Leigh Sloan will lead a July 12 discussion in Anchorage on how Christians can engage hot-button social and political issues without unnecessarily sowing division. The event is free and open to the public.
“We’ll be discussing how to build unity and love in the body of Christ even when we don’t agree,” a notice for the event states. “It IS possible to bring Jesus and Kingdom principles even into touchy issues like these.”
Sloan, is an Alaska podcaster, coach and consultant at “Brave Nation” where she empowers leaders to create significant cultural reform in their spheres of influence. The aim of the upcoming event is to provide specific keys to use in current relationships. The title of the talk is “Redeeming Politics the Kingdom Way.” The interactive event will also include a presentation from Jennifer Christiansen and James Bowers, who will share how they deal with political differences in their marriage.
The event will be at Coffee & Communitas (12100 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage). Snacks will be provided.
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8 Comments
I think they behind the event will have to find another way advertising this out to Anchorage Church families other than Facebook. The low amount of viewers for the event is dreary. Social media tools are dying… even at its height of popularity Facebook never was effective improving improving peoples social skills and social networking.
I fail to see how a person who believes what the Bible says can communicate nice-nice with someone who believes abortion is OK, or who believes gay marriage or gender bending, or homosexuality in general is OK, or who believes that Biden is a legitimate president and the moral superior to Trump, or who believes that government is the answer to our problems. There are plenty of “Christians” who believe those things, and sure, I can be civil with them, but true discourse is impossible. About all one can do is say, “You are welcome to your opinion, but I cannot agree with you.” and walk away. I can have fellowship with someone who believes differently about baptism, communion, church hierarchy, eschatology, etc., but not with someone who champions what the bible says is blatantly wrong. But good luck with that.
Steve – It is a conundrum I agree. Still, we are commanded to love our neighbor as Christ loves the church and there are ample scriptures regarding the perspective of loving the sinner and hating the sin. Jesus fraternized with sinners. He loved them and spoke truth to them in humility, firmness and love. No, he did not condone bad behavior nor did he shun those wallowing in it. I believe relationship can go a long way in opening the door to heart change. Backed by consistent heart felt prayer. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. While. Not after. Separating ourselves and not seeing the person through their sin and blindness will not change much. Not sure if that helps at all.
I didn’t say we can’t love everyone. Christians must treat everyone as God sees them (II Corinthians 5:16), but Jesus himself said that there are those who can hear and those who cannot. He said not to cast your pearls before swine. 90% of the liberals to whom you express conservative views, even in the most civil and loving way, will reject what you have to say. They are wired differently, and/or have a different world view. In II Corinthians 6:17, Paul said to “come out from among them”, because “there is no fellowship between good and evil, light and darkness”.
I try to leave politics out of the picture when I speak about Christ, but if it comes up, I will say what I believe based on scripture regarding human life, hard work, marriage and sexuality, etc.
But hey, give it a try! Maybe you’ll actually encounter one of the 10% that can be persuaded.
You can’t compromise with the Devil. James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
It is not possible to walk with someone who is travelling on a different path or going a different direction. Friendship is available among peers. Bad associates spoil useful habits. Following the Constitution is a useful habit (among others). Breaking Constitutions is not a goal. Christian’s put God’s Kingdom first. Christian’s life practices are directed by the Holy Scripture. They are attentive to things making for peace and lead productive lives. This and evident attendant blessings may be appealing.
I think you guys are missing the point, you automatically think she’ll talk about getting along with those that are doing evil. Do we no longer follow “innocent until proven guilty”? Or “For what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged”?
These are great comments and I think truly highlight the reason that these types of discussions are absolutely needed during this time time of judgement and contention. My husband and I are speaking tonight specifically to address these issues. The point is that we both love Jesus and serve him and yet that doesn’t mean we always support the same candidate or political way of solving a problem. Although I lean more conservative and my husband leans more liberal- He is 100% the best person I know and I would say a better servant of Christ day in and day out than I am. He works directly with many that are considered “the least of these” in our society. Day in and day out- He shows kindness and compassion and love for all people whether they can give him anything or not. He is often my example and model for how to live out my faith.