Can your vote actually make a difference? Can we take part in presencing the Kingdom of God on earth...even in politics?

This episode of Found (the fourth in the "Faith in Politics" series) examines the Societal Transformation view, a powerful approach to civic engagement for Jesus-followers. Hosts Linda Tokar and Brandon Bathauer explore unpack how some Christians view their faith as a driving force to actively shape the world around them. We'll explore these questions as we examine the biblical basis, historical figures, and real-world applications of this approach.

Get ready to wrestle with the challenges and the potential of societal transformation. We'll uncover the strengths of actively engaging our faith with culture and politics, while also acknowledging the potential pitfalls of this approach. We'll discuss how to balance our desire for social reform with the need for personal spiritual transformation. Prepare for thought-provoking insights and practical examples that will equip you to engage with this election season (and beyond) in a way that is both faithful and effective.

Areas of Deeper Study

• "Sphere Sovereignty": Concept developed by Abraham Kuyper
• "Inaugurated Eschatology": Theological view of God's Kingdom as already present but not yet fully realized.
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Lutheran pastor and theologian known for his resistance to the Nazi regime. Pick up one of many great biographies on his life, including the accessible Eric Metaxas biography.
• William Wilberforce: British politician who played a key role in abolishing the slave trade. "Amazing Grace" is a helpful film to get a glimpse of his life.

Books Mentioned

• Ethics by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• UnChristian and Good Faith with Gabe Lyons and David Kinnaman

Is it possible to be a faithful Christian and still engage in a political system that feels at odds with your values?

This episode of Found (the third in the "Faith in Politics" series) examines the Two Kingdoms view, a perspective that seeks to navigate the tension between faith and politics. Hosts Linda Tokar and Brandon Bathauer explore how this approach, also known as the sacred-secular divide, allows Christians to participate in the civic sphere without compromising their beliefs. They explain how this view envisions two distinct realms: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world.

Learn how this view emerged in Christian history, highlighting the influential ideas of Martin Luther and Augustine of Hippo. Examine key biblical passages, such as Romans 13:1-7 and Matthew 22:17-22, that are often cited in support of this perspective.

Suggested Resources for further study:

Martin Luther: "On Secular Authority"

Augustine of Hippo: "City of God"

David VanDrunen: "Living in God’s Two Kingdoms"

For updates on important events, visit https://saddleback.com/found and join the Found community! For any questions, email us at formation@saddleback.com .

Is your vote a tool for change or simply participation in a corrupt system? Do you feel a tension between engaging with a broken world and protecting your faith from its influence?

This episode of Found (the second in the "Faith in Politics" series) grapples with these very questions as hosts Linda Tokar and Brandon Bathauer explore the idea of "separation as faithfulness." Discover why a growing number of Christians are choosing to disengage from the political sphere, citing reasons like distrust in candidates, a sense of powerlessness, and concern about the world's corrupting influence. Through insightful analysis of recent studies and statistics, the hosts unpack the motivations behind this perspective and what it means to live faithfully in a world that often feels at odds with Christian values.

Journey through the history of Christianity and discover how groups like the Essenes, monastic movements, and Anabaptists embraced separation as a means of preserving their faith. Explore the writings of influential thinkers like Menno Simons, John Howard Yoder, Rod Dreher, and C. Kavin Rowe, and see how their ideas have shaped the modern understanding of this approach. The hosts examine key biblical passages that both support and challenge the idea of separation, sparking a thought-provoking discussion about the role of Christians in the public square. Is withdrawing from the world the best way to protect one's faith and live according to Christ's teachings, or is there a path to engage meaningfully without being corrupted?

Suggested Resources for further study:

Menno Simons: A good starting point is The Complete Writings of Menno Simons translated by Leonard Verduin.

John Howard Yoder: His most famous work is The Politics of Jesus, which explores pacifism and Christian engagement in the world.

Rod Dreher: His book The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation advocates for building resilient Christian communities in response to a perceived decline in Western culture.

C. Kavin Rowe: The World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age examines the early Church's response to Roman power and provides a framework for understanding Christian witness in a challenging world.

For updates on important events, visit https://saddleback.com/found and join the Found community! For any questions, email us at formation@saddleback.com .