Engaging Religion and Culture

[Amanda]

1. I think the number one thing to do is to always look to Scripture if you are unsure. In the case that an issue isn't directly addressed in the Bible, then I think it's an appropriate time to exercise the fruits of the Spirit within us. Are you displaying love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

2. This is such a complicated question. Personally, I do believe in church and state remaining separate, which I know can be controversial. I do not believe in coercing others to follow a religion, even one that I myself follow. It is not genuine then, and God gives us the choice for a reason. He values free will, as do I, because it allows us to truly understand why we must follow Him. That being said, I also think it is our responsibility to vote in a Christian manner. Assess each policy individually, each politician individually, and understand how they impact lives in a Biblical or non-Biblical way, if that makes sense. I see a lot of people falling into the trap of just backing a party because of a solitary issue or because of the perception around the party, and I do not think that that is what we should do. Christians are to follow the truth, and how can we do so if we don't even know the basis of what we're following? Our allegiance is not to a particular political party. Compare and contrast with the Word first, not what the voices around you are saying. That being said, I also think that there is some nuance here as well. Sometimes we may have to compromise here and there. I think of it as public transit – if there isn't a bus going exactly where you want to go, get on the way that will drop you off closest.