Comments on: Lesson plan on my iPhone http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2008/05/18/lesson-plan-on-my-iphone/ a team blog written by aspiring Christ followers Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:50:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Wesley Fryer http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2008/05/18/lesson-plan-on-my-iphone/#comment-10982 Wesley Fryer Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:33:33 +0000 http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/?p=59#comment-10982 David: While I certainly can speak for myself in terms of those I think would best lead the United States in the next four years, I wouldn't want to attempt to speak for Christ on this issue. I think we see a lot of problems when groups and individuals claim to speak for Jesus in politics. The entire title of "The Christian Coalition" is problematic. What if I disagree with one of the platform points of the coalition? Am I not a "Christian" in that case? As Rob Bell points out in his excellent book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Elvis-Repainting-Christian-Faith/dp/031026345X" rel="nofollow">"Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith"</a> (which our men's group just finished studying a few weeks ago) we get into trouble when we start calling people and groups "Christians" instead of focusing mainly on being Christ-followers. I know these distinctions were not explicitly part of your comment, but those thoughts come to mind. I certainly can (<a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/wfryer" rel="nofollow">and have</a>) written posts about my own political opinions and beliefs, but I shy away from the idea of trying to write or say "This is what Jesus believes" with respect to politics. Jesus was a revolutionary but he was not a political leader. He did not fit the mold of the messiah which contemporary Jews were looking for, because he did not come as a military leader and conquering king. I certainly agree with the idea that as followers of Christ, we should be vocal and active in politics. We are in the midst of a culture war, and we should not stand by passively. I think we should be careful, however, to not speak beyond our authority. I don't have authority to definitively say how Jesus would vote. David: While I certainly can speak for myself in terms of those I think would best lead the United States in the next four years, I wouldn’t want to attempt to speak for Christ on this issue. I think we see a lot of problems when groups and individuals claim to speak for Jesus in politics. The entire title of “The Christian Coalition” is problematic. What if I disagree with one of the platform points of the coalition? Am I not a “Christian” in that case? As Rob Bell points out in his excellent book “Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith” (which our men’s group just finished studying a few weeks ago) we get into trouble when we start calling people and groups “Christians” instead of focusing mainly on being Christ-followers.

I know these distinctions were not explicitly part of your comment, but those thoughts come to mind. I certainly can (and have) written posts about my own political opinions and beliefs, but I shy away from the idea of trying to write or say “This is what Jesus believes” with respect to politics.

Jesus was a revolutionary but he was not a political leader. He did not fit the mold of the messiah which contemporary Jews were looking for, because he did not come as a military leader and conquering king. I certainly agree with the idea that as followers of Christ, we should be vocal and active in politics. We are in the midst of a culture war, and we should not stand by passively. I think we should be careful, however, to not speak beyond our authority. I don’t have authority to definitively say how Jesus would vote.

]]> By: David Stone http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2008/05/18/lesson-plan-on-my-iphone/#comment-10967 David Stone Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:33:00 +0000 http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/?p=59#comment-10967 Wes, (nothing to do with iPhone) In our moment of political Presidential bliss, you should make a post here... Who would Jesus vote for if he were here today? I certainly don't think he would be passive in this matter. I think he would certainly have the kingdom in mind. I just thought it might be a great topic. Have a great day! Wes, (nothing to do with iPhone)

In our moment of political Presidential bliss, you should make a post here…

Who would Jesus vote for if he were here today?

I certainly don’t think he would be passive in this matter. I think he would certainly have the kingdom in mind.

I just thought it might be a great topic. Have a great day!

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