Defining Roles and Responsibilities at the Intersection of Faith and Politics

What does it truly mean to live as faithful Christians in a nation that was never intended to be a Christian theocracy? This session challenges us to examine the intersection of our faith and civic responsibilities with fresh eyes. We discover that America's founding fathers deliberately created a separation between church and state—not to diminish faith, but to protect both religious liberty and governmental integrity. The First Amendment wasn't designed to silence believers but to prevent the corruption that historically occurs when religious institutions and political power become entangled. We're reminded of the Johnson Amendment, which protects churches from becoming political pawns, ensuring that pulpits remain focused on the gospel rather than endorsing candidates for financial gain. The session calls us back to our primary biblical mandate found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2—to pray for those in authority over us. This isn't optional or occasional; it's a foundational responsibility. We're challenged to move beyond complaining about leaders to actually interceding for them by name, from the president to local commissioners. Beyond prayer, we're encouraged to vote thoughtfully, communicate with elected officials, and speak against immorality—but with crucial discernment. The example of John the Baptist confronting Herod reminds us that prophetic witness sometimes comes at great cost, yet Jesus himself didn't always confront political leaders directly. This calls us to prayerful discernment about when and how to engage, always maintaining consistency in our moral standards regardless of political affiliation.

Homework Assignment: Engaging with Civic Responsibility

1. Watch Session 1: If you haven't already, watch Session 1 of "God and Governance" to ensure you have a complete understanding of the foundation laid in the first session. Access it through the church app or website as recommended.
2. Pray for Government Leaders: Dedicate time each day this week to pray for specific government officials at local, state, and national levels. Use the list mentioned in the session (e.g., President, Vice President, local mayor, senators) to guide your prayers, and ask for wisdom and integrity for these leaders.
3. Engage with Scripture: Reflect on and write a brief paragraph about what 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and Romans 13:1-7 mean for Christians living in today's political climate. Consider how these passages might guide your interactions and attitudes toward governance and political engagement.
4. Reflect on Current Issues: Identify one current political or social issue that you feel is relevant to your community or country. Research this issue, noting different perspectives and potential solutions. Reflect on where this issue might fall in the "Die, Divide, Debate, Decide" framework discussed in the session, and write a paragraph on how you think the church could constructively engage with this issue.
5. Communicate with an Elected Official: Think of an issue you are passionate about or concerned with. Draft a letter or email to an elected official at the local, state, or national level, expressing your views respectfully and suggest any changes or actions you believe should be taken. If you choose not to send it, reflect on the reasons why and what might change your action in the future.