So, I've been asked to write a paper (or handout of sorts) and i could use some help from my frens, as it affects all of us.
Long story short, some people very close to me are getting involved in state politics and have some very strong allies backing them (current governor, former governor, etc.
However, they are very discouraged at the tradition of christians not getting involved in politics, and for their state they see a critical voter group being Christians.
This isnt a bash-fest request on Christian politics. Many churches and denominations had good reason at the time to insulate the congregation and themselves from politics. Others saw it simply as the tax break.
Most never saw it as isolating Christians from politics (our church supports political participation, said so just this Sunday). However, due to the creeping evil, it has Become for many, an excuse just to not get involved, and to propagate the don't talk about religion or politics crap that permeates society today.
I'm wondering if anyone has constructive, productive arguments to getting more christians involved in politics. I'm not looking for arguments to get pastorsat the pulpit going on about the deep state.. Just getting them out involved in their community, and voting (baby steps).
So many just don't want to even vote because of the corruption. Scriptural references are a bonus.
What i have now:
Micah 6:8
Mark 12:17
2 Samuel 23:3-4
Romans 13:1-7
Proverbs 28:28, 29:2
I believe christians have a responsibility in this war, and it's not to just ignore it and have faith in God. We are called to actively participate in the world that he created for us.
It has been argued by folks much more learned on this subject than myself that the opportunity to sin is ever present. Otherwise, why confess? Why take part in the Eucharist? Why pray? Why participate in the Church with any regularity, anyway?
This could be a difference in our faiths (if you are a denomination of Christianity, it's likely we'll disagree on this interpretation), but -- framed simply and as I understand it -- Christ opened the doorway for those who have sinned to be forgiven; breaking open the doors of Hell so that we, too, may not be sentenced to immortal damnation for our sins but rather the immortal life in Heaven. Through theosis we strive to become more Godlike, but we are burdened while on Earth by the first sin and all other sins since. We can only do our utmost, until that day when we stand before the seat of judgement, to live without sin and be as Godlike as possible.
In other words, I think it unfair to say "not true" to someone who is living their life in "faithful obedience to God". We all are, albeit we describe it differently. I could certainly be misinterpreting your words, but... Christianity is not simply an acceptance or a belief that you are saved, it is an active practice of participation. There is nothing passive about Christianity.