How to be correctly political in a politically correct world

Second Sunday of Epiphany – January 15, 2023

Holy Trinity Church – Tom Mount

Scripture reading: Romans 13:1-5

Introduction

Our collective amnesia about our nation’s Christian history and founding values.
The Church’s abdication of its essential role in informing public policy.
The unprecedented government overreach occasioned by COVID but motivated by deeper ideological commitments like humanism, globalism, Statism and critical theory (e.g., WEF, BLM, DEI in HR, ESG metrics in investments).

We will be largely judged by future generations based on how we respond to the spiritual and Constitutional crises facing our nation.

Three basic models for Christian political involvement

Total control of government (theocracy) – Predynastic Israel, Münster Anabaptists, Christian Reconstructionism

Teaches that God (or a god, Allah) is king and his “law” rules
Note: this only works when God is physically present (Eden, New Earth). Also, God uses intermediaries (divine council, angels, saints).

Privileges obedience, expresses gratitude, demonstrates love in tangible ways
Presupposes “sphere sovereignty”: God creates spheres of influence: family, business, education, government, Church, etc. (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14)

Principles to guide our involvement

Own our failures. Proverbs 28:13. Take responsibility. Sincerely apologize and ask forgiveness. Then move on. No person or nation defined by its worst mistakes.
Honor our uniqueness. Celebrate our unique Constitutional republic with its biblical foundations. It should be a source of pride and point of obedience. Deut 8:11-14.
Be political but not partisan. Insist on truth across the board. Evaluate candidates and policy based on scriptural principles. Joshua 5:13-14.
Get in the game! Study the issues, vote wisely, speak out, get to work! Beyond that: give money, work for campaigns, run for office. Don’t give up. Galatians 6:9.

Action points

Inform yourself using good information intelligence. Don’t rely on Wiki, Reddit or mainstream media sources. Dig. Cross-check. Discuss. 1 Chronicles 12:32.
Pray both individually and in a group. Be intentional, specific and faithful. Join us Fridays in the sanctuary during the lunch hour 12-1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

A few suggested resources