At a Glance
How should a biblical worldview inform our cultural engagement in this time of social crisis? Today’s honored guest, Dr. Wayne Grudem, is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary and author of more than 20 books, including Systematic Theology. Join us as we hear Dr. Wayne Grudem’s heart for today’s world. Our discussion covers everything from the recent attack on Israel, the 2024 election, a theology of work, politics in the pulpit, and the question of whether Christians should move from one state to another due to political alignment. How can and should Christians practically engage in the areas God has placed us at this time in history? There are obvious pitfalls to avoid when engaging in our cultures, but we often overcompensate in avoidance and neglect our call to influence culture. We hope you enjoy this practical, raw, honest episode as much as we did.
What You'll Hear
- Introduction to Wayne Grudem (1:46)
- How should Christians engage in politics? (16:07)
- Reflecting on the recent invasion of Israel (21:30)
- Should we Christianize our culture? (25:47)
- Are we to disciple the nations? (42:02)
- The role of the Holy Spirit in cultural engagement (45:18)
- Should we move states over political stances? (52:47)
- Conclusion (57:39)
Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He is a graduate of Harvard (BA), Westminster Seminary-Philadelphia (MDiv, DD), and the University of Cambridge (PhD). He has served as the president of the Evangelical Theological Society (1999), as a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, and was the General Editor for the ESV Study Bible (2008). He has written more than 20 books, including Systematic Theology, The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today, Business for the Glory of God, Politics According to the Bible, and (with Barry Asmus) The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution. He also co-edited (with John Piper) Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
Learn more about Wayne Grudem and find access to articles, lectures, and links to purchase his books at waynegrudem.com
Some of our favorite books from Dr. Grudem include:
Using the link above, you can read the transcript, listen along, and adjust the speed of the podcast while you listen.
"So God's purpose for us is not only to be born again and go to heaven when we die. It's to do good works on earth while we are living here, and that means to love our neighbors ourselves."
Wayne Grudem (32:36)
Quotes
- 20:42 “And so it’s not at the end of the day about being partisan. It’s about being faithful to the Scriptures and the political arena.” Scott Allen
- 23:44 “I don’t think God is going to let the Jewish people be destroyed. He’s going to bring them by the millions into the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.” Dr. Grudem
- 28:42 “Throughout history, since the founding of the church in the first century, Christians have had influence on government for good.” Dr. Grudem
- 28:53 “Just as Christians have influenced the way people do business, about honesty and integrity and concern for quality and the well-being of the customer–just as Christians have influenced the art world… I think of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s great Christian music. Christians have influenced art, music, business, education, building schools, promoting literacy for girls as well as boys, because it’s important for both boys and girls, who are moms and dads eventually to be able to read the Bible and teach their children.” Dr. Grudem
- 32:36 “So God’s purpose for us is not only to be born again and go to heaven when we die. It’s to do good works on earth while we are living here, and that means to love our neighbors ourselves.” Dr. Grudem
- 33:41 “Now, if I love my neighbors as myself, I want good for my neighbor. I want good healthcare systems. I want good schools. I want wholesome and upbuilding, art and music. I want good business practices, I want freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, those freedoms that are guaranteed in our constitution… I want separation of powers and government to prevent people from gaining excessive power. In other words, I think the gospel comes and gives personal salvation, and then the whole counsel of God and Scripture begins to transform all of culture in every aspect, in every corner of life, and I don’t see why we refrain from doing that.” Dr. Grudem
- 39:12 “But now we have the opportunity to say we want to influence government for good. But we should never, ever support an idea that we should compel religion and compel adherence to Christianity, and the reason for that is that genuine faith cannot be forced.” Dr. Grudem
Go Deeper
The Monday Church Course
The Church should be activated, not only on Sunday mornings, but every day of the week. We are the people of Christ on mission in every sphere of society. In the Monday Church course, you will be encouraged to see your specific vocation and your daily work as intentional and significant for the service of man, the blessing of the nations, and the glory of God.
