Politics & Government

Politics & Government gathers Christian Standard articles that explore the Christian’s relationship to civic life through a biblical lens. Here you’ll find thoughtful engagement with topics like authority and obedience, religious liberty, public policy, elections, justice, and how believers should speak and act in the public square. These articles aim to help Christians pursue faithful citizenship with conviction and humility—seeking the common good while keeping ultimate allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom.

July 4, 2015

Christian Standard

Five Ways Churches Can Maintain a Faithful Gospel Witness in a Changing Legal Culture

By Christiana Holcomb The Constitution”s freedom of religion guarantee may not be enough to protect your ministry from litigation. But these steps will help. Editor’s note: This article, written before the Supreme Court gay marriage decision, offers strategies even more urgent for churches to adopt today. America is in the midst of a seismic cultural shift in matters of faith, family, and freedom. More than 35 states now issue same-sex marriage licenses. An increasing number of scholars and judges insist that the First Amendment protects only the freedom to believe””not the freedom to live out those beliefs. At least one state

December 10, 2014

Christian Standard

Power, Politics, and the Kingdom

By Jim Tune There seems to be a set of unwritten rules and preferences concerning which political party one must belong to in order to be considered a Christian of good standing among many Evangelicals. I have heard such things as, “I am sorry, but I really have to question your faith if you”re a Democrat.” Of course, the left can serve up remarkably similar disdain by inferring that no real thinking person could possibly vote Republican. Both sides claim to cherish freedom, democracy, and the American way. Political differences are so polarizing that they can readily turn friends and

November 16, 2014

Christian Standard

India at a Crossroads

By Abhineeta Matney An April election raises pressing questions, especially for the Christian minority in one of the world”s largest nations. Until a few months ago, the U.S. government boycotted Narendra Modi, the former head of the government in the Indian state of Gujarat. Modi was blacklisted and shunned for his questionably reticent political tactics. He was denied a visa to the U.S. for almost a decade because he allegedly encouraged and/or did nothing to stop the violence that erupted against minorities in Gujarat in 2002. Today Modi is the prime minister of the world”s largest electorate. Hours after this

November 4, 2014

Mark A. Taylor

Electing a Balanced View

By Mark A. Taylor In the face of nonstop media coverage leading up to Election Day, many in the United States are tired, cynical, or bored by it all. But that”s not me. On Election Day, I will not give in to the naysayers. Yes, I”m appalled by the millions and millions of dollars spent, often with little effect, to woo voters toward one candidate or position. Yes, I”m weary of the half-truths and media spin. I”m suspicious that what we see in political ads, Internet posts, and major interviews is a thin façade hiding unsavory truths and off-the-record deal

September 24, 2014

Christian Standard

Living with the Tension

By Jim Tune Jesus Christ turned conventional views of power upside down. Jesus was remarkably indifferent to those who held political power. He had no desire to replace Caesar with his apostles. He gave civil authority its due, rebuking both the zealots and Peter for using the sword. This seems to have infuriated the religious right of his day. In an effort to discredit Jesus, the Herodians tried trapping him over the issue of allegiance to political authority. I am mystified by the Evangelical obsession with power and influence. A made-in-America Jesus seems more concerned with nationalism, patriotism, and power

September 23, 2013

Christian Standard

Churches and Government: Partners in Community Development

Governments across the country have been criticized””and rightfully so””for their failings with regard to community development. Unfortunately, churches have made many of the same mistakes, but on a smaller scale. Here are some suggestions for changing this situation, and for how government and church can even work together. By Jim Herbst Basic neighborly values have declined in some places to the point that government offices have begun offering programs to reintroduce them. This is a great opportunity for churches. Jesus, after all, had a few things to say about neighbors. The post-World War II growth of the suburbs, and other

September 22, 2013

Christian Standard

The Church and the City

By Roger Boatman “There will be no large churches in this city,” thundered the city councilman of a Seattle suburb to leaders of a Christian church. At issue was land the church had in escrow to develop as its new campus. Church leaders objected, saying elected officials could not determine the size of their church. “Oh, yes we can,” the councilman replied, “because we set the parking code, and you will not be approved for this or any other large site in this city.” Not to be denied their vision for the church, the congregation backed away from that site

July 28, 2013

Christian Standard

Interview with Russ Kuykendall

By Paul Boatman   Russ Kuykendall is a lifelong Christian who spent his youth and young adulthood preparing for ministry. For the past 20 years he has ministered in the arena of Canadian politics.   How did you happen to choose a career in politics? I did not really choose a political career. I chose to live a life in ministry. I was raised on a farm near Grande Prairie, Alberta. My family loved the church and wanted us to live a Christian life in interface with our wider community and events of the world. Serving Christ was my life”s

July 12, 2013

Christian Standard

Kingdom Clash

By Robert F. Hull Jr. In the closing of his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul includes this surprising note: “All God”s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar”s household” (Philippians 4: 22). What? There are followers of Christ in the emperor”s household? The same Caesar who is holding Paul in prison and who will eventually see to it that Paul is executed? Talk about a clash of kingdoms! Both Jesus and Paul were acutely aware there could be no merger of the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, but neither could

July 9, 2013

Christian Standard

Our Own Defense of Marriage Acts

By Mark A. Taylor Last year, just before my daughter”s wedding, a friend e-mailed me about the big day. “My daughter”s wedding was the most exhilarating and exhausting day of my life,” he said, and soon I would know what he meant. But it occurs to me that exhilarating and exhausting describe the whole gamut of married and family life. For example, it”s exhilarating finally to hold a newborn baby, especially after an exhausting labor and drawn-out pregnancy. Likewise, each milestone of the new preschooler”s life is exhilarating: first words, first steps, first everything! And keeping up with her is

April 29, 2013

Christian Standard

Giving to Caesar and Giving God the Glory

By Jennifer Johnson I just finished two hours of sorting paperwork, receipts, and credit card printouts into piles: Business travel. Charitable giving. Home office expenses. Mortgage payments. I”m not sure it”s possible for taxes to be any more complex than mine are this year. I”m self-employed, which in itself is a carnival of fun. Halfway through the year I got married and moved to Pennsylvania, which has state income tax, from Tennessee, which doesn”t. I left a house behind, which I”m now renting through an agent. My new husband is a minister, which comes with its own set of tax

April 16, 2013

Christian Standard

Better Than Leaving

By Mark A. Taylor Last week I came across a quote by a famous poet (although I hadn”t heard of him), and it resonated with an issue I”ve been pondering awhile. Rod Padgett, writing in How to Be Perfect, said this: “Forgive your country every once in a while. If that is not possible, go to another one.” At first we might call the advice absurd. “I can”t go to another country. My family is here. My work is here. I was born here, and things should change so I can be happier here! After all, I”m right about what”s

October 26, 2012

Christian Standard

A Mormon President”” a Good Thing

By Brian Mavis Barack Obama is a professing Christian. Mitt Romney is a professing Mormon. Most of the Christian leaders I know are voting for the Mormon. The rise of Mormonism from animosity to acceptance to prominence is remarkable. In 1838, Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs gave an extermination order against the Mormons””an officially sanctioned desired holocaust. Next month, a Mormon may be our president. From death row to the Oval Office””not bad.   Mormonism Is Going Mainstream Mormonism (aka, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has achieved acceptance and status, in part, by saying they are like us.

October 25, 2012

Christian Standard

Say It Again, Ben!

By Mark A. Taylor Ben Cachiaras”s “Let Me Tell You How You Should Vote” continues to challenge readers to place their hope in God, not in the promises of politicians. It has garnered much positive response at our site and in personal correspondence to him and to our office. One preacher wrote to say he was making 800 copies of it to distribute as widely as he could. But one reader wrote Ben to debate a couple of his arguments. Ben”s response was so helpful I felt compelled to share at least one of his points here. He has given

September 29, 2012

Christian Standard

Let Me Tell You How You Should Vote

By Ben Cachiaras As the 2012 elections approach, many feel there are no good options. Voting for one candidate or the other is like choosing whether you prefer to be hanged or shot. Others feel strongly there is only one clear option and how you vote is simply a matter of whether you are smart or stupid, a choice between acting as a courageous, loyal American, or a wimpy, fascist pig. It”s clear! I know many who are fearful about what is happening in our country, the economy, the fraying of moral fiber, the loss of freedoms we hold dear””fearful

August 15, 2012

Christian Standard

Is Modern Israel the Key to God’s Plan?

By Jon Weatherly Is the founding of the modern state of Israel a sign that Jesus will return soon? Does God judge today’s nations based on how they treat Israel, or Jews in general? Does the Bible teach Christians always to side with Israel in conflicts with its neighbors? Many American Christians would answer all of these questions in the affirmative. Through the influence of popular preachers and writers, they have come to believe the modern state of Israel plays a clear and crucial role in the Bible. They are therefore prepared to give unconditional, unqualified support to the nation

July 25, 2012

Christian Standard

Too Much Is at Stake to Forget

By Fred Liggin We are shaken by mourning as we hurt for those suffering due to the horrific events in Aurora, Colorado, on July 20. Yet even in our mourning, the political and social debates have already begun to light up the airwaves. And I am reminded of a most sobering reality. No government, regardless of how strong or well-meaning, can thoroughly legislate morality. To be sure, it can create laws that limit behaviors destructive to society (“You shall not steal”). But as a Christ follower, I am led to believe that only Jesus will bring lasting and systemic change (“You

July 15, 2012

Christian Standard

Milligan to Begin Offering Political Science Major

By Jennifer Taylor This fall, Milligan College in Tennessee will begin offering a political science major to prepare students to study law, work in government service, research, or teach in a school setting. Both a general track and an international politics track will be available. The general track is designed for students who desire a broad foundation in all areas of politics within the United States, while the international politics track prepares students to engage political realities within the context of global studies. The curriculum in the political science major provides a broad foundation in the study of American political

July 11, 2012

Christian Standard

A Mission, Not Just a Mission Trip

By Mark A. Taylor Maybe the best line in the panel interview article posted this week comes close to the end of it. Luke Erickson, from Mountain Christian Church, in Joppa, Maryland, shared the question the church asks anyone interested in community service projects or mission trips overseas: “How are you engaged in your own neighborhood?” It”s a question born of genius. It prods the would-be servant to get out of himself and into the church”s mission. For example, I may feel good about “sacrificing” a couple hours to work in a food pantry; I may think I”ve given a

July 6, 2012

Christian Standard

The President & Immigration

By Darrel Rowland As citizens of the U.S. prepare either to re-elect Barack Obama or elect Mitt Romney as president of the United States, one issue some will consider is the candidates” positions on immigration.   President Barack Obama (Democrat) “¢ Says the U.S. Border Patrol is better staffed than at any time in its almost 90-year history, with more than double the agents from 2004 (much of the hiring happened under President George W. Bush); unmanned aerial surveillance covers the border from California to Texas; some 650 miles of the southwestern border has been fenced, including about 300 miles

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