Can Our Culture be Changed?

[Singalphile]

Singalphile, I think I hear what you are saying and some others here have said similar things, i.e. "put aside our political ideology and waving banners for a political party". Just how would you propose that we do that? I'm not trying to be antagonistic here. I'm asking a sincere question.

Hi, Dwight. I appreciate the questions. I think it's a good idea to get rid of any public display of our political views. Basically, just try very hard never to offend any non-believer over politics (Republican/Conservative vs. Democrat/Liberal here in the USA).

As Christians, are we just supposed to preach the gospel and love everyone but shut our mouths when it comes to politics?

Yes, for the most part. I can't see any good reason to risk antagonizing or alienating a non-believer over politics. I think it's a good rule of thumb to never let anyone know my political opinions before they know that I'm a Christian and have seen me act like a Christian for some time.

Isn't politics inter-twined with people and vice-versa? That sounds very much like the old cliche, "You can talk about everything but religion and politics." Isn't religion also inter-twined with people and vice-versa? God is the Creator of people and authority, religion and even politics.

Politics is inter-twined with the world and people, yes. All the more reason to avoid it when speaking with non-believers. As you know, we're ambassadors here, and as Paul said just after that (2 Cor 5-6), "We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry."

If anything, I am more inclined to believe it's about time we, as Christians, stopped being scared or ashamed to proclaim what we believe, whether it's the gospel or politics or religion.

I don't think it's a good idea to mix politics with the gospel, as you seem to suggest that we do. It's not a matter of being afraid or ashamed. The gospel is pure and perfect and able to really change lives for the better. Politics is not. The only way the culture will change is if we bring more people to Christ, imo. Everything else good will follow that, I think.

The Bible says: Speaking the truth in love. Sometimes speaking the truth, even in love, unavoidably steps on a few toes, but should that keep us from speaking it at all? The truth will always offend somebody. We don't set out to be offensive, but we shouldn't shrink back to absolute silence either.

What truth? That Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders (or whoever) is wonderful? That Democrats or Republicans are scumbags? Those are distractions. We should try to live peacefully with everyone. It's not our job to judge those outside the Church.

Perhaps like yourself, I have worked (and still work) with various types of people - atheists, Hindus, nominal-Christians, Americans, non-Americans, etc. I have no interest in any of them becoming Democrats or Republicans. I (we) want them to become Christians! Politics is a distraction, I think. At least I've never seen any good come from it. Maybe you have.

Lastly, once our non-Christian coworkers/friends know that we follow Jesus and they know that we love them and care for them and they see how we try to be honest and kind and patient, etc., then it's less likely to be a problem to talk a bit about politics every once in a while, but I would still be careful about it.

[dwight92070]

So what would you say to Christians who are politicians, governors, mayors, representatives, senators, ambassadors, the President, and Vice President? Are they also to not discuss politics?

[Singalphile]

So what would you say to Christians who are politicians, governors, mayors, representatives, senators, ambassadors, the President, and Vice President? Are they also to not discuss politics?

That's an interesting question. I'll think about it. If you disagree with anything I wrote in my previous post, feel free to let me know.

[dwight92070]

Respectfully I do disagree, and yet I agree with your "tone" or apparent motive for saying what you did. I agree with you that we should not make a god out of politics or any political figure. We should not loudly and boisterously lift up our political party, and we should not argue angrily over political issues, as if we (and our party) had the only solution. We should never forget to share the gospel of Jesus when an opportunity arises. God and His word gives us the real solutions. Unfortunately, we sometimes defend it (and Him) in a non Christ-like manner as well. I know I have been guilty of doing that, and have had to repent and apologize more times than I would like to remember. But to quietly and gently bring up our beliefs, even political beliefs, should be a light in and of itself to those around us, that we "march to the beat of a different drummer". Yes, some will react negatively, some angrily, but we should not take the bait and jump into "the boxing ring". Proverbs 15:1 says "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." May God help us to always have a gentle answer.
My pastor told me quite a while ago that there should be no topic that is off limits for a believer. As long as we agree with the Scripture and exercise self-control with our tongues, we should be fine. I suppose if we simply cannot control our temper and our tongue, then it would be wise to avoid controversial subjects. But we are supposed to be maturing and growing in the fruit of the Spirit, so that we can control both our temper and our tongue.

[Singalphile]

Well said, dwight. I agree with all of that. I just would go further, because I think it's not just about our own behavior. You could be perfectly respectful and calm and simply state your political affiliation, but the non-believer to whom you're speaking will still write you off as an idiot or bad person and that bridge could be forever burned. I'm pretty sure there are people at my workplace who are like that.

[dwight92070]

As long as a person is breathing, I don't think the bridge is burned. Also they could have the exact same response to our sharing the gospel with them too, but that shouldn't stop us from doing so.

[dwight92070]

So I guess what I am not accepting is that we can offend someone in any other area (not intentionally) and they will not "close the door" on us, but if we offend them politically, we have lost them forever.(?)