Applying God's Word to Politics

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Sep 17, 2016
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#82
Maybe things don't always have to be this or that.
To imply that choosing not to vote requires apathy towards evil is a bit of a stretch.
In my opinion, voting is about as close to doing nothing about evil as one can get.
And in most cases is openly supporting it, whether the voter realizes this is neither here nor there.
Seeing as its way less effective than fasting and prayer, I'll just spend my time doing other more productive things.
Either something is moral, amoral, or immoral. An amoral subject if explained how someone will address it, may end up immoral if the fix is foolish or unbiblical.


It isn't a far stretch,

We can use the hot topic of abortion. If one policy protects life while another ends life, is it moral to do nothing? How many lives have been saved by the ending of Roe? Was it worth the politics that got enough Supreme Court judges to end Roe?

Regardless evil is everywhere, even in your church. It may not be as rampant but that is why one must die to be separate from evil.

I'm not sure why saving lives, preventing illegal drugs, or caring for poverty are unproductive just to name a few?
 
Oct 1, 2024
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#83
Either something is moral, amoral, or immoral. An amoral subject if explained how someone will address it, may end up immoral if the fix is foolish or unbiblical.


It isn't a far stretch,

We can use the hot topic of abortion. If one policy protects life while another ends life, is it moral to do nothing? How many lives have been saved by the ending of Roe? Was it worth the politics that got enough Supreme Court judges to end Roe?

Regardless evil is everywhere, even in your church. It may not be as rampant but that is why one must die to be separate from evil.

I'm not sure why saving lives, preventing illegal drugs, or caring for poverty are unproductive just to name a few?
Well, when voting accomplishes any of those things, let me know. I'll certainly reconsider my position.
 
Oct 19, 2024
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#84
Well, when voting accomplishes any of those things, let me know. I'll certainly reconsider my position.
Voting for Trump in 2016 accomplished or improved all of those things: saving lives, preventing illegal drugs and child or sex trafficking or caring for poverty by means of more and higher paying full-time jobs for Americans while keeping inflation low, etc. At least you did not vote for Hillary Clinton, so thanks for that!
 
Aug 25, 2024
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#85
I believe God and politics are interlinked.
"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;..."
Daniel 2:21
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
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#86
We don't. We don't mix politics with God. We never legislate religion because we become like some fundamentalist Muslim countries.
We can never make someone believe what we want, otherwise the Most High would have made us robots to begin with since The Garden.
We can lead someone to water but we can't make them drink.

This is why we separate these topics.
In this election, i am hoping that Trump wins to counterbalance the insanity from the left.
I am in full agreement with what you have posted.
 

rrcn

Active member
Oct 15, 2023
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#87
[Mar 12:17 KJV] 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
 
Oct 1, 2024
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#89
"There are never solutions, only tradeoffs." Thomas Sowell

I have no idea how many children have been spared from the satanic butchers at PP et all. I would like to hope the number is significant.
I presume you are crediting Trump or the GOP for the Roe decision. That's fair. But then you have that whole Father of the Vaccine thing. And those numbers are not good. Not good at all. So, as the distinguished gentleman stated. "..only tradeoffs."
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
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#90
"There are never solutions, only tradeoffs." Thomas Sowell

I have no idea how many children have been spared from the satanic butchers at PP et all. I would like to hope the number is significant.
I presume you are crediting Trump or the GOP for the Roe decision. That's fair. But then you have that whole Father of the Vaccine thing. And those numbers are not good. Not good at all. So, as the distinguished gentleman stated. "..only tradeoffs."
Actually, there were more abortions the year after Roe was rescinded than the year before.
 
Oct 1, 2024
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#91
Actually, there were more abortions the year after Roe was rescinded than the year before.
Thanks for that, and I am not the least bit surprised. Saddened of course. I can't emotionally process abortion. No, I can't emotionally process ritual child sacrifice, and to me they are the same thing. I can however, process child abuse and neglect. Its a lose lose unfortunately for most of the young women and children effected by this satanic plague. I'm sorry. I'm rambling. The politics of abortion when closely examined, disgraces the entire American political system to the point where it can no longer be taken seriously. If I stated here what I honestly believe should have been done way back in 72 or 73, it would sound like bravado. But I'm not brave like that. Apparently no one else is either. I keep hearing that there's a time coming when some good men are going to have to do some very bad things. "Living peaceably with all men as much as is possible" will be a very studied verse of scripture fairly soon. The political system has run its course. The beast system is here. Will WE become as beasts? I have thought for quite a while now, that that is precisely what that nasty fallen angel is gunning for.

Shalom Shalom
 
Sep 17, 2016
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#92
"There are never solutions, only tradeoffs." Thomas Sowell

I have no idea how many children have been spared from the satanic butchers at PP et all. I would like to hope the number is significant.
I presume you are crediting Trump or the GOP for the Roe decision. That's fair. But then you have that whole Father of the Vaccine thing. And those numbers are not good. Not good at all. So, as the distinguished gentleman stated. "..only tradeoffs."
Vaccines have saved many lives in history. To say the vaccine promoters are evil is to say they knew it would be more harmful than beneficial. No one knew that at the time and in reality we still have debatable statistics and disagreements in the health community.

Trade offs are worth the risk when done with a genuine heart to try and save lives or make lives better.

It's no excuse to be apathetic just because one decision may go bad. That's life.
 
Oct 1, 2024
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#93
Vaccines have saved many lives in history. To say the vaccine promoters are evil is to say they knew it would be more harmful than beneficial. No one knew that at the time and in reality we still have debatable statistics and disagreements in the health community.

Trade offs are worth the risk when done with a genuine heart to try and save lives or make lives better.

It's no excuse to be apathetic just because one decision may go bad. That's life.
I'm not sure you fully understand the definition of apathy, and even if you do. You're barking up the wrong tree friend. Because someone chooses not to deal with societal issues through political means, or by your prescribed means and methods I should say, does not in any way whatsoever imply that they are apathetic. Don't care about murdered babies or the homeless or potholes or any other such things. I could not have made my case more clear. You take care now. And have a safe productive trip to the polls
 
Sep 17, 2016
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#94
I'm not sure you fully understand the definition of apathy, and even if you do. You're barking up the wrong tree friend. Because someone chooses not to deal with societal issues through political means, or by your prescribed means and methods I should say, does not in any way whatsoever imply that they are apathetic. Don't care about murdered babies or the homeless or potholes or any other such things. I could not have made my case more clear. You take care now. And have a safe productive trip to the polls
In a free democratic country, it is a Christian responsibility to preserve religious freedom and resist the antics of evil in every way possible. End of story.
 
Oct 19, 2024
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#95
In a free democratic country, it is a Christian responsibility to preserve religious freedom and resist the antics of evil in every way possible. End of story.
I agree, but I think it is good for everyone to cite Scripture support for our views if possible (which I think we are usually doing—mine is above/previous).
 
Oct 1, 2024
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#96
In a free democratic country, it is a Christian responsibility to preserve religious freedom and resist the antics of evil in every way possible. End of story.
End of your story. I choose to impact the world in a different way.
I think you should advocate something that actually works, like prayer and fasting. But God uses all His children in different ways. I pray He makes you fruitful in whatever path you choose.
 
Oct 19, 2024
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#97
I agree, but I think it is good for everyone to cite Scripture support for our views if possible (which I think we are usually doing—mine is above/previous).
Actually, I think I should have been citing more Scripture in several of my posts, so I will try to atone for that with this one listing biblical passages that seem inseparable from politics.

Biblical values related to political issues with a brief explanation:

Genesis 1:27a: “God created humanity in his own image; in the image of God he created humans…”

This has two applications in current politics. First, it affirms that God exists, so humanity should not be atheistic and politics should not inhibit faith in God. Second, it indicates that humans are like God, most likely (given the moral commands beginning with the forbidden fruit in GN 2:16-17) in their moral capacity or ability and thus responsibility to cooperate with God’s moral will. Thus, politicians and voters are accountable to God for their views and actions.

Genesis 1:27b & 2:24: “…male and female God created humanity… For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”

These verses teach that there are only two sexes and that heterosexual marriage is the moral norm (reaffirmed by Jesus in MT 19:4-6, cf. Paul in RM 1:24-27). Thus, any deviant desire should be viewed as abnormal and a mental illness (if not intentional) in need of a cure rather than normalized in law.

Genesis 9:6: “Whoever sheds the blood of man [murders], by man shall his blood be shed.”

This commandment indicates that execution is the appropriate penalty for murder and is restated more broadly in DT 19:21, “Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot”. Thus, there should be very good justification for showing pity or the mercy indicated by Jesus’ beatitude (in MT 5:7), “Blessed are the merciful”, so that forgiveness does not abet sinful behavior (HB 10:26-27).

Exodus 3:7&10, 5:1 (condensed): “The Lord said, ‘I have seen the misery of my people because of their slavery’… So now, go to Pharaoh and say ‘Let my people go’”.

Slavery has been common throughout human history, but this verse suggests that it should not be miserable or permanent. Paul’s instructions (in EPH 6:5-9, cf. PHL v.15-16) imply that God’s will is for people to work voluntarily for compassionate employers.

Exodus 20:3-17 (the Ten Commandments, condensed): “You shall NOT: have other gods before me, worship idols, disrespect God, forget the Sabbath day, dishonor your parents, commit murder, commit extra-marital sexual intercourse (fornication) or theft, lie or give false testimony, covet someone else’s wife or possessions.”

Most political applications of the Ten Commandments are obvious, but we can note that they need to be updated with NT teachings, such as that parents should be honorable or moral. Murder may include abortion. Fornication includes pornography. Giving false testimony may include politicians who try to cover up corruption. Covetousness connotes the sinfulness of wrong desires as well as of harmful actions.

Deuteronomy 30:19: “…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…”

This moral choice may be set before us as policy options at election times.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (condensed): “If my people will humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways, then I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

The case of Sodom and Gomorrah (in GN 18:20-20:29) indicates that a moral minority may save a nation from destruction.

Job 8:3 & 21:7: “Does God pervert justice?… Why do the wicked live on, increasing in power?”

The implied answers to these questions are “No”, but humans might including by how they vote or do not vote.

Psalms 2:1-2: "Why do the nations rage… against the Lord’s Anointed One [Messiah]?”

Jesus answered this question (in JN 8:42-47) by saying that ungodly people serve Satan. Thus, political strife manifests spiritual struggle, stemming from the beginning belief and murder (GN 3:4-5 & 4:8) that will continue until the end (MT 24:6-14, RV 21:1-6).

Matthew 7:12: "Do unto others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Indeed, this verse covers a lot of ground, including that slavery is a sin.

Matthew 19:21 (part): “…Give to the poor…” and Ephesians 4:28 (part): “…He must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”

This indicates that we should try to alleviate poverty in various ways such as by helping widows and orphans (JM 1:27). This may be done by individuals and by churches and also by governments. However, the apostle Paul said (in 2THS 3:10) that “If a man will not work, he shall not eat”, so welfare should not abet sloth.

Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Paul also wrote (in ACTS 17:26a) that “From one man God made every nation of men.” Thus, we are all one human race, so racial and sexual discrimination are sinful.

The Bible does not treat topics such as migration, gambling or ecology specifically, so we must carefully apply various moral principles to such political issues.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
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#98
Applying Christian beliefs to politics has been problematic ever since Peter told the Sanhedrin "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29)

How should we do this in the current political situation to issues such as national borders, abortion, globalism and lawfare?
IN Amercia the law of the land is the Constitution.
we have a Bill of Rights. We are not a Democracy we are a Constitutional republic which ensure we have individual rights. The Democracy part is on Nover 5th when we vote for the POTUS and other representatives.

Jesu said to render to Ceasar what is Ceaser and TO GOD what is Gods. WE are to obey the law of the land .

If those laws complement Loving God and our neighbor as ourselves we should obey it.
 
Sep 17, 2016
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#99
I agree, but I think it is good for everyone to cite Scripture support for our views if possible (which I think we are usually doing—mine is above/previous).
First and foremost, government was instituted by God. That is obvious that we are to be part of the process.

Romans 13:1
English Standard Version

13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

We as a nation are responsible as a whole for the evil we do or allow. If God judges the nation, the righteous like Daniel are affected as well.

Jeremiah 18:7-10
English Standard Version

7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.

We are the salt of the Earth to help preserve what is good.

Matthew 5:13
English Standard Version

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Good government is God's command, bad government (made up of the people we choose in a democracy either by voting or not voting) we are either voting for terror or accepting terror by not voting.

Romans 13:3
English Standard Version

3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

Also, let us all remember those who worked in governments to influence for the good.

1. Joseph from slave to 2nd in command
2. Moses liberated his people from bad government and built a new one.
3. The people wanted a King, so God gave them a King. The majority of kings did evil but a few including King David by majority followed God.
4. Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah being a cucupbeareror the king) hid influence allowed him to return to build the walls.
5. Esther would influence her husband despite it may ending in her death.
6. Many of the prophets influenced kings to make righteous choices.
7. John the Baptist was beheaded for getting involved in addressing the immoral acts of a political leader.
7. Jesus was heavily involved in trying to influence the religious political system of His day.
8. Paul quite often appealed to his Roman rights to influence the government.
 
Sep 17, 2016
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End of your story. I choose to impact the world in a different way.
I think you should advocate something that actually works, like prayer and fasting. But God uses all His children in different ways. I pray He makes you fruitful in whatever path you choose.
Of course, He uses everyone differently. I'm simply saying that to be not involved in government is against the commands of God as stated in post 99.