Model AModel BModel CMotto /Motif Political WithdrawalAdvocacy & ProtestCreative Peace-MakingFocus of politicaldiscipleship
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Inner spirituality andstruggles with the flesh
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Virtually ignores politicscompletely, apart fromintercession
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“Political change willhappen in God’s time; Hewill raise up leadersaccording to His will”
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Challenging andcondemning injustice
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Working with political parties (usually theOpposition)
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“The Church missionalmust act to stop injustice;God is calling us to speak prophetically against political darkness”
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Reconciliation andforgiveness for all
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Working with political parties to balance protestswith peace-making
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“The Church must protestvia our suffering efforts toreconcile with the enemy;God is calling us to a newform of power, the power of love and forgiveness”
Key Verses
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“Let every soul be subjectto the higher powers. For no power exists exceptthat which is from God:the powers that exist areordained by God.Therefore whoever resiststhe authority resists theordinance of God, andthose who resist will bring judgment onthemselves.” (Romans13:1-2)
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“For we wrestle notagainst flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers, againstthe rulers of the darknessof this world, againstspiritual wickedness inhigh places.” (Ephesians6:12)
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“He has showed you, Oman, what is good. Andwhat does the LORDrequire of you? To act justlyand to love mercy and towalk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
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“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptableto the Lord thansacrifice….The violence of the wicked will sweep themaway, because they refuseto do what is just” (Prov21:3,7)
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“Love your enemy and prayfor those who persecuteyou” (Matthew 5:43-48)
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“Do not take revenge, myfriends, but leave room for God's wrath…Do not beovercome by evil, butovercome evil with good.”(Romans 12:19,21)
What aboutsystemicinjustice?
“We should pray and repentvicariously”“We must act and speak prophetically against theoppressors”“We must change the hearts of the oppressors through our loveand forgiveness
ShouldChristiansattendcandlelightvigils orsimilarevents?
“No! As this will distractfrom the main task of evangelism, tempt them to sin by going too far and exposethem to picking up the wrongspirit of the other protestersand missing the real purposeof the Church. When heartschange, political structureswill follow suit”“Absolutely! This willencourage solidarity with thevictims, nurture hearts of compassion and for justice and bring the church into and
for
the world”“Sure, solidarity with victimsand protests against injustice isimportant but so isdemonstrating a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliationwith enemies”
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