Category Archives: Politics and Religion

On Politics and The Binding of Consciences

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The binding of a fellow Christian’s conscience is strange business. For the purposes of this discussion I’ll define the binding of conscience this way: to tell a fellow believer that their conviction or practice in an area of adiaphora (something that is neither prohibited or mandated by Scripture) is wrong and that they must change their conviction and practice in order to be right.

It seems like a no brianer, right?  Well it is a no brainer, for one simple reason. Scripture says not to.

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother…The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.

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Reprise: Politics In The Pulpit?

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repubdemI minister in the metropolitan area of Washington D.C. many, even most, of the people in the church have their livelihoods directly tied to the government, and truth be told I used to be a full-fledged political junky. Add to that that I am very conservative in my theology and that when it comes to “social issues” I heartily affirm that the only correct (non-sinful) positions are the biblical positions, and by biblical positions I mean as understood for the first 1800 years of church history. I wholeheartedly affirm that abortion is murder, that all sexual activity outside of the bonds of marriage is sin, that marriage is exclusively between one man and one woman, and that marriage is to be permanent (it is a covenant before God and excepting adultery, Matt 19:9 and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, 1 Cor 7:15, there are no permissible grounds for divorce).… Continue reading

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Pursuits More Important Than Politics (Reprise)

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Yesterday was yet another election day in the United States; a day when a healthy percentage of the American population visited their designated polling places to lend their voice to decide who will lead and represent our states, for the next couple of years at least.  (Or, they mailed in their ballots weeks ago, which I wish I would have done, but didn’t.)

I wrote this post a couple of years ago on the day of our most recent Presidential election.  I stand by it today, and offer it to you once again, in hope that it will help Christians in some small way to stay focused on things that are most important concerning this life, namely, things that concern eternity and the life to come.… Continue reading

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Reprise: Why I’m Apolitical

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After a very surreal week where I learned a new appreciation of the bravery of and God’s grace to Christians, especially pastor’s wives, in places where the church is persecuted I can think of no better post to share than one I wrote the day before the last presidential election, that was published the day after the last presidential election. And I would add, if you are not praying in accordance with 1 Timothy 2:1-2, now is the time to start.

Voting is over. The polls are closed, most of the votes counted, and Lord willing the president elect clearly identified, and our path forward as a nation made clear.… Continue reading

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Defending the Accused

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I wanted to write and publish this a few weeks ago, but didn’t want it teaming with the other plethora of emotional reactions to current events. Stressful and high emotional events do not serve as the best time for research and cognitive change. A friend once said, “Don’t learn theology of trials during the trial, but before the trial.” The best time to learn combat tactics is during the preparation time, allowing practice to hone those skills, not introduce them. The amount of public accusations levied recently highlights the need for God fearers to act appropriately, being in line with God’s Word.… Continue reading

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