Dr. Amy Black
By Suzanne O'Keeffe, 700 Club Interactive
CBN.com –CHRISTIANS TALK POLITICS
It's been said that politics and religion don't mix, but Dr. Amy Black has written a book that instructs the approach Christians should take in order to show respect for others and demonstrate love regardless of the party and matters being debated. Dr. Black pleads and proves the case for Christians to act with a "sense of civility" as we dialogue political and social issues. The point of discussion is not to push your agenda until the person with whom you are talking becomes red faced and frustrated, or drive them to the point where they simply shut down and turn away from the discussion. Equally as important, Christians should not bury their heads and avoid debates from fear of confrontation. Christians need to become well informed on the current issues, understand what it is we believe in and approach discussions with grace and balance. Dr. Black wants people to know there is a Godly manner to address political issues. She says we are not called to be caught up in all the commotion and confusion but, "we are called to righteousness." Dr. Black discusses tools to help people have a better understanding of politics and how to engage in a reasonable discussion. Important is the wisdom to know we do not have to act as though we have an answer for every question, we don't have to win every dialogue but we should display respect, humility and love as we engage others in the discussion of "red or blue" politics.
TONES OF ENGAGEMENT
Arrogant, disparaging, and scornful attitudes have been seen in Christians and decency set aside in order to pick up the boxing gloves to duke it out in the political arena. Dr. Black uses Paul's contrast of the fruits of the spirit vs. the "acts of the flesh" and his exhortation to Christians to avoid "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy" to prove her point. In her book Honoring God in Red or Blue she acknowledges that government provides a common good and welfare through public services, laws and judicial services however; there is still the importance of religious liberty and the right to share said beliefs.
Dr. Black advises Christians to create distance from the religious "righteous indignation" that this country is founded as a Christian nation. We should allow people of other faiths experience the same freedom of religion that we expect for ourselves. As Christians we should ask ourselves how we want to be treated. Politics does not have to be a "dirty word" but there is and has been a growing disdain for it as society grows weary of the "spinning wheels" discussions. The topic is no longer polite; now opponents attacking in full blown aggression becoming a diatribe. This current behavior is largely contributed to fear. When the government makes decisions that are the opposite direction of what we believe as the right way, we tend to think it is a "lost cause." Christians need to follow what she describes as the most common command of the Bible, "fear not."
According to Dr. Black our best position is to be passionate and strong, but be willing to pay attention and understand where others are coming from and hopefully we will learn and teach one another. The goal is not necessarily to change their minds but to model the genuine love of Christ. She closed a recent interview saying, "I see politics as an amazing opportunity for Christian witness."