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My church is launching a sermon series on political and social issues, with a church-wide discussion forum after each sermon. The sermon topics will be:
The church and its clergy are generally center-left to far left-wing.
Anyone in town is welcome, and people who have families and time-consuming jobs generally don't go to "discussion forums" (where people will just have Q&A).
Doesn't this sound like a TERRIBLE idea? Based on my long history in that church, I know that there will be one-sided sermons that, while not overtly partisan, will just be the speaker's view of a political issue, with limited Biblical analysis, and nothing about personal spiritual growth.
Wouldn't it be better for sermons to focus on personal spiritual development, or even just Scriptural analysis of the Bible (chapter by chapter) and what it means for us today?
The principles Jesus taught are meant to be applied in the world we live in. An intention to discern how the spirit would best be followed would be an excellent thing if it could be in our political climate. It is unfortunate that many of us proceed from closely held ideas about that not open to checking what others have to say. If the various agendas can be contained I'd say go for it.
There was a time when churches honored the law (I think it's the Johnson act, or something like that) which forbids tax exempt organizations from dabbling in politics. But that was a long time ago when it was taken seriously.
My church is launching a sermon series on political and social issues, with a church-wide discussion forum after each sermon. The sermon topics will be:
The church and its clergy are generally center-left to far left-wing.
Anyone in town is welcome, and people who have families and time-consuming jobs generally don't go to "discussion forums" (where people will just have Q&A).
Doesn't this sound like a TERRIBLE idea? Based on my long history in that church, I know that there will be one-sided sermons that, while not overtly partisan, will just be the speaker's view of a political issue, with limited Biblical analysis, and nothing about personal spiritual growth.
Wouldn't it be better for sermons to focus on personal spiritual development, or even just Scriptural analysis of the Bible (chapter by chapter) and what it means for us today?
Or would you go for this?
So what's the purpose?
If an assembly defines itself as Christ centered, the focus should be to glorify god, or striving to advance His kingdom.
How will bringing forth these topics help?
I am not presuming that it can't be done - I am just asking the question.
"The reason the church often has so little influence in the world, is that the world has so much influence in the church" C. Spurgeon
Christianity can and should speak to modern social issues, but, not to the degree where the speaker's political bias exceeds their Biblical and Christ-centered focus. You didn't say what 'church' you are in, but, several of your comments suggest that Christ and Scripture are more of a 'backdrop' for political opinions, than center stage.
My church is launching a sermon series on political and social issues, with a church-wide discussion forum after each sermon. The sermon topics will be:
The church and its clergy are generally center-left to far left-wing.
Anyone in town is welcome, and people who have families and time-consuming jobs generally don't go to "discussion forums" (where people will just have Q&A).
Doesn't this sound like a TERRIBLE idea? Based on my long history in that church, I know that there will be one-sided sermons that, while not overtly partisan, will just be the speaker's view of a political issue, with limited Biblical analysis, and nothing about personal spiritual growth.
Wouldn't it be better for sermons to focus on personal spiritual development, or even just Scriptural analysis of the Bible (chapter by chapter) and what it means for us today?
Or would you go for this?
Your church is a man made church.
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