tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16413529.post115394531740698523..comments2023-09-03T06:38:13.721-04:00Comments on Crocker Chronicle: Can our Politics Get in the Way of the Gospel?scottmcrockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12443168472392620197noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16413529.post-1154033310688115032006-07-27T16:48:00.000-04:002006-07-27T16:48:00.000-04:00I'm certainly not saying that Christians should no...I'm certainly not saying that Christians should not engage in the political process nor am I saying that they should not appropriately express their political opinions. What I am saying is that we should not throw our viewpoints around so promiscuously when we don't know how those opinions may be received by others. Nor should we "add to" the gospel by stating that good Christians should be Republicans or good Christians should be Democratcs, etc. I know this is not what you're saying, but that is what my point in the post was.scottmcrockerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12443168472392620197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16413529.post-1154009690204397612006-07-27T10:14:00.000-04:002006-07-27T10:14:00.000-04:00Politics in our nation have certainly become one o...Politics in our nation have certainly become one of the most divisive subjects of our time. Fueled by media outlets and political pundits our nation is becoming more passionate about their hatred for the opposite side. This brings about the age old question, "should Christians engage in politics?" I think more accurately stated is, "How should Christians engage in politics?"<BR/><BR/>I suppose a sticker on the bumper of a car could sway someone to not take a peak inside of a church and see what is going on due to that person's own political affiliation. At the same time, ought Christians forfeit their right and privilege to fully participate in the political process? <BR/><BR/>Oddly enough, this type of proposal appears to only be made to those who hold conservative candidates dear to heart. The black church has had a long standing relationship with the Democratic Party. You see democrats preaching their public policy from the pulpit. They are introduced and fully endorsed by many black pastors. In light of this, I don't believe I have ever heard someone state that politics in this fashion has stopped someone from attending church and hearing the gospel.<BR/><BR/>As ambassadors of Christ and the gospel we do not want to do anything that would legitimately hinder people from receiving the good news of the cross. Most people have hindered themselves enough. However, I would not want to remove the right of people to express their thoughts and beliefs on political issues. Such dialogue could prove profitable by way of evangelism. I have had this happen myself.<BR/><BR/>Those who are prominent, visible leaders of the church may want to mask their political affiliations so they may appeal to all people. They must become all things to all people so that some might be saved. The church itself should be neutral when it comes to political candidates (most of the time), but quite supportive and active when it comes to issues. Right now there is a mass movement to slow down the deterioration of our nation’s moral state by legislating values. If that is to happen, churches are going to need to take a stand. Keep in mind, Christianity is life. It permeates your values, worldview, hopes, dreams, and even your elected candidates. It informs every decision you make.<BR/><BR/>At the same time, everything is political. Try to find one issue that does not pass through the political spectrum. If everything is political and Christianity touches all of life, it is impossible to separate the two. You can take bumper stickers off of cars, but you can't easily take the beliefs off of the heart.<BR/><BR/>Christians should not shy away from politics. This has been the strategy of some and it has been to our demise. Our political stances should not precede the gospel. We should let the love of Christ go before us in everything we do. Be ye Republican or Democrat, "be" Christian and it will all pan out in the end.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com