Quotes from another Christian forum discussing a similar topic:
“I also agree with the statement that, ‘We can argue theology after we save the country.’ [stated by Falwell, Jr., in an interview w/ Glen Beck] If Romney’s speech gained one more vote against Obama then it was worth it. I’m for letting Romney talk where ever and when ever he can get the chance. I don’t care if the man’s a druid if he can defeat Obama….I say render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s. The Gospel will survive and will be spread. Those that are susposed to hear and believe will hear and believe. Too many have given blood and sacrifced to build this country since its inception. We are now in a battle for its very survival. This is for our children and their children yet to be born. Whatever alliances must be formed. Whatever deals must be made. We must prevail.”
There is another gospel pervading the church these days, and it is the fantasy of the salvation of traditional Americanism.
In Jeremiah 29, God told the Jewish exiles to seek the good of the country to which they had been led as captives. Paul exhorts us to pray for and yield to those in authority over us. We are most certainly to be salt and light, seeking to be influences for moral, ethical, and spiritual good in our communities. It is totally legitimate for believers to become involved in the political process, and, in fact, we strongly encourage our people to vote and be involved.
Having said this, we must understand the words of the Savior, “When the Son of Man comes, will He even find the faith on the earth ?” “Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” We cannot, by political means, make our nation, or any other nation, into the light on the top of the hill. The marching orders for the Church are to take the gospel to every creature. That was being done long before our fine nation was founded, and will continue to be our mandate.
I am deeply grateful for the graciousness of God to our country, and we should treasure the religious and evangelistic freedoms we have. I know believers from Asian and African countries, and they speak of the great difficulties believers face in their homelands. How long we will enjoy our freedoms, I do not know. But, I am fully assured that “greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world,” and that the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one who beleives.”
Those who wed politics with spirituality may be unconsciously moving toward a form of post mllenniusm, thinking that we will make this world a wonderful place before the return of Jesus.
I appreciated this article; reminds me a bit of the book, “Blinded By Might” written by Ed Dobson and Cal Thomas. I really have trouble with “bundling,” including politics or culture in with the Gospel as a package (sort of a spiritual and sociological mutual fund).
As a Christian, I believe the Gospel and that abortion is wrong and the practice of homosexuality is wrong.
As an America, I have opinions as to what is best for this nation. When I meld my political opinions as to what is best for America to Gospel truth, I have distorted the Gospel. I need to keep them distinct, and the church needs to do so as well. I am a package deal, and so is everyone else. Our point of contact and unity, however, is in our relationship to Jesus Christ and our attempt to honor God’s Word (although we may not agree as to how that looks or the role of government in these matters).
It is interesting to note that, as evangelicals are giving up on reforming our country through politics, the Catholic Church seems to be taking up the baton, getting more and more political as the years go by. Anyone else see it that way? Or is it just my imagination?
Discussion
NewWhat the writer foresaw is alive and well....
“I also agree with the statement that, ‘We can argue theology after we save the country.’ [stated by Falwell, Jr., in an interview w/ Glen Beck] If Romney’s speech gained one more vote against Obama then it was worth it. I’m for letting Romney talk where ever and when ever he can get the chance. I don’t care if the man’s a druid if he can defeat Obama….I say render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s. The Gospel will survive and will be spread. Those that are susposed to hear and believe will hear and believe. Too many have given blood and sacrifced to build this country since its inception. We are now in a battle for its very survival. This is for our children and their children yet to be born. Whatever alliances must be formed. Whatever deals must be made. We must prevail.”
There is another gospel pervading the church these days, and it is the fantasy of the salvation of traditional Americanism.
Lee
NewPolitical Arena And Redemption
Having said this, we must understand the words of the Savior, “When the Son of Man comes, will He even find the faith on the earth ?” “Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” We cannot, by political means, make our nation, or any other nation, into the light on the top of the hill. The marching orders for the Church are to take the gospel to every creature. That was being done long before our fine nation was founded, and will continue to be our mandate.
I am deeply grateful for the graciousness of God to our country, and we should treasure the religious and evangelistic freedoms we have. I know believers from Asian and African countries, and they speak of the great difficulties believers face in their homelands. How long we will enjoy our freedoms, I do not know. But, I am fully assured that “greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world,” and that the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one who beleives.”
Those who wed politics with spirituality may be unconsciously moving toward a form of post mllenniusm, thinking that we will make this world a wonderful place before the return of Jesus.
Dick Dayton
NewGood, Thoughtful Article
As a Christian, I believe the Gospel and that abortion is wrong and the practice of homosexuality is wrong.
As an America, I have opinions as to what is best for this nation. When I meld my political opinions as to what is best for America to Gospel truth, I have distorted the Gospel. I need to keep them distinct, and the church needs to do so as well.
I am a package deal, and so is everyone else. Our point of contact and unity, however, is in our relationship to Jesus Christ and our attempt to honor God’s Word (although we may not agree as to how that looks or the role of government in these matters).
It is interesting to note that, as evangelicals are giving up on reforming our country through politics, the Catholic Church seems to be taking up the baton, getting more and more political as the years go by. Anyone else see it that way? Or is it just my imagination?
"The Midrash Detective"