Quote:
Originally Posted by CC1
I understand what you are saying but I think it is all in how you go about it. If you have an unchristian attitude in political activism then it is in vain and counter productive.
However if you advocate for good policies, legislation, and canidates who support the same in the right manner I believe you are fulfilling your Christian duty to do what you can to make things the best they can be.
For example if we don't stand up for freedom of religion we will have no one to blame but ourselves when the government starts controlling our churches by limiting freedom of speech there ,etc. We just have to do it in the right way!
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I agree with you on principle. A friend of mine posted this video link, which is well worth watching:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI
However, in my experience, even with good intentions we are ultimately still human, and often our best intentions do more harm than good.
For the record, I don't recall any scripture that makes it our Christian duty to be involved in politics. These are the things I believe we should focus on:
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To
visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
and
Acts 2:40-47 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying,
Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And
they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers....they,
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And
the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
In direct regard to politics and government, this is the passage I believe we should live by, to the best of our ability:
Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honor.
Bottom Line: As citizens we have certain obligations, but as Christians we have greater obligations. When the two conflict, the principles of Christianity need to win out. Our job is to change the world one person at a time from the inside out. Environmental changes are important, but they pale in comparison.
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