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Politics and Faith |
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These are links to articles and essays which appear elsewhere on the Internet. This material is NOT on our website. Because the Academy lists material from other websites on the Internet does not imply acceptance or approval of the comments or opinions expressed by the author of the material. Nor is the Academy responsible for any misrepresentation of the facts included. It is your job to be a critical reader. Posted on November 2, 2006 Introduction and resources provided by Leadership University
For much of the Twentieth Century, Christians refused to become involved in politics, choosing instead to focus on missions and theological concerns. The intent by some to avoid the "social gospel" and by others to reinterpret the meaning of the "separation of church and state" contributed to this phenomenon. In the late seventies and early eighties, however, evangelical Protestants and conservative Catholics, dismayed that the counterculturalists of the sixties had become mainstream in American life, galvanized as a political force over such issues as abortion and school prayer. The "Religious Right" was born, and with a religious conservative in the White House, perhaps has more influence today than any other time in recent memory. But some evangelical Christians, dismayed that evangelicalism is being associated with Republican politics, have birthed their own "Religious Left" coalition, and insist that a Christian view of political involvement is not necessarily tied to conservative positions. Certainly Christian faith and practice have political implications. The classic articles below attempt to delve into some of those implications, and what they might mean for government and democracy. Classic Articles Politics and Religion, by Kirby Anderson: "You can't legislate morality" is an often heard phrase. This principle has kept many Christians from trying to influence legislation for years. Is it time to reconsider the relation between morality and the law? A Christian View of Politics, Government, and Social Action, by Kirby Anderson: A Christian view of human nature, including the ability to choose and an inherited sinful nature, provides a basis for a Biblical understanding of government. The Problem with Conservatism, by J. Budziszewski: Professor Budziszewski offers a philosophical critique of the core principles of conservatism. The Problem with Liberalism, by J. Budziszewski: Dr. Budziszewski considers the philosophical principles of liberalism, and critiques the moral status of each. Pulling the Lever - Our First Civic Duty, by Chuck Colson: I can't tell you, my BreakPoint listeners, how much I envy you today. Why? Because as a convicted felon, I cannot vote. Today is Election Day (written in 1998), and your first civic duty is to vote! If you don't vote, you are abandoning the first tenet of the biblical command to be a responsible citizen. I won't tell you whom to vote for, because I never endorse candidates. But I will say that whether you vote Democratic, Republican, or Independent, you should look at one overriding criterion this year: Character. The Hope of Heaven, The Hope of Earth, by Christoph Schonborn: Schonborn investigates the following dilemma: "The real question is whether [the] tension [between politics and the Church] is good and useful, or harmful and reprehensible. What direction, then, ought the Church to take? If she concentrates on the hope of life after death as her proper task, she is accused of a lack of responsibility for life here on earth. If she becomes more involved in temporal affairs, she is criticized for forgetting her orientation to eternal life." To Be Citizens Again, by William A. Schambra: Many people vote for a candidate based on his or her position on welfare issues. Since the New Deal, it has been common to assume that the government should be responsible for the well-being of all citizens. At one time Americans looked to what may be called "mediating structures" to help those in need. Perhaps it is time to reconsider helping the needy primarily through volunteer efforts. Who's Stupid Now?, by James Nuechterlein: Nuechterlein briefly considers the conflict of ideas between liberalism and conservatism in 20th century America. While liberals held sway much of the 20th Century, conservative activism, birthed in the 1980's, took the initiative. The Lure of Democracy, by James Nuechterlein: Neuchterlein describes the modern state, critiquing an opinion piece by Alan Wolfe. Is ultimate meaning to be found in a vision of government? Or is it to be found in more traditional places, like the Church? The Lost Art of Debate, by Gene Edward Veith: A contrast and comparison of today's debates with the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of a century and a half ago. Veith contends that the present-day "debate" format encourages cynicism that renders us incapable of the logical and rhetorical skills true debating once did.
Christian Leadership Ministries has created a Resource Center to help you find resources for ministry. Browse our growing collection of books, Bible studies, videos and other resources offered for the purpose of encouraging you in your spiritual growth and ministry. Items published by Campus Crusade for Christ, NavPress, InterVarsity Press and many others, as well as those created and published specifically for the Christian professor, are made available for your selection. Every effort is made to serve you by providing proven resources at competitive prices. Resource Center. The place to buy ministry materials. All material within this frame is © 1995-2006 by Leadership University. All rights reserved. |
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