Absolutely agree...was and am deeply disturbed by the ways both parties wrap Jesus in the American flag, use Jesus to pimp their political agendas when its convenient and ignore him when its not, and saddened by the ways we have allowed ourselves to be used for political ends. While we certainly cannot disengage from our culture, we need to recognize that the strongest force for transformation in the world (to paraphrase our current president) is not freedom or liberty but the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Until our hearts are transformed, until we start living and following Christ more faithfully, until the church becomes a more authentic in relationship, more transparent about her brokenness, and more faithful to join God in his mission to redeem this world...we just don't have much to say. I long for the day when the church is so faithful to her calling that her very life will be a "political" statement in itself...just like Jesus' life was.

"...am deeply disturbed by the ways both parties wrap Jesus in the American flag, use Jesus to pimp their political agendas when its convenient and ignore him when its not,..."

I completely, and unreservedly agree with this statement, Doug, and it best sums up my observation as well.

Well put. I couldn't agree more. No human institution will ever usher in God's kingdom or the living out of Kingdom values in and through transformed hearts and lives; that is the unique and primary task of the church. Yet to look at most American congregations, you'd hardly know it. We may sing and say, "Seek first the Kingdom of God," but we rarely see it practiced deeply, consistently and thoroughly.

Amazingly well said. I also completely agree with the quote as well as all the comments so far. It encourages me that others see the singular vision that the true Kingdom can give.

thank you,

peace.

What percentage of churches would you say actually think it is their primary job to impact legislation? Maybe we could only guess. I would guess maybe 1/2 of 1%. I'm thinking you could include Rev. Jeremiah Wrights church in that small percentage. I think a greater political problem among believers is the low percentage of them that simply vote regularly. I would say there are probably more churches that feel inhibited for a variety of reasons to even whisper one political word from behind the pulpit.

The reality that believers differ very little from their culture is a different problem. Would you say there is a brand or kind of church that has this problem mostly resolved? Will preaching sermons about radical faith accomplish this, or will systemic change to the assumptions of church life also be required? Can you do church the same way and get different results?

Where in the Great Commision are we commanded to "live out the kingdom?" This sounds like more man-centered works-based theology. Nothing new.

Richard, I think that may be included in the "teaching them to obey everything I commanded you" part of the Great Commission. Making disciplies necessarily implies that the disciples follow their teacher, which is, I think, another way of saying "live out the kingdom."

Jesus taught more than the Great Commission. Living out the kingdom seems to be a part of the prayer Jesus invited us to pray with him which included "Your kingdom come. Your will be done." If that doesn't begin as a prayer of personal submission, how do we pray it for other people and circumstances? Your kingdom come, your will be done -- and start with me.

Tim, nearly everything Jesus taught was about "living out the Kingdom."

"...teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded..."

What you call works-based theology is what Jesus called obeying His commands.

Amen. Thank God for fellow followers like Greg Boyd who clearly articulate the alternative reality of what it means to follow Jesus.

Richard Dennis Miller, if you don't understand that in the Gospel of Matthew, the Great Commission is rooted in the call to follow, the beatitudes, and the ensuing teachings of Jesus for the renewed people of God (or the Sermon on the Mount if you perfer). But it seems you are not able to read the Gospel of Matthew as a whole.

My point is you are putting the cart before the horse. People who do not know the Gospel can't live it. And the Gospel is not about good deeds. You are falling back on a works-based theology.

After being bombarded by both sides about being a "moron","lousy Christian" and "too otherworldly" for not taking an active part in the political process,I finally read a sane comment. Thank you Greg Boyd!
Frank
P.S. "Myth of a Christian Nation" was one of the best books on the subject of church-state relationships ever written in my opinion

Richard, people who have been transformed by the power of the Spirit through the gospel (which is not of works) produce fruit of that transformation in the way they live their lives -namely by Kingdom principles. He is saying he wants his congregation to live out Kingdom principles. Congregations are supposed to be composed of believers...people who have been transformed by the gospel from death to life. I don't see how this is works righteousness. Works righteousness would seem to me to be thinking that your vote in the R column somehow gains you acceptance with God.

PS Please note I do not side with Greg on open theism.