by Chris Staron | May 25, 2021 | Episodes
Can Christianity and politics mix?
Christians throughout history have responded to politics in different ways. In our modern era, it can seem like Christianity and Republican politics are one and the same. But what do we do when the Bible clashes with our political party? What if our economic model leaves no room for the poor?
Author and theologian Kaitlyn Schiess joins us to talk about her book, “The Liturgy of Politics“, as well as how we can heal as a church. Can Christianity and politics mix? The answer depends on how we see that pairing.
Discussion Questions
- How have you seen politics and Christianity mixing in the US?
- Is there are healthy way for Christians to engage in politics?
- How have your politics informed your ideas of the poor?
- Do you think that all poor people are lazy?
- How can your local church reach out to people who look/speak/act differently that you do?
- How have you see Kaitlyn’s four false gospels play out in your life and church?
- Prosperity
- Patriotism
- Security
- Supremacy
by Chris Staron | May 11, 2021 | Episodes
Christians have long been responsible for racism. Here is how we can resist it.
Do systems really keep minorities down? Even asking the questions sound socialistic to some. But we need to go through our society to root out systems that breed inequality. But how? Sometimes discussions of racism can make us feel helplessly lost.
That’s why I called in an expert.
Jemar Tisby is a Christian speaker, author of “The Color of Compromise” and “How to Fight Racism”. He’s also an important voice in modern America. Even if you don’t agree with everything he writes in his books, it’s important to hear what he’s saying here. What are the systems that separate black and white people? How can we learn to grieve as a people, as a local church, and as a community?
Discussion Questions:
- How can you organize an event at your church (online) to discuss the history of racism in your church, community, schools, and hearts?
- Have you ever stopped to do a racial autobiography? (my questions, not Jemar’s)
- When was the first time you met someone of a different race?
- What did your parents teach you, consciously or unconsciously, about race?
- Have you ever used a racial slur? Why? How did you feel about it then? How do you feel about it now? What is the power of those words?
- Have you ever been afraid of someone from another race? Why? When?
- Do you regularly come in contact with people of a different race?
- How do you feel when you see a police officer? Why might someone else have a different reaction? How did you come to feel that way?
- Are there distinct, racially divided neighborhoods in your area? How did they get there? Do you ever go to a different neighborhood? Why or why not?
- Are discussions of race inherently socialistic?
- Are discussions of class inherently socialistic?
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