Christianity, at its core, is about love of neighbor. But really, what does that mean? In our increasingly divisive country, that can feel challenging if not downright impossible. And if you find yourself confused about what Christianity and the teachings of Jesus say (and don’t say) about some of the pressing issues facing our country today, you are not alone! 

Part of today’s confusion is due to some very sophisticated and deliberate attempts to reframe and redefine Christianity in ways that isn’t liberal or conservative ideology, it’s extreme. It’s also slick and convincing. No wonder so many of us are having a hard time figuring out “what Jesus would do.”

But slick and convincing doesn’t mean it’s true or true to Christianity. So we decided to try to cut through the bluster and get to what Christianity actually says about key issues in this most consequential election, at a time when we all could use some insight and good gospel guidance. Tapping into a wide range of sources and expertise, we boiled it all down to help each of us find our own clarity in our messy world. (Each issue summary is a 3-4 minute read.)

Why did we do this? Because no matter our politics, Christians do want to make informed choices in ways that align with our values and preserve the security of our families, freedoms, faith, and our futures. For those who think the church “shouldn’t get political,” Jesus was political, so is the church, and so is your vote. So let’s not let anyone dictate our thoughts before we think them for ourselves. 

We start with some sage advice. Walter Brueggemann is one of the world’s most influential Bible scholars and author of more than 100 books. He notes the Bible contains many lessons, and we are meant to take away the best of its wisdom. But it also contains all sorts of voices contrary to the Gospel’s message of love, mercy, and justice, and a purely literal interpretation, warns Brueggemann, “is a dangerous threat to the faith of the church.” 

We invite you to learn more about climate change, immigration, reproductive health, Christian nationalism, economy, race, guns, LGBT, and a “final thought” on Christian leadership.

Right, left, center or apolitical? As Christians, if we are going to make informed choices that align with our values, we need to be aware of falsehoods being perpetrated in Jesus’ name. Click Here for a quick take on some of those myths.

We know how hard it is to come up with fresh sermons each week. Take Back Christianity has condensed an array of thoughtful and theologically-rooted sermon starters focused on 8 core election issues, plus a bonus section on the Christian call to leadership. We invite you to peruse and use these resources, as you use your voice to help create a better world for our Christian faith and our nation. Click Here for Sermon Starters

Special thanks to Sermon Starter Contributors:

  • Patrick Carolan
  • Shane Claiborne
  • Robert D. Cornwall
  • Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly
  • Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
  • Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines
  • Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews
  • Rev. Kendal McBroom
  • Brian McLaren
  • Rev. Marshela Salgado
  • Rev. Jim Wallis
  • Roger Wosley
  • And very special thanks to the prolific Rev. Dr. Mark Sandlin

Remember that time Satan tempted Jesus in the desert by offering him complete political authority? [Luke 4:5-8] Think of the power he would have had! But Jesus didn’t take it. Instead he showed us the character of good leadership and he showed us how to lead with love, dignity, humility, and justice. Leadership permeates every issue explored by Take Back Christianity, and of course many more. Scripture has a whole lot to say about the character of good leaders and leadership and it adds up to two words: servant leadership.

When today’s politicians are turned into prophets, that’s a problem. The servant leader becomes the served. Extremists hold onto a myth that some leaders are prophet-like: ordained by God, above the law, and even their weaknesses and misdeeds are part of God’s plan. They seek to control Christians who they think are weak, and question the Christian identity and allegiance of those who do not speak, act, and vote as they demand. They control through division, fear, anger, and greed, and they sap the jubilation of life. Even violence becomes a Godly mission by Christian soldiers who follow Jesus, the “warrior-king.” These leaders are a clear threat to Christianity. And our American Democracy. 

We know that is not what Jesus would do. Christianity, the Bible, and Jesus are all very clear that leaders are in the service of others, not the other way around. [Luke 4:5-8, Luke 22:26, Matthew 20:26, Proverbs 29:2, Mark 10:45, Luke 1] Likewise, Romans 13 puts government in its place. Governments are institutions for maintaining public order, they are not divine. Nations will, however, be judged for their policies: “All the nations will be gathered before him…” [Matthew 25:32]

Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat summarizes where are world is right now: “Warmongers, terrorists, fundamentalists and autocrats are all dedicated to chaos, repression, and hatred: these overlapping categories of people cause and benefit from spirals of violence… What they fear most is not war, but peace and understanding. Action based on the mindset of an eye for an eye blinds everyone, and that is how they like it.”

Jesus gave sight to the blind [John 9:1-7]. Christians want to make choices that align with our values and preserve the security of our families, freedoms, faith, and our futures. Authoritarians and their followers say otherwise. Each of us can open our eyes by being better informed, then take a more active role in choosing our servant leaders and how our country will be led.

Take Back Christianity offers a few steps to consider:

  • First, ask yourself: Are our leaders working toward the Common Good or their own good? Are their policies in the service of others? How are they in the service of you, your family, and your community?
  • Second, think about diversifying the media you watch, read, and listen to. There’s nothing threatening about broadening your intake of information. It is the limitation of information that poses the threat.
  • Third, don’t sit this one out. Not voting is still voting. Except up and down the ballot, you’re giving your voice and vote to someone not aligned with your values.
  • Fourth, as followers of Jesus, we’re called to assure the health and welfare of all. That is love of neighbor. If what you read here resonates with you, take these values with you into your church and community, then take them into the voting booth. Let we who say we are Christian be who we say we are.

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