At a Glance
Should Christians engage in politics? Of course, but how? In this episode, Richard Nelson, author of Christianity and Politics and President of the Commonwealth Policy Center, tackles this critical question. Historically and still today, Christians often fall into one of three inappropriate approaches to political engagement: they avoid politics as irrelevant to “more important” spiritual matters; strive for neutrality by avoiding alignment with any party or candidate; or they focus solely on allegiance to Jesus as King, seeking to ignore earthly government and rulers.
Richard eloquently challenges these views, emphasizing how God’s sovereignty extends to politics and culture. He highlights a biblical approach to issues like free speech, the sanctity of life, religious freedom, and fiscal responsibility. Like it or not, the Bible is deeply political, and its principles should guide all public engagement.
Richard Nelson
Richard Nelson is the founder and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Policy Center. He’s served on numerous boards including the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Hopkinsville Community College Board (chair 2020-2021), Kentucky Council on Environmental Education, Pennyrile Christian Community Board (chair 2018-2021), and Trigg County Hospital Corporation Board. Richard was elected to the Trigg County Fiscal Court as magistrate in 2010 and served until 2014. He’s an active member of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort.
Richard’s previous employment includes: Field biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jamestown, ND; Research Assistant in the Wisconsin State Capitol; Policy Analyst for Family Research Institute of Wisconsin; Field Representative and Policy Analyst with the Family Foundation. He graduated with a triple major BS in biology, wildlife management, and resource management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1992 and earned a Master of Arts in public policy from Regent University in 1995.
He is certified by the Wildlife Society as a wildlife biologist and certified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a secondary education teacher in environmental science.
Richard is an outdoors enthusiast and formerly ran an award-winning taxidermy studio in Cadiz, KY. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. Father of three girls and a boy, he resides in Franklin County with his wife Bobby Jo on Dry Ridge Farm.
What You'll Hear
Using the link above, you can read the transcript or listen along while highlighted text follows the podcast audio.
"If a congregation is rooted, Sunday after Sunday in sermons and teachings that reflect a biblical paradigm and biblical principles, you don’t need to tell them how to vote."
Darrow Miller (39:26)
Quotes
Go Deeper
Richard Nelson
The gospel, graciously delivered, can change everything.
Even in politics.
Do you feel compelled to run for political office but aren’t sure how or where to begin? Are you a pastor wondering how to address sensitive political issues with your church? Have you felt uncertain in the voting booth and wondered how to fulfill your civic duties without violating your conscience? Do you want to know how to speak to—and be heard by—your local city council or school board?
Sharing from decades of experience working to shape public policy, Richard Nelson offers this practical field guide for Christians who want guidance about how to engage in politics in a God-honoring and biblical manner. Christianity & Politics outlines Richard’s work founding the Commonwealth Policy Center and ultimately changing the political landscape for generations of Kentuckians. If you are a Christian entering the public square at any level, or desire to see Christ-honoring policies framed into statute, this book is for you.
When the principles of the Bible are understood as a comprehensive worldview, it has tremendous power to work transformation in individuals, families, communities, and even nations. Too often, Christians are ineffective because they have absorbed cultural thinking that is not in alignment with truth.
Not all worldviews are equal. Some lead to brokenness and poverty, while the biblical worldview leads to God’s intended flourishing and the blessing of the nations. Our Kingdomizer Training Program can help you understand the biblical worldview and discover areas in your own thinking that need to be transformed by God’s Word.
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