Tag "religion and politics"

What Hath Christianity To Do with Politics? (Pt. 5: Political Thought and Christian Character)

In our current American context—fraught with social and cultural division, competing visions of the common good, and vitriol towards those with whom we disagree—it is incumbent on God’s people to carve out a faithful path for Christian political involvement. If we are able to do so, we will be “salt and light” for our society; [ Read More ]

Should Christians Identify with the Democratic or Republican Political Parties?

Given the increased polarization of American politics and public life, the question is frequently raised as to whether Christians should identify themselves with either major political party or—by association—the political ideologies undergirding them. I answer that it is permissible and often wise to participate in party politics, but we must be circumspect in doing so, [ Read More ]

4 Essential Guidelines for Mixing Christianity and Politics

I learned more about politics during my two years in Russia than I’ve learned in the nearly two decades since. During those two years, I worked as an adjunctive professor at several universities in the city of Kazan. Most of my students were deeply skeptical about whether God existed, whether life had any meaning, and whether there were any moral absolutes. Russia’s cultural institutions—including its government, businesses, marriages, and schools—reflected this deep sense of loss.

For that reason, I felt compelled during those years to think through the relationship of Christianity and politics, and the best guide I found was a dead Dutch theologian and politician named Abraham Kuyper. Here are four of Kuyper’s essential guidelines for mixing Christianity and politics, guidelines that will help us as we navigate our own political involvement.
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