As I wrote in The Biblical Mandate for Political Engagement, Christians were never called to retreat from the public square. The gospel isn’t just about private salvation—it’s about proclaiming Christ’s authority over every sphere of life.
I live in Colorado and HB1213 is a chilling example of what happens when we abandon that call. When preaching repentance risks legal consequences, we’re not facing culture war—we’re confronting spiritual warfare dressed in legislation.
Too many have embraced a kind of “loser theology,” mistaking silence for humility and surrender for faithfulness. But Jesus didn’t tell us to keep our heads down—He commanded us to disciple nations and be salt and light.
The gospel demands public courage. If we don’t stand now, we’ll have nothing left to hand our children but excuses.
Interesting exploration. The fragmentation of Christianity has weakened opportunities for resolve to confront and or influence a wayward society and leadership. There is no real power, what is projected as many voices is not widely supported. For eg, there are many so-called Christian based political movements but they do not agree or represent the majority.
There is one uniting force but most Christians don’t care much for it.
The Bible. Most favour traditional dogma of various flavours instead. No wonder the spirit is missing in action—largely.
Nicely done. Personally, I'm not sure I'm entirely done with the phrase 'Gospel-centered,' but I’m done with the quietism and unwillingness to speak. So much of your story is similar to mine, down to the Galatain's commentary that is still on my shelf (I'll also admit to feeling smug). Like many others, I've had to reassess a lot in the last decade, and now I find myself writing to the legislature to stand against absurd things in a way I never would have a decade ago. I think CRT and Trans tore the veil off the movement and said, "Your strategy sounds nice, but it's spineless and deficient." That was God's mercy.
I, too, am weary of the false dichotomy behind statements I've heard like "we can't speak out about political issues without compromising our gospel-centeredness," or "people don't want to know what we're against, only what we're for" (as if we could be for something without being against its antithesis -- but that's another topic). I've always believed that the more gospel-centered you are, the more politically active and out-spoken you have to be, because the gospel comprehends the entire scheme of the world, including, for example, business, politics, social systems, education, and all relationships. True gospel-centeredness *necessarily* entails speaking the gospel, and living the gospel, and applying the gospel, with all its implications, in each and all of these spheres.
That said, I remain reluctant to throw out everything Tim Keller said about the gospel. (Be gentle. 😉 )
I hear you. I've been conflicted about Keller because I'm loyal to the men who have helped me in the faith. I'm not a Keller-hater. But the fruit of his ministry is pretty clear. It seems that Keller's disciples are to the left of him, and that's something worth noticing. Thanks for the comments.
I've seen the extreme pushover don't get involved extreme, but I've also seen Christians so obsessed with politics and pushing the pledge of allegiance (our allegiance should be to Christ alone) that they don't have any time for the gospel.
We don't want to take ourselves so out of the world that we are no earthly good, but we also don't want to be so focused on politics and politicians that they become an idol that draws our attention away from Jesus.
We need to speak the truth in love and not withhold the truth.
Excellent points are made throughout your piece.
As I wrote in The Biblical Mandate for Political Engagement, Christians were never called to retreat from the public square. The gospel isn’t just about private salvation—it’s about proclaiming Christ’s authority over every sphere of life.
I live in Colorado and HB1213 is a chilling example of what happens when we abandon that call. When preaching repentance risks legal consequences, we’re not facing culture war—we’re confronting spiritual warfare dressed in legislation.
Too many have embraced a kind of “loser theology,” mistaking silence for humility and surrender for faithfulness. But Jesus didn’t tell us to keep our heads down—He commanded us to disciple nations and be salt and light.
The gospel demands public courage. If we don’t stand now, we’ll have nothing left to hand our children but excuses.
https://open.substack.com/pub/hancman/p/the-biblical-mandate-for-political?r=kt3p8&utm_medium=ios
Interesting exploration. The fragmentation of Christianity has weakened opportunities for resolve to confront and or influence a wayward society and leadership. There is no real power, what is projected as many voices is not widely supported. For eg, there are many so-called Christian based political movements but they do not agree or represent the majority.
There is one uniting force but most Christians don’t care much for it.
The Bible. Most favour traditional dogma of various flavours instead. No wonder the spirit is missing in action—largely.
Nicely done. Personally, I'm not sure I'm entirely done with the phrase 'Gospel-centered,' but I’m done with the quietism and unwillingness to speak. So much of your story is similar to mine, down to the Galatain's commentary that is still on my shelf (I'll also admit to feeling smug). Like many others, I've had to reassess a lot in the last decade, and now I find myself writing to the legislature to stand against absurd things in a way I never would have a decade ago. I think CRT and Trans tore the veil off the movement and said, "Your strategy sounds nice, but it's spineless and deficient." That was God's mercy.
Good article, Michael. Thanks for sharing it.
I, too, am weary of the false dichotomy behind statements I've heard like "we can't speak out about political issues without compromising our gospel-centeredness," or "people don't want to know what we're against, only what we're for" (as if we could be for something without being against its antithesis -- but that's another topic). I've always believed that the more gospel-centered you are, the more politically active and out-spoken you have to be, because the gospel comprehends the entire scheme of the world, including, for example, business, politics, social systems, education, and all relationships. True gospel-centeredness *necessarily* entails speaking the gospel, and living the gospel, and applying the gospel, with all its implications, in each and all of these spheres.
That said, I remain reluctant to throw out everything Tim Keller said about the gospel. (Be gentle. 😉 )
I hear you. I've been conflicted about Keller because I'm loyal to the men who have helped me in the faith. I'm not a Keller-hater. But the fruit of his ministry is pretty clear. It seems that Keller's disciples are to the left of him, and that's something worth noticing. Thanks for the comments.
Wisdom Grace Love and Glory
Mercy and Truth ❤️🩹 🌐 ✨
One day at a time Amigo.....
Thanks man!
I've seen the extreme pushover don't get involved extreme, but I've also seen Christians so obsessed with politics and pushing the pledge of allegiance (our allegiance should be to Christ alone) that they don't have any time for the gospel.
We don't want to take ourselves so out of the world that we are no earthly good, but we also don't want to be so focused on politics and politicians that they become an idol that draws our attention away from Jesus.
We need to speak the truth in love and not withhold the truth.