Exiles in Democracy: How Should Christians Engage in Politics? (Exile Series)
Release Date: 01/13/2025
A Near Life Experience: The Theology of Disability and Punk Rock Prophets - w/ Dr. Timothy Gombis
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In this episode, Tim and Mike continue the conversation about the complexities of biblical interpretation, exploring how various contexts—textual, cultural, and personal—shape our understanding of scripture. What does "biblical" really mean, and why does it matter in today's world? Mike and Tim explore the "world of the text," the cultural and historical contexts "behind the text," and the modern assumptions we bring "in front of the text." With humor, humility, and intellectual depth, they examine how varying social locations, traditions, and cultural frameworks shape our understanding of...
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How the church responds when Jesus is co-opted by political power, and what it means to faithfully resist using cruciform love. In this latest installment of the Exile Series, Mike and Tim explore recent headlines where government leaders invoke Christianity as a means to assert national identity and justify coercive policies. Rather than offering partisan critique, they unpack the deeper spiritual crisis at work—when the name of Jesus is taken in vain to baptize authoritarianism and cultural dominance. Rooted in Walter Brueggemann’s prophetic framework of “reality, grief, and hope,”...
info_outlineAn insightful exploration of how Christians can navigate political engagement in a democratic society while embracing their identity as exiles. Mike and Tim dive deep into the church's role in politics, discussing whether Christians should seek to transform society through laws and policies or focus on embodying the kingdom of God within their communities. They respond to Sky Jethani's thoughtful critiques, bringing fresh perspectives to the conversation about power, politics, and faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Exile Identity – Understanding how the biblical concept of exile redefines Christian political identity, allegiance, and hope.
- Prayer and Action – Examining the relationship between prayer and practical action in responding to disasters and societal issues.
- Political Power – Analyzing the tension between using political power to influence societal change and the call to live as exiles embodying the kingdom of God.
- Engaging Critiques – Responding to Sky Jethani's questions about Christian political engagement in a democracy where believers hold voting power.
Guest Highlights:
Sky Jethani – Author, speaker, and co-host of The Holy Post Podcast. Sky offers thought-provoking critiques that challenge conventional views on Christian political involvement.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Holy Post Podcast – holypost.com
- Caitlin's Curiosities – A podcast by Caitlin Schess exploring big theological questions with kids.
- The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider – A book discussing how early Christians transformed society through patient faithfulness.
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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
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