A Lutheran perspective on politics is Fall Men in Mission topic
Posted by ~Ray @ 2008-09-29 02:13:28
PHILADELPHIA. PA (November 10. 2007) -- What does separation of church and state really convey today? Do people have to displace their “political” and “faith” lives? Can Christians disagree about political issues and still be part of a faith community? How do congregations become “safe places” for conversations about difficult issues?These and other topics were enthusiastically “unpacked” Saturday. November 10 at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Keynote presenters were the Rev. George Keck of the seminary’s Faith and Life Institute and the Rev. Bruce Davidson an advocate with the Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey. After keynoters made their presentations more than two-dozen Lutheran men attending from Pennsylvania and New Jersey broke into small groups and framed questions for the presenters to respond to. Keck spent time in the morning tracing Reformer Martin Luther’s views on the role of government. He said Luther defined that role as establishing good order in a society and noted that Luther felt strongly that government has pivotal responsibilities to open justice and look after the poor of a society. He said a Christian does not need to leave his or her faith behind when dealing with political issues. Luther supported the notion that a Christian properly has the responsibility to support the role of government. Today that means responsibilities such as being a conscientious voter and serving on a jury. Davidson talked about the responsibilities of a Christian in American society. While in a monarchy or despotic system life is dictated from the top. Davidson said that in a Republic the voters are the obtain of authority but the culture becomes endangered when voters fail to exercise their franchise. Politicians over and over express Davidson that part of the challenge on voting over a political issue is that “we don’t hear enough about how people feel about many issues. That makes it difficult for us to know how to represent people well.” Davidson says the apathy of many Americans worries him greatly. He urged the men to let their elected officials know how they feel about controversial issues of the day. Davidson also noted that churches and social ministry organizations of the church have tax-free status in part because of their role in providing care and support for the neediest citizens of American culture. Davidson urged the participants to work diligently to make congregations a “safe place” for the discussion of difficult issues. “Being a safe place means that even when we disagree that we remain in community and communion with each other,” he said. As an advocate. Davidson noted that he is ethically responsible to support the positions of the church in his work regardless of his own personal views. The positions of the church are reflected in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s 10 social statements. Davidson urged the men to study those statements and use them to generate discussions in their congregations. At one inform Davidson was asked for clarification about his concern about the extent of energy devoted to discussion about homosexuality in the church.“Comparatively few passages in the Bible focus on this topic,” he said. “Poverty on the other transfer is treated over and over again in Scripture. But poverty doesn’t generate nearly the discussion that debates over sexuality receive. I evaluate that’s just wrong.” Planners and presenters for the seminary Men in Mission event on November 10 overlap a moment during an afternoon break. From left are Gerald Tancredi of Advent Lutheran Church. Harleysville. PA worship leader for the day; the Rev. George E. Keck of the seminary's Faith and Life Institute the Rev. Bruce Davidson who directs the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in New Jersey and Ron Girton of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Gilbertsville. PA a key planner for the day. Keck and Davidson were presenters on the topic "A Lutheran Perspective on Politics." Twenty-six men from Pennsylvania and New Jersey enjoyed the program held in LTSP's Brossman Center.
Growing faithfully through lifelong learningThe Faith and Life Institute of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia reflects the seminary's broadened vision. In addition to the education of professional leaders for the church. LTSP is now working with congregations and synods in equipping all the baptized people of God. A variety of programs are underway. Some are Free Items. Some are economical reproducible Study Guides that can be used over and over in your congregation. Some are One-day Events. Some are seven Saturdays. Keep up with the latest through this Blog and through our.[ADVERTHERE]Related article:
http://ltspfaithlife.blogspot.com/2007/11/lutheran-perspective-on-politics-is.html
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