A question,
Separtation of Church and state is a fact. How do any of you feel about religious leaders running for political office?
Or is that separation limited to policy making, not the people who make the policies?


Solomon

Solomon,

depends what religion I suppose. From a Christian Standpoint (taking that to mean that you do what Jesusdirected his followers do, rather than just attending a church) Jesus said@ John 17:16 that his followers were be 'no part of the world' just as he was 'no part of the world'. He also indicated himself to Pontius Pilate that his Kingdom was no part of the world and when a crowd wanted to make him into an earthly King, he retreated away from them. I could go on, but you get the point. So from a genuine Christian Stanpoint - No, Christians (whether taking the lead or not) don't get involved with politics.

For modern day practising Jews andMuslimsI am unsure. I am sure there are some muslims on here who could comment though.

BTW - this would probably get more response on the Spirituality part of the Forum.

C.

C,
Thanks for the reply. But there are Chritians in politics, president Bush has expressed openly his faith, and prays with his cabinet. I dont know, God does talk about kings, etc... And he also tell us to not break laws of the land, so maby politics are Godly.

Solomon

Just a question, do you think its a Godly thing for Christians to get involved in politics?




Solomon

kingdomglobal wrote:
Personally, I feel it is unacceptable for a politician to use his religion as a pretext for war/economic sanctions/whatever. I mean look at Bush...rambling on about the good and evil in the eyes of god. If a politician can do his job without letting religion cloud his judgement, then I don't see a problem.

Imperial,

I see the point, last 2 blacks who have run for president of the US have been ministers. I feel called to ministry, but I also feel called to politics. There are big areas in politics we (blacks) have not reached, but in ministry we have the biggest churches in America. Interesting.



Solomon

the way i see it a lot of people dont want God nor religion in schools the work place public spaces etc and then when kids go shooting up the schools everyone asks why God etc

religion and state can work in unison, its extremist which make this seem impossible. there are many laws that ae supported by religion and state.......such as dont kill dont steal etc.

Solomon

I see where you are coming from Bro, but that is why I made the distinction between genuine Christians and churchgoers.

George W may beleive in God and pray, but does his life course bear any resemblance to someone trying hard to be like Jesus?? Not as far as I can see.

You can be a nominal churchgoer and be in politics, but then you can be a churchgoer and do pretty much whatever you want!!

Actually trying to follows Jesus' example and obey his teachings though - that's on a whole different level! And it would preclude being in politics.

Also, Just to clear up the point with the Kings you mentioned (I presume you meanones like Solomon/David/Hezekiah/Josiah)that was in a time when God was expressing his Kingship through a king on earth. That's not the case anymore - Jesus' is a now aheavenly king, so God doesn't need another one here on earth.

Hope that helps.

C.

test

C,

I see what you mean, and it did help. A person can be a church goer and give to the church that way.


Kunjufu,

What does test mean?



Solomon

It means nothing Kingdomglobal, it was merely a divice to get the other posts to appear online..ignore it..

Kunjufu,

Ok.


Solomon

Should the church be involved with politics ?

Lets look at its History ?

The three Hebrew boys, taken from amongst the captives of Israel, brought to babylon, these young men sat with the King, but did not defile themselves with the Kings meat.

Isaiah, wrote In the year that King Uzziah, died I also saw the Lord, High and Lifted up. So here we had a prophet who moved amongst Kings.

Daniel, who caused a great leader to decree, Let the God of Daniel, let his God be God.

Joseph, who went from prisoner in the land of Egypt to governer, to President, second only to the Pharoah.

The scriptures say that we children of God today in this present day, are men after like passion.

Meaning we are like these men of old, we think like them, we will move like them in the world.

These prophets and children of God, moved amongst Kings and govenors, but knew not to defile themselves.

To be in the world but not of the world, does not mean you do not play a part in the politics of the world. Indeed the child of God or man of God, should seeks to rise to the highest to influence and effect leaders in this world and change their hearts to God.

If we all remain at the bottom run of the ladder how do we affect them. Why does the bible tell us to pray for governments and leaders ?

Why was Jesus in his life time at the end brought before men of politics ?

yes he said my Kingdom is not of this world (thats true)

Yet it was also Jesus who said concerning Paul the Apostle, I will show him what things he will suffer for he will be a vessel for my name sake.

Paul was lawyer, a Roman governor, so he was no stupid man, and ultimately in his life ministry, he came before Kings and almost as one king said "Oh Paul, you almost persuade me".

Should christians be involved in politics... yes at every level God allows them to make foot way yes.

We are blessed in the City and in the Field, blessed when we come and go.