Should Churches Discuss Politics?

by | Jan 23, 2017 | 8 comments

It’s on everyone’s minds. It’s all over the news. Millions of women took to the streets to make their voices heard. Should churches join in the political talk or not?

I say yes. The Bible is intensely political. Every prophet risks their skin by talking truth to power. Every king weighs obedience to God against other concerns. Every temple, shrine, and altar has political ramifications.   The same with every war, skirmish, and battle. Even the Sermon on the Mount is political. Love your enemies? Do good to those who hate you? Who do you think Jesus is talking about? Religion and politics have always been deeply intertwined. Jesus’ own life is an example of that.

This co-mingling didn’t end with the biblical era. The church, at its best, and its worst, has always been political. We’re at our worst when we imagine Christ is aligned with one political party or another. Or when we cut deals. Or when we trade faith for power. We’re at our best, however, when like MLK, we strive for the soul of the whole nation.

How to talk politics though, without causing further pain and discontent?   Here are some suggestions to get you started.
1. Start with ground rules that insure careful listening and mutual respect.
2. Don’t assume they voted for their candidate for the exact reason you didn’t. In other words, don’t assume the worst in them and the best in yourself.
3. Plan to listen deeply for the personal stories behind the political passion.
4. Assume they’re not 100% wrong and you are not 100% right.
5. Assume God loves you all.

Once these are in place, look for biblical principles that you agree on. Look for how the biblical principles might get played out in a particular policy.  Ask, What are the ethical ramifications of such policies? When we discuss things at this level, we are talking politics in a way that edifies and builds us up, rather than divides and tears us down.

To get beyond knee-jerk reactions means listening deeply. To the Bible, to the Spirit, to one another, to journalists, and to the politicians who present these options.

This is far from easy. It requires us to be well-schooled in both our faith and in the issues at hand. It means digging into the Bible, our personal beliefs, and the guiding principles behind legislation and policy. You gotta to listen to more than sound bites to do that.

It’s worthwhile though. I believe engaging in these kinds of conversations keeps the church honest. It helps us determine if we are living out the love we profess.  It helps us be clear if we are living out our baptismal vows of using our God-given power to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. It helps us get straight on if we are furthering the Kingdom.

In the midst of our discussions, let’s not forget to pray. For ourselves.  For our country.  For one another. And for our leaders.  President Trump needs our prayers, and our love.  Really.  At the same time, he needs our accountability and engagement. His success, and our success as a country—whether you voted for him or not—depend on that. We can only hold him and other leaders accountable, appropriately, if we are spiritually grounded, well-informed, and speaking from love.

Want to get in on the whole discussion?  Click here to check out this recent conversation with Discipleship Ministries’ Scott Hughes and I.

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8 Comments

  1. Mary Beth Mankin

    Thank you, Rebekah. Very well thought out and very well said!

    Reply
    • Rebekah Simon-Peter

      Thanks Mary Beth. We need all the help we can get these days.

      Reply
  2. Lisa Trigg

    Thank you! Well written. I might quote you to some folks I know. And this wisdom applies to all discussions, not just politics.
    Peace.

    Reply
    • Rebekah Simon-Peter

      True enough, Lisa. Let us know how it goes!

      Reply
  3. Rod

    Rebekah,
    Good ground rules, old friend. This past year has been tough on a lot of folk, especially where relationships have been challenged and strained. Sorry it’s been so long since we ‘connected’ with you & Jerry. 🙂 We’re still ‘on the road,’ in California until April.

    Reply
    • Rebekah Simon-Peter

      SO right, Rod. Thanks for all the work you do to bind people together. Especially in tough times! Be well and stay safe in your travel.

      Reply
  4. Dot

    We meet with a couple for breakfast every week. Even though we both voted Dem, I’ve sent them a copy of these “ground rules” so we can discuss how best to adjust our listening skills to our GOP friends.

    Reply
    • Rebekah Simon-Peter

      Let us know how it turned out!

      Reply

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