Hi there Lifetrackers!

Signing in from FL.

I think Christians need to be more active on issues and support each other, cross-party.

I know churches are expected to be non-political, but we do need to support believers in government, I would go as far as to say, irrespective of the party they represent (so long as the party doesn't exist for pushing one agenda, say...cannabis legalisation).

Before I left NZ, a small party made up of Christians were elected to a coalition government. They were creative, and were prepared to 'think biblically but speak secularly.' I think there's a lot of wisdom in that approach.

Over to the floor...

All love,
Net Prophet

Oh, and I would like to add...

See you at the prayer meetings Andrew C :)

Net

Dear Net Profit,
I shared this with someone recently. Not sure how my hypothesis stands to scrutiny. There are two modes how we interpret the Bible to apply to tricky life situations not directly mentioned in the Bible. Our complex society today is a trickier place to stay and live in than it was 2000 years ago. Two ways of knowing what God wants us to do: discernment, and conscience. What one decides to do after reading the Bible, and asking God, can be open to criticism despite 'true' discernment, and individual conscience. The problem with conscience is that, in addition to innate conscience,  a large part is formed from our past, thus affected by our up-bringing and prejudices we picked up along our growth. The problem with discernment is that the evil one speaks not too different a language in our minds. Thus, in my hypothesis, "Christian" decisions made alone based on discernment and conscience, can be wrong! Without confirmation by the church, one can be way wrong! How does this relate to politics?
Well, in politics, more than in many other fields, one is asked to make decisions affecting many, thus called POLITICS. So, as a Christian, it becomes doubly hard! It is much easier to be a non-believer and a politician. One just needs to use common-sense, benevolence, non-maleficence, good for many above minority, charisma. A Christian (hopefully) should be on his knees seeking God's view. And, really, how many politicians do this?!
So, can a devout Christian become a successful politician? Yes, but you will have been so close to God in your daily walk, and to continually to fear the temptations of MONEY, SEX and POWER, plus FAME. Hey, even the great heroes of the Bible had failed before God, but His GRACE saves us. To be conscious that the evil one is  keen to snare your thoughts and 
decision-making. That's why I believe (personally) that there are so few Christian politicians because so many had been sacrificed on the way to the top. Physically losing out to competitors, or losing one's saltiness due to repeated compromising. Anyone out there for POLITICS?
ANdrew C

Firstly, I take my hat of to you, that has to be the most impressive post this term, well done.

Having lived in Africa, its interesting to see how the church schooled most of the African leaders but failed to teach them how to lead, on how to become godly prime ministers, and yet some of them did represent God when they got to the top before corruption set in, while others were used to promote Marxism.

We need more Christians in politics & we need to show them more empathy, because of the issues you mentioned. Agreed: power can be very seducing. We were given a good synopsis of this in the Postmodernism discussion.

The bible has many examples of believers in government, entire books chronicle the leadership of Israel, and there are some shining examples of God's people influencing government in the exile.

Personally, I have to say I'm very slack when it comes to election time. I didn't vote last time because 'I didn't want to encourage them' the truth was, i was ignorant of the issues to vote on, and I need to, in future, read party manifestos & prayerfully cast my vote.

Any suggestions welcome...

Net

Hi bloggers,
Went to a 2-part talk at LICC on Post-Christendom yesterday. The speaker was asked about  what to do about the struggles 
and issues of compromise when climbing to the top in politics.
He said that Christians need to get to the top first, then think about how to change the stage with Christianity.
Is this possible? Can one remain salty after repeated compromises? I think politics may be the last frontier for Christians, especially if one has strong conscience, and has fears of discerning from the evil one instead.
What do you think? I am often challenged by the temptation to compromise. Checked that there is very little written on this in the Christian world. Correct me someone.
Andrew C

Dear all,
I chanced upon this article on Wilberforce and whether his work represented work for Christ or not. Eye opening article by Gregory A Boyd, another brave soldier who dares to say things are they are.
Profound thoughts there:
http://www.christusvictorministries.org/ main/index.php?option=com_content& task=view&id=97&Itemid=99999999

Happy pondering...
Andrew C