Religion and Politics

Luke 20:18-26

1. Objection: Christianity is completely political! It is a tool of the Republican party.
2. A brief history lesson:
1. In America, politics and religion always intermingled.
2. 1976 “The Year of the Evangelical”
3. 1980s The Moral Majority “Republican Religion”
3. How Jesus addresses the question:
1. It was a trap! He knew it!
2. A brilliant answer.
3. Two related spheres of influence.
1. Civil authority is God ordained: we must pay taxes. “Give to Caesar the things due to Caesar, give to God the things that are God’s.”
4. Key Issue: In America we have the “right” of free speech and the “right” to vote.
1. Individual = speak and vote!
2. Church = more tricky! Speak and vote Biblically informed!
5. Key Question: Does the government activity contradict or combat the Kingdom of God?
1. Reality of Sin must be affirmed
1. Both parties have trouble here.
2. Dignity of the individual as created in the image of God.
1. Both parties have trouble here.
3. Promote truth, righteousness, and place for true worship of God. What do you think?

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