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Quick to Listen

What Tim Keller Wants American Christians to Know About Politics

Quick to Listen

Christianity Today

Religion, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.3622 Ratings

🗓️ 3 October 2018

⏱️ 62 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Last week, millions of Americans were caught up in the Senate’s Supreme Court hearings. There, psychologist Christine Blasey Ford testified that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually attacked her while the two were in high school. Several hours later, Kavanaugh emphatically refuted Blasey Ford’s allegations. The hearings came months after Justice Anthony Kennedy, long seen as a swing vote on the court, announced his retirement. This news prompted alarm from the pro-choice community who feared that the new balance in the Supreme Court would overturn Roe v. Wade. Despite their fears, Kavanaugh’s confirmation seemed on track until Blasey Ford’s allegations went public. Shortly after the hearing, a book excerpt from Tim Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, appeared in The New York Times. “Christians cannot pretend they can transcend politics and simply ‘preach the Gospel,’” he wrote in his latest book Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy. “Those who avoid all political discussions and engagement are essentially casting a vote for the social status quo. … To not be political is to be political.” But that doesn’t mean that Christians have to hold convictions about every moment of political life, said Keller. One example: knowing exactly who or what to believe about Kavanaugh and Ford: “Neither you nor I are decision makers at all. We’re not being asked to make a decision. If I was in a position where I had to make a decision—I had a vote or I had to do something about it—then I would be doing everything I could to get to the bottom of things,” Keller told CT. “I’m not sure why everyone on Twitter feels like they have to come to a position. That’s actually kind of new.” Keller joined associate digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss how he follows this news, where his political convictions come from, and just how great the stakes are of politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

This episode is brought to you in part by The Apologetics Guy Show, the podcast that helps you find clear answers to tough questions about Christianity.

0:11.0

Learn to explain your faith with courage and compassion.

0:14.5

Join Moody Bible Institute professor Dr. Mikhail del Rosario at apologeticsky.com.

0:21.9

This episode of Quick to Listen is brought to you in part by PTZ Optics, helping church's

0:27.3

live stream broadcast quality services on a budget. Visit PTZ Optics slash church makeover by

0:34.6

November 16th to win a complete live streaming makeover for your church.

0:41.3

It's Wednesday, October 3rd, and this is quick to listen, where we set aside hashtags and

0:46.6

hot takes to discuss a major cultural event. On today's show, Tim Keller joins us to discuss the

0:52.8

state of American politics.

1:03.0

Thanks for joining us this week.

1:05.1

I'm Morgan Lee, Associate Digital Media producer here at Christianity today.

1:09.3

As usual, I'm also joined by Mark Galley, our awesome co-host and Edgernard, chief, of this publication.

1:15.3

And more awesome and happy than ever.

1:17.1

I just spent four days with my newest grandchild.

1:19.9

So we have 7,000 pictures of him that will be posted online any day now.

1:24.7

Do not follow Mark on social media.

1:26.4

You have been warned.

1:28.6

Okay, apparently.

1:29.4

He's the cutest baby ever.

1:31.9

Mark is also not biased.

1:33.2

She should not leave me because it wouldn't be hard to...

1:36.0

To go hang out with him?

...

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