We have the obligation to be sure that justice, peace, and righteousness remain the higher standard by which the state is held accountable rather than aiding and abetting the state to redefine and co-opt that standard.
Politics
I Wonder if Greg Gianforte Knows that Montana is not a “Biblical Concept” (or, fun with politicians quoting the Bible)
“The concept of retirement is not a biblical.” Another American political leader with Bible in hand ready to speak truth.
Is it OK for Christians to protest against their political leaders?
Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yes, of course, silly person. Just don’t break things. I’ll go a bit further. It is the Christian’s duty in civic affairs to hold powers to account when they see injustice done. There is more than one way of doing that, of course, and participating in or organizing massive protests is one of those ways. […]
a quick thought about true Christian responsibility in voting for a president
I’ll make this short. In a public lecture given in 2011, N. T. Wright (“Kingdom and Cross”—which I make my Bible intro students watch every year) talks about the American Evangelical tendency to get tied up with power and place false hope in the political system. The true Christian responsibility, Wright reminds us, is not […]
10 probing and penetrating reasons why Christians should not vote for Donald Trump
1. Trump is completely crazy.* 2. Trump doesn’t even have hinges to become unhinged.# 3. Trump just can’t keep it zipped. His mouth, too.@ 4. Why are we even discussing this? 5. Sweet Jesus, do something. 6. Just look at his eyes, people. Look. at. them. 7. Dear God, are you there? It’s me, Pete. 8. I […]
The Time Falwell, Jr. Reinforced Sexism by Renouncing Sexism
by Jared Byas Yesterday, Sarah Pulliam Bailey published a Washington Post piece on Jerry Falwell’s defense of Trump in spite of his recently revealed lewd comments. Of course, predictably, Falwell pulled the “we’re all sinners” card, which is conveniently pulled out when we need to get out of an ethical jam but promptly put away […]
4 thoughts on the anti-Christian “prayer and benediction” at the RNC 2016 (or, Christianity 101 for politicians)
I did not watch the RNC opening yesterday. I was way behind rearranging the kitchen cupboards and reorganizing my socks and underwear drawer, and knew if I didn’t get those done my life would be complete chaos. I also think the Republican party has lost its mind and I have enough crazy in my life without adding […]
10 reasons why Christians should not vote for Donald Trump
1. Trump is crazy.* 2. Trump is completely crazy.# 3. Trump is cray cray.@ 4. Why are we even discussing this? 5. Sweet Jesus, do something. 6. Just look at his eyes, people. His eyes. 7. Dear God, are you there? It’s me, Pete. 8. I watch him talk and I’m like, “Whoa, no way. Seriously?” 9. Won’t […]
Making Fear Reasonable
by Jared Byas Granted: The Bible’s stance on violence is ambiguous at best. That’s why if you read it as a Biblicist, as Pete describes it, you might genuinely think God wants us to violently defend our nation-state against foreign enemies. I mean, it is right there in the Bible. Alternatively, if you read it […]
what is it with evangelicals and politics?
I blog, with great fear and trembling, on politics every so often, a couple of times year maybe, when it intersects with matters of the Bible or Christian faith that I feel strongly about. And each time before pressing “publish” I ask myself, “Do you really want to do this? Don’t you remember last time?” But I do […]
