Navigating Politics in the Church: A Call to Charity and Forbearance
Disagreements over politics can be a significant source of tension within churches. While mild disagreements are inevitable, more serious disputes can affect our relationships with fellow church members and even lead us to question their commitment to the faith.
Why Do We Feel Skeptical?
There are several reasons why we might feel skeptical when fellow Christians disagree with us on significant political issues. Firstly, the work of government is fundamentally concerned with matters of justice, and as Christians, we care deeply about justice. When others appear to be supporting unjust causes, it’s natural to feel skeptical.
Secondly, our fallen nature means that we are all prone to self-righteousness and self-justification. This can lead us to believe that our own views are the only correct ones, and that those who disagree with us are wrong.
Finally, most political judgments depend on wisdom rather than explicit biblical principles. This means that there is often a gap between our biblical and theological principles and our specific political judgments.
The Importance of Wisdom
Wisdom is the capacity to combine the fear of the Lord with the skill of living in God’s created but fallen world in a way that yields justice, peace, and flourishing. It involves taking stock of circumstances, people, and all the knowledge available to us through common grace.
When it comes to making political judgments, wisdom recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different Christians will make different wisdom-based calculations, and that’s okay.
A Call to Charity and Forbearance
Rather than treating our votes as personal expressions of who we are, we should view them as strategic calculations concerning non-biblical matters. We should also recognize that different Christians will make different wisdom-based calculations.
Our goal should not be to convince others that our views are correct, but to seek wisdom and to engage in charitable and respectful dialogue with those who disagree with us. By doing so, we can create space for constructive discussion and build stronger relationships with our fellow church members.
Ultimately, navigating politics in the church requires a commitment to charity and forbearance. By seeking wisdom, engaging in respectful dialogue, and recognizing the complexity of political issues, we can build a more harmonious and loving community of believers.
Practical Considerations
So what does this look like in practice? Here are a few suggestions:
- Seek wisdom through prayer and reflection
- Engage in respectful dialogue with those who disagree with you
- Recognize the complexity of political issues and avoid oversimplifying them
- View your vote as a strategic calculation rather than a personal expression
- Prioritize building relationships with your fellow church members over winning arguments
By following these principles, we can create a more loving and harmonious community of believers, even in the face of significant disagreements over politics.
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