Is a Christian responsible for understanding politics?

[Guest Reggie C.]

I do not understand, like or have time for politics. I am guilty of having friends tell me exactly how to vote. My question is this: As a believer in Jesus Christ do I need to make myself get involved with politics. I always have a view on who to vote for President but that is the only election I ever bother with.

[Hunterpoet]

We are all accountable for our actions as well as our inactions, especially when these things affect other people.

[kross]

I do not understand, like or have time for politics. I am guilty of having friends tell me exactly how to vote. My question is this: As a believer in Jesus Christ do I need to make myself get involved with politics. I always have a view on who to vote for President but that is the only election I ever bother with.

NO, as a Christian you are responsible for the spread of the gospel and to do as GOD leads you. Let no-one lay a guilt trip on you if that is what you are doing.

[Axxman]

No...you are not required to politically motivated. However, you correctly identified yourself as guilty by admitting that you just vote for whoever you are told to. If you don't want to be politically minded then don't vote.

[Guest]

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

[MorningGlory]

Politics is a dirty business, Reggie C. You shouldn't feel compelled to be involved if you don't wish to be. And, please, don't vote for someone because friends tell you to do so. (I can't imagine telling someone else how to vote!) Your vote should go to the candidate that best reflects your ideals and beliefs or, if no one fills the bill, don't vote.

[Guest Reggie C.]

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

I am trying to decide what you mean by this verse? Do roll up my sleeves and try to figure out the political world or does this mean God will work out His plan on earth with or without me?

[Guest Reggie C.]

Politics is a dirty business, Reggie C. You shouldn't feel compelled to be involved if you don't wish to be. And, please, don't vote for someone because friends tell you to do so. (I can't imagine telling someone else how to vote!) Your vote should go to the candidate that best reflects your ideals and beliefs or, if no one fills the bill, don't vote.

One of my friends with exact spiritual and moral beliefs loves the whole world of politics. He has time to read, watch the news, and ect...about all the issues and canidates so in the past I have asked him to go down the whole list and tell me who to vote for based on both his and my belief systems...is this so wrong? He did not tell me, I asked him because he does roll up his sleeves and does all the hard work to look at voting records, beliefs, all parts to the bills being pushed through and ect... so what would be the worse part...not to cast a vote at all or vote exaclty like I would if I understood?

Edited December 6, 2008 by Reggie C.

[Guest Reggie C.]

We are all accountable for our actions as well as our inactions, especially when these things affect other people.

This I know is very true which is why I think I am struggling with this so much. My spouse is in the world of finance and stock markets and when I try to understand that it just doesn't compute with me...I am in the medical field so think in very different terms...My whole mindset just doesn't get politics but I do need to vote.

Edited December 6, 2008 by Reggie C.

[Hunterpoet]

We are all accountable for our actions as well as our inactions, especially when these things affect other people.

This I know is very true which is why I think I am struggling with this so much. My spouse is in the world of finance and stock markets and when I try to understand that it just doesn't compute with me...I am in the medical field so think in very different terms...My whole mindset just doesn't get politics but I do need to vote.

I think you may be underestimating yourself. Your spouse spent a long time learning the world of finance, you on the other hand spent allot of time with your specialty. I'm sure she doesn't understand your work world as well as you.

When all else fails ask questions. Listen to talk radio in the mornings, on your way to and from work, read the editorials and metro sections of the newspaper.

The more you do this the more you will understand. Rome didn't rise or fall in one day.

Heres something you could use to get started. When listening to the news, especially the main media, ask yourself, why are they telling me this? A good back up to this is, follow the money..

As a citizen, it is your responsibility to stay informed and get involved, otherwise you will just have to put up with what the ones who do get involved are willing to throw you.

In the end, we are our brothers keeper.