PrefacePreface

I've been away at an event and pretty disconnected from the political debates and current events. That said, I know many brothers and sisters in Christ are troubled. Stackers are typically pretty knowledgeable politically. In my experience most Christians are not well versed in politics or the history of politics and the church. I would say that most pastors and Christian personalities are not well versed either. It is rare to find a Christian that is both deep in their theology as well as political knowledge.

It is very common to encounter inconsistency in regards to when force/violence is justified. Where the state's rights ends and the individual's begins. Christian ethics are not equally applied to the state. Both political movements seem to apply Christian virtues on to the state but not all of them. What I often see is Christian ethics selectively applied to secular systems when it aligns with political beliefs. Most disagreements between Christians are around politics. Not the Gospel. Not the teachings of Jesus. Politics seems to me to be in a higher position than the teachings of Christ.

This is a bit of stream of conscienceless but I find that writing helps me to better formulate my thoughts. The goal of this post is to clear my thoughts and my hope is that some might find it useful to read as well.

Food for thoughtFood for thought

1. No political movement has it 100% right because none of them are fully surrendered to Christ
2. We are in the middle of a massive cultural and political global upheaval. The previous state of the world order was not Christ honoring nor is the counter to it Christ honoring.
3. The worship of power is at the core/root of what is happening now. Not just from one side but both sides.
4. The message of Jesus offends both sides of the political battle. It does so in different ways but neither are fully aligned with it.
5. Christ alone is the answer
6. His Church should be our focus in regards to improving our world. Not politics. Not the state. Not democracy. Not capitalism. Not socialism.
7. Chaos is the tool of Satan. Do not fall into despair. Look to the heavens. Look to our Father. He is not worried. He is not surprised.
8. Our political landscape is drowning in hypocrisy.
9. Don't straw man your opponents. Seek to understand those you disagree with.
10. Online is not real life. There are many bad actors. Are we being sucked into dark patterns and pulled away from the way of Jesus by our use of the Internet?
11. Think about how we can agree to disagree in a God honoring way. How can we live in peace with our neighbors? How can we love our enemies?
12. If the goal is to win and exert power over those that disagree with may I suggest this is not the example of Christ nor the early church living in an idolatrous world.
13. If your answer to the worlds problems doesn't start with the Gospel, the Church, and Christ you are falling into the trap of Satan.
14. When feeling despair about the upheaval in our world try to remember that the old world order resulted in massive loss of life, massive retreating of the church for society and culture, and a massive increase in evil.
15. Remember that church history if full of terrible things done in the name of Christ. This is not new. It has been worse even. What is the answer? Its not politics.
16. Focus on spheres of influence. What do you control? What can you influence? What can you be aware of. The first two should be the focus. Leave to God what is beyond your control.
17. Worry does no good. Trust in the Lord and take ownership for what you can control and influence.
18. Why are many dissatisfied with the direction of the world/politics? If you can't answer this for those you disagree with (in a way they would agree with) you are probably not understanding them.
19. It can be very tempting to think that the root of our problems or solutions can be traced to one man. I can assure you this is not the case.

Book recommendationsBook recommendations

Return of the Strong GodsReturn of the Strong Gods

This book provides an excellent framework to understanding what is happening today. It describes the impact of WW2 and how it shaped the current world order. It also explains why this world order is destined to fall to a new world order. It discusses both the positives and negatives. The risks and dangers of this shift.

Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian ColonyResident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony

This book is helpful to frame how the message of Jesus is in contrast to both the right and the left. I am pretty confident that it will offend most people at some point and that's probably a good thing.

Our HopeOur Hope

My hope is not in capitalism, bitcoin, or returning to a limited government with more Christians in power. I would be pleased if these things happened but my hope is in Christ. I hope that all believers can a agree on this.