Tag Archives: Conservatism

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How should Christians reconcile their faith with politics?

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My favorite book on Christianity and politics is “Politics According to the Bible“, by Wayne Grudem. Dr. Grudem’s B.A. is from Harvard University and his Ph.D is from Cambridge University, and he is probably the best theologian today. (Except for his horrible Calvinism, but I try to ignore that)

Here’s a book review of Politics According to the Bible from Justin Taylor of Between Two Worlds.

Grudem’s positions are usually conservative:

I support political positions in this book that would be called more “conservative” than “liberal.” That is because of my conclusions about the Bible’s teaching on the role of government and a biblical worldview (see chaps. 3 and 4). It is important to understand that I see these positions as flowing out of the Bible’s teachings rather than positions that I hold prior to, or independently of, those biblical teachings. And I do not hesitate to criticize Republican policies where I differ with them (for instance, in the endorsement of runaway government spending and the continual expansion of the federal government even under conservative Republican presidents). My primary purpose in the book is not to be liberal or conservative, or Democratic or Republican, but to explain a biblical worldview and a biblical perspective on issues of politics, law, and government. (p. 13)

And he recommends that Christians get involved in politics thoughtfully and persuasively:

The “significant influence” view says that Christians should seek to influence civil government according to God’s moral standards and God’s purposes for government as revealed in the Bible (when rightly understood). But while Christians exercise this influence, they must simultaneously insist on protecting freedom of religion for all citizens. In addition, “significant influence” does not mean angry, belligerent, intolerant, judgmental, red-faced, and hate-filled influence, but rather winsome, kind, thoughtful, loving, persuasive influence that is suitable to each circumstance and that always protects the other person’s right to disagree, but that is also uncompromising about the truthfulness and moral goodness of the teachings of God’s Word. (p. 55)

You can find lots of wonderful lectures by Wayne Grudem on politics here. It’s practical Christianity. Christianity… for MEN!

Sometimes I get very annoyed with church… but I never get tired of listening to these lectures every week.

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Videos

What’s the difference between conservatives and liberals?

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Well, you’d say what Bill Whittle says about conservatives in these two videos. (H/T ECM)

1) Conservatives value limited government and free enterprise

If you like having a choice when you go shopping or if you like having a job, then you’re a conservative. If you like collecting welfare, and preventing people from choosing better schools for their children, then you’re a progressive/liberal/socialist/communist.

2) Conservatives value individual choices over government control

If you think that you know best how to run your own life, then you’re a conservative. If you think that the government should run your life for you, then you’re a progressive/liberal/socialist/communist.

What do conservatives look like?

Here’s my favorite conservative, Representative Michele Bachmann:

This is what conservatives look like and sound like. Are you one?

News

NRSC releases new “Prove Them Wrong” video

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This is called a Gadsen flag.

Now, normally, I warn everyone to not give money to the NRSC, because they have a terrible habit of backing liberal, establishment candidates. Well, a funny thing happened – they’re giving lots of money to the Tea Party candidates and nothing to the establishment candidates.

Look at this new video: (H/T The Other McCain)

Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Sharron Angle, Christine O’Donnell and Joe Miller are ALL in the video. And a Gadsen flag!

Now, read this article from the Daily Caller. (H/T Hot Air)

Excerpt:

Looking at preliminary investments, the NRSC is spending or has spent funds on most competitive U.S. Senate races involving Tea Party-backed Republicans:

—In Kentucky, the NRSC is on the air statewide and has reserved just under $2 million on ad buys for GOP candidate Rand Paul. During the primary, Republican Trey Grayson had the backing of the establishment.

—In Colorado, the NRSC is also on the air statewide in support of Republican Ken Buck, who bested the establishment-backed Jane Norton in the primary. A total of $3.2 million is reserved by the NRSC for ad buys in support of Buck.

—In Nevada, the NRSC has reserved $700,000 in statewide television for GOP nominee and Tea Party-backed Sharron Angle.

—In Pennsylvania, $3 million is reserved for TV for Republican nominee Pat Toomey.

—No airtime has been reserved for Christine O’Donnell in Delaware and Joe Miller in Alaska, but the NRSC has donated $42,600 — the maximum donation allowable under law — to both campaigns.

It’s amazing! I still think you should only give money to specific candidates, but the NRSC sure is smartening up.