Bible, theology, culture, etc.
This article is the second installment. Here is the first. Recap: Living in a democracy during an election means that all of us play some part in election process—even if we vote third party—all of us cast a vote, which means all of us must be prepared to make compromises. How do we know which compromises to make? We … Continue reading Voting in 2024 (Pt. 2)
David Brooks' most recent book, How to Know a Person, is a kind of manual for how to connect with others. The book feels so needed because we live in a time of disconnect, distrust, and ever-increasing loneliness. And there are real consequences to this in our society, particularly in how it manifests itself in our … Continue reading Lonely, Angry Politics
In 1789, those loyal to the monarchy in France gathered together on the right side of the president of the National Assembly, while those pushing for revolution gathered to his left. One deputy, the Baron de Gauville, explained: “We began to recognize each other: those who were loyal to religion and the king took up positions … Continue reading Right and Left Are Illusions: A New Analogy for Our Differences
But the greatest hope, of course, comes by holding forward the gospel and praying for God to transform hearts so that enemies become brothers, sinners become saints, and the heart is transformed by the Holy Spirit, not merely restrained by the sword of the State.
Religion is not a compartment that can be hermetically sealed off from the rest of life. It isn't a room in the house of your life, it is the foundation the entire home is built on.
If politics is the codification of laws and institutions that seek to bring about an orderly and flourishing society, then someone has to decide what ‘justice’ is and how it is administered. But who gets to decide?
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached in November 1, 2020* Sermon Audio: God's Government (Daniel) 28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king … Continue reading God’s Government (Dan 4:28-37)
What does the Bible tell us government is actually for? Is it exclusively for punishing criminals or waging war? Or is it responsible to provide societal benefits and infrastructure? I have been greatly helped in thinking through these issues by the writings of Jonathan Leeman (PhD, University of Wales), particularly his books How the Nations … Continue reading A Theology of the State
Imagine with me that the outcome of WWII was reversed. Nazi Germany wins and extends its dark empire across the globe. But also imagine that in time the dictatorship slowly evolves into a half-way form of democracy, allowing the people to vote to install cabinet members and defense secretaries and so on. Friedrich, a promising … Continue reading Slippery Words
Marc Sims 