

            The Black Robed Regiment- Fact vs. Fiction

            • They were a select group of pastors who used their platform (the pulpit) to stir up rebellion.
            • Mostly puritans (who came to america largely for religious freedom).
            • Jonathan Mayhew was their primary leader.
            • Jonathan Edwards rebuked Mayhew and told him to “Preach Christ”
            • Were in league with Patrick Henery, and opposed ratification of the constitution because it did not mention God and did not say we were a “Christian” nation. (They continued this quest for some time after the constitution was ratified.)

              • Source: http://www.libertymagazine.org/article/the-black-robed-regiment

              Theologically-

              Church and Politics

              • The church should always preach the issues from a theological standpoint.
              • People should not only preach hot button issues: Gay marriage, Abortion, Immigration when it becomes an election issue.
              • Issues should always be preached from a biblical and theological position. NOT FROM A PATRIOTIC position.
              • Being a patriot is important, but, using your position as a gospel proclaimer is your PURPOSE from the pulpit.
              • Teach theology on the issues, let the people apply the Bible and theology to their vote.
              • It is NOT the preachers job to tell them to vote for person, it’s your job to help them live for Jesus. Hopefully that bleeds into their vote.

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