As pained as I was to critique Dr. Wayne Grudem’s endorsement of Trump, I find myself even more conflicted to address the recent Charisma online article by Dr. Jim Garlow. Dr. Garlow is the Senior Pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, California. He is the recent author of the book, “Well-Versed”, a great resource of biblical insight applied to the tough issues and topics of today. You may read his endorsement and reasons at the following link Here .
I Am Not The Problem
It is no secret that barring the finger of God writing Trump on the wall of my office, I am going to vote alternatively from the two-party box. I have been clear that both political candidates of the two-party tango are simply unacceptable for the Christian who endeavors to live and function according to clear biblical precept. I am well aware that I have friends who are legitimate Bible-believing Christians who are seeing it differently. We will agree to disagree…undoubtedly passionately. I can live with that. The question is, “Why can’t some of you?”
A Fork in the Road
I define politics as the process by which a community of people codify their corporate concerns and values. Politics, by its nature, might include elections, legislation, coalitions, and basically all the things we so easily see accompanying the process of figuring out how a community chooses to live together. Politics is not limited to civil government. How many of us have used the term “office politics” or “church politics”? Politics, to some extent, is unavoidable. The human race is certainly not monolithic in its worldview or value system, which means there will always be some process by which communities, states, and nations determine how to get along and what is best for it’s general public. A quick look around the world to civil governments, as well as noting the variety of church governments, tells us that people see the process of governing in a variety of ways. Monarchies, oligarchies, democracies, dictatorships, and the like checker the landscape. We all have an opinion to what we believe is best.
A Response to Dr. Wayne Grudem’s Endorsement of Donald Trump
One of the most respected conservative theologians has thrown his opinion in the political ring and has advocated for the election of Donald Trump. His name is Dr. Wayne Grudem, the distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. Prior to that he was a Biblical theology professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. You may read his endorsement here. http://m.townhall.com/columnists/waynegrudem/2016/07/28/why-voting-for-donald-trump-is-a-morally-good-choice-n2199564
FIVE (5) Important Points About Pastoral Involvement in Politics
It’s the election season and people are passionate. Any person slightly involved in social media has seen the flurry and firestorm of opinions with regards to candidates, platforms, nominations, and the general election. It is as passionate and crazy as I have ever seen in my lifetime.
One of the common themes or comments I see repeatedly is the cry for more pastors to be involved in the political process. It stretches from simple wishful thinking to an all out assault on pastoral integrity. Believe me, I get the frustrations and the dynamics of pastoral involvement better than most. I am not only a pastor who is deeply involved in cultural engagement and the political process, but I believe a part of my calling is to help fellow pastors cross the bridge to more meaningful involvement. I understand what it is like to lead people in a real live congregation in these matters as well as reach out to pastors and understand their reluctance to open up this can. I have on more occasions than I can count challenged my colleagues to get on the field and use their influence in this arena for “righteousness exalts a nation”. I have also tried to lead people in executing a better and more biblical template with regards to how we select our civil leaders and turn a nation’s trajectory back to God.