Faith and Politics

[Ohio]

This point has been aptly made by many others in the know -- concerning the so-called separation of church and state in the USA, that the founding fathers sole concern was to keep the state out of religion, rather than keeping religion out of the state.

[Peter Debelak]

Originally Posted by Ohio

This point has been aptly made by many others in the know -- concerning the so-called separation of church and state in the USA, that the founding fathers sole concern was to keep the state out of religion, rather than keeping religion out of the state.

Even if the Constituion allowed religion in the state, that doesn't answer the question about what Christians should do.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Peter Debelak

Even if the Constitution allowed religion in the state, that doesn't answer the question about what Christians should do.

For years, as a Christian, I basically took on John Darby's views, that Christians should be in the world, but not be a part of the world. Today, I am no longer so exclusive in my views, neither do I like to dictate what other believers should do or should not do in their "service" to God.

There was a time when I felt that all Christians should keep themselves to relatively insular professions like engineering or computer science. Careers in the media, or in the arts, or (God-forbid!) in politics were definitely off-limits. Today, I no longer espouse such strict views. Perhaps I have gone too far! Yikes! Anyways I am willing to listen to diverse viewpoints.

I do not, however, agree with all the tenets of the dominion movement concerning the seven mountains of culture bringing in the kingdom of God.

[Truth]

Originally Posted by Ohio

There was a time when I felt that all Christians should keep themselves to relatively insular professions like engineering or computer science. Careers in the media, or in the arts, or (God-forbid!) in politics were definitely off-limits. Today, I no longer espouse such strict views. Perhaps I have gone too far! Yikes! Anyways I am willing to listen to diverse viewpoints.

I don't think you have gone too far. I think it is silly when we restrict our young people from pursuing certain careers other than science and engineering. Some people are not cut for these careers. They may have gifts in other arenas. The should have the freedom in the Lord to purse those careers, whether it be in the arts, media, law, or politics. Now *how* they get involved in any career is between them and the Lord.

I have been in too may YP meetings, growing up in the GLA, where the some of the speaking brothers restrict the YP in this way. Me, being a *good* church kid, I used to agree with everything they said. But now I see otherwise.

[Peter Debelak]

Originally Posted by Ohio

For years, as a Christian, I basically took on John Darby's views, that Christians should be in the world, but not be a part of the world. Today, I am no longer so exclusive in my views, neither do I like to dictate what other believers should do or should not do in their "service" to God.

There was a time when I felt that all Christians should keep themselves to relatively insular professions like engineering or computer science. Careers in the media, or in the arts, or (God-forbid!) in politics were definitely off-limits. Today, I no longer espouse such strict views. Perhaps I have gone too far! Yikes! Anyways I am willing to listen to diverse viewpoints.

I do not, however, agree with all the tenets of the dominion movement concerning the seven mountains of culture bringing in the kingdom of God.

I abosolutely agree with your view that we should engage with the world we're placed in. I got a "humanities degree", work in a non-engineering field, love to engage in community events and even get involved in politics...

I view all of this as a way of having a full and rich human life. I don't know that God specifically wills me to do each and every thing. In all these things, I ask, knock and seek, and get to know Him as a result.

I used to believe that God had specific will for each part of my life: a specific college (like, if I prayed hard enough the mascot of the "right" school would materialize before me), the God-ordained job etc...

Nowadays, and take me in the right way here, I don't think He cares about these things. What He is after is that I turn to Him in all my endeavors - not because He'll give me a "to-do" list, but that is how I get to know Him.

I love being an engaged citizen. I love getting together with my fellows - even (especially!) those who disagree with me - and discussiong the best way to structure society. Even in these endeavors, I will often pray - but NOT because I think God will reveal His specific will for what the laws of the state of Ohio should be.