Pastor Tim Keller thinks “many American Evangelicals have no coherent understanding of how to relate the Bible to politics.” He made this lament on Twitter, posting it as part of his argument that “Churches should not destroy unity or fellowship over political differences.” It seems this inability to connect Biblical truth to the political sphere leads to such destruction.Another way to put the problem is to say that American Evangelicals do not know how to engage in political theology. For political theology seeks to relate the Bible to politics. It begins with submission to God through His revelation, with Scripture as the highest revelatory authority. Political theology then uses this lens to consider the essential questions of politics, such as who should rule, for what purposes, and by what means. It next takes those big concerns and applies them to one’s own political society, seeking through prudence to mold policies that fit Biblical principle to local circumstance.
Keller got this part right. American Evangelicals, really many American Christians, lack a coherent political theology. Yet Keller’s own comments place him among them. Moreover, in his critique, Keller offered no alternative principles for thinking and acting Biblically in the political sphere. Granted, a tweet threads is not the best forum for making that case, given the nuance required. However, some hint of a direction would have been appropriate.
Source: Tim Keller, Abortion, and Politics – American Reformer
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