Should Christians Be Involved in Politics?

Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

David K. Bernard

Theology, Oneness Pentecostal, Religion & Spirituality, Apostolic Pentecostal, United Pentecostal Church International, Upci, Christianity, David K. Bernard

5 • 870 Ratings

🗓️ 24 January 2022

⏱️ 14 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Political involvement can feel like an ethical minefield for Christians. In most elections, no candidate on the ballot fully represents Christian values. Considering this, what level of involvement should Christians have in politics? Should Christians run for office, donate to candidates and causes, or volunteer to be part of political campaigns? What guidelines should Christians consider when casting their vote?Dr. David K. Bernard answers these questions in light of Scriptural teachings and...

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, a podcast dedicated to helping modern day believers live out the teachings of the First Century Church.
0:10.3	This podcast is part of the teaching ministry of Dr. David K. Bernard.
0:14.4	Dr. Bernard has dedicated his life to studying the Bible and helping believers apply its message to their daily lives.
0:20.9	In Apostolic Life in the 21st century, Dr. Bernard answers your questions about what the Bible teaches
0:26.5	and how those teachings apply to everyday life. Thank you for joining us for this broadcast.
0:34.7	Later this year, American voters are going to head to the polls for what we call here in the United States the midterm elections.
0:41.8	Maybe there's somebody in our audience out there who's listening, watching, and they've been praying about their involvement in the political system.
0:48.4	Maybe they feel like that even they might even consider running for office or volunteering to serve an election campaign or maybe making a donation to a candidate or a cause.
0:58.3	But at the same time, they also recognize that it feels like that being involved in politics becomes an ethical landmine or minefield for believers.
1:07.3	And sometimes to be honest, even voting is tough because it can feel like every
1:12.0	candidate's flawed and they don't really represent my values. Considering all this, should Christians
1:17.7	be involved in politics? And if so, to what extent should they be involved?
1:22.6	The short answer is yes, but there are limits. And first of all, we need to understand that in ancient times,
1:30.3	particularly the New Testament, that believers did not have the opportunity we have today. They
1:36.0	lived under the Roman Empire, which is a dictatorship. They didn't have the right to vote. They
1:40.2	couldn't participate. They couldn't help influence the laws.
1:46.8	And so there is not a direct comparison.
1:52.5	You don't see in the New Testament some appeal to social action because, first of all,
1:53.8	the focus is on the gospel.
1:55.8	And second of all, it would be counterproductive. Even such things as slavery, which is obviously evil.
1:59.2	And any fair reading of the New Testament would demonstrate
2:02.2	slavery is contrary to God's will. In the book of Philemon, if you study it carefully,
	...

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