Jesus Politics

1. America's Foundational Principles Were Rooted in Biblical Christianity

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and as the psalmist wrote, 'He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved' (Psalm 104:5)."

Biblical Foundations of America. The United States was established on Christian principles, with the Founding Fathers intentionally creating a government that recognized God-given rights. Key founders like George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson believed that a moral society required religious principles.

Historical Evidence of Christian Influence:

• Most Founding Fathers were practicing Christians
• Early government documents referenced divine providence
• Constitutional principles aligned with biblical values of individual liberty
• Public institutions originally incorporated religious education and practices

Preservation of Christian Heritage. The original intent was to create a society that protected religious freedom while recognizing a higher moral authority. This meant establishing a government that respected individual rights while maintaining a foundational connection to biblical principles.

2. The Government Should Protect Religious Liberty

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20).

Religious Freedom Under Attack. Modern political movements have systematically attempted to remove religious expression from public spaces, challenging the fundamental rights established by the Founding Fathers. Examples include restrictions on public prayer, removal of Christian symbols from government buildings, and legal challenges to religious practices.

Threats to Religious Liberty:

• Forced compliance with secular ideologies
• Limitations on expressing religious beliefs in businesses
• Legal challenges to faith-based organizations
• Attempts to marginalize Christian perspectives in public discourse

Biblical Response. Christians are called to actively defend their right to express faith, engage in political processes, and maintain religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. This requires voting for representatives who understand and protect these fundamental rights.

3. The Right to Bear Arms Is About Preserving Freedom, Not Just Hunting

"Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7).

Historical Context of Second Amendment. The right to bear arms was established not primarily for hunting, but as a mechanism to protect citizens from potential government tyranny. The Founding Fathers understood that an armed populace could resist oppressive governmental actions.

Philosophical Foundations of Gun Ownership:

• Deterrence against potential governmental overreach
• Self-defense and personal protection
• Preservation of individual liberties
• Symbolic representation of freedom

Spiritual Perspective. The issue of gun ownership transcends political debates and touches on deeper questions of personal responsibility, community protection, and resistance to ungodly governmental control. The focus should be on addressing the human heart's propensity for violence rather than restricting constitutional rights.

4. Environmentalism Should Worship the Creator, Not the Creation

"Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything" (Gen. 9:3).

Biblical Stewardship. Environmentalism should recognize God as the ultimate creator and humans as responsible caretakers of the earth. This perspective differs from secular environmental movements that often elevate nature above its divine creator.

Kingdom-Centered Environmental Principles:

• Recognize nature as a gift from God
• Use natural resources responsibly
• Appreciate creation without worshipping it
• Understand environmental care as spiritual responsibility

Practical Application. True environmental care involves understanding humanity's role as stewards, not just consumers or preservationists. This means using resources wisely while maintaining gratitude to the creator.

5. Life Begins at Conception and Must Be Protected

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jer. 1:5).

Sanctity of Human Life. From a biblical perspective, life begins at conception, and every human embryo has inherent value and potential. Political movements that support abortion contradict fundamental Christian principles about the dignity of human life.

Pro-Life Advocacy Strategies:

• Support crisis pregnancy centers
• Provide practical support for expectant mothers
• Challenge legislative attempts to legalize abortion
• Promote adoption and family support systems

Spiritual Warfare. Protecting unborn life is viewed as a spiritual battle against forces that devalue human dignity. This requires active engagement in political processes and community support.

6. Traditional Family Structure Is Essential for Societal Stability

"'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'" (Matt. 19:5).

Biblical Family Design. Traditional family structures with a married mother and father provide the most stable environment for raising children. Modern political movements challenging this structure are seen as direct challenges to divine design.

Family Structure Principles:

• Marriage between a man and a woman
• Mutual respect and submission
• Active parental involvement in child-rearing
• Commitment to spiritual training

Societal Impact. Strong families create stable communities, reduce social challenges, and provide a foundation for spiritual and personal growth.

7. Healthcare Is Spiritual, Not Just a Government Responsibility

"'He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed'" (1 Peter 2:24).

Spiritual Perspective on Healthcare. True healing encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Government-managed healthcare often fails to address the holistic nature of human wellness.

Kingdom Healthcare Principles:

• Recognize divine healing power
• Community-based healthcare support
• Emphasis on spiritual and physical wellness
• Personal and communal responsibility

Practical Application. Christians are called to support one another's health needs, viewing healthcare as a communal and spiritual responsibility rather than solely a governmental function.

8. Mercy and Forgiveness Are More Powerful Than Political Division

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Transformative Power of Grace. Political discourse should be characterized by mercy, understanding, and a willingness to extend grace, even to ideological opponents.

Forgiveness Strategies:

• Avoid personal attacks
• Focus on issues, not individuals
• Seek understanding
• Maintain respect for opposing viewpoints

Spiritual Warfare. Extending mercy in political contexts disrupts cycles of anger and division, creating opportunities for genuine dialogue and potential transformation.

9. Kingdom Living Requires Active Engagement in Community

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."

Holistic Community Involvement. Christians are called to actively serve their communities, addressing practical needs while sharing spiritual hope.

Community Engagement Principles:

• Serve local needs
• Provide practical support
• Share spiritual resources
• Create opportunities for transformation

Practical Manifestation. Kingdom living means going beyond political rhetoric to tangibly demonstrate God's love through direct community involvement.

10. Jesus Politics Transcends Partisan Political Boundaries

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matt. 22:37)

Spiritual Political Perspective. True faith-based political engagement focuses on kingdom principles rather than partisan allegiances.

Transcendent Political Principles:

• Prioritize biblical values
• Evaluate policies beyond party lines
• Seek God's perspective
• Maintain spiritual integrity

Transformative Approach. Jesus Politics represents a holistic worldview that challenges both conservative and liberal paradigms, focusing on divine principles of love, justice, and redemption.

Last updated: December 31, 2024