Digging in the Archives from October 2020 -- such an important discussion and deserves to be released again!!

About The Guest(s): Dr. David VanDrunen is the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary, California. He has a Master's Divinity degree, a law degree, and a PhD in theological ethics. He has been a pastor and has been teaching at Westminster Seminary for almost 20 years. Dr. VanDrunen has written extensively on Christianity and culture, including the topic of the two kingdoms. Summary: Dr. David VanDrunen discusses the concept of the two kingdoms in Christianity and how it relates to engaging with culture. He explains that the two kingdoms view is not the same as Augustine's two cities paradigm, but they are compatible. The two kingdoms refer to God's rule over the world in two distinct ways: his common rule of creation and preservation, and his redemptive rule through the church. Dr. VanDrunen emphasizes that Christians are called to be involved in various areas of life and to pursue excellence and love of neighbor in all that they do. However, he cautions against trying to transform all aspects of culture according to the pattern of Christ's kingdom, as this can lead to unrealistic expectations and confusion. Instead, he suggests that Christians should focus on serving God by serving their neighbors and maintaining a balanced perspective on the institutions and activities of this world. Key Takeaways:

• The two kingdoms view promotes a healthy balance between triumphalism and withdrawal from culture.
• Christians are called to pursue excellence and love of neighbor in all areas of life.
• The church's mission is primarily focused on preaching, teaching, and shepherding, rather than transforming culture.
• Pastors should be cautious about making political judgments or imposing specific strategies on their congregations.
• Christians can be involved in cultural activities and institutions without trying to make them uniquely Christian.

Quotes:

• "We recognize that for Christians, we participate in both of these rules."
• "We recognize that these things are not the ultimate things, that these things are not where our highest allegiance lies."
• "We can be in the world, but not of this world."
• "We're serving other human beings created in God's image, and we're instruments of God in taking care of his creation."
• "We don't have to make it extraordinarily complicated… we're serving other human beings, and that's a way to show the kind of love that we're supposed to show."