How to Think About Politics

Session 1: How to Think About Politics

Possible Scripture passages: Psalm 20; 2 Sam. 3; 1 Kings 22; Isaiah 36-37

Overarching theme: Be still and know that the Lord is God.

Key concepts to cover:

• Distinguishing the temporal and the eternal. Don’t immanentize the eschaton.
• The universal reign of Christ. Politics is a sphere of Christian discipleship.
• Be wary of the affective power of politics—its ability to consume our loyalties and breed a tribal mindset
• Be wary of the deceptive power of politics—its ability to make us compromise truth in flattery of the powerful.
• Don’t be a purist—not all political compromise is moral compromise
• Distinguish between ends and means—be willing to build smart political coalitions with unbelievers, and even more importantly, retain the right hand of fellowship with believers across political divides