Newsgroups: aus.religion.christian

Subject: Christians and politics

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997

CANADIAN LEADER SAYS CHRISTIANS MUST SERVE, NOT DICTATE

VIEWS

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. (EP) — Serving others rather than

dictating views should become the primary goal for North

American Christians.

Speaking at the World Evangelical Assembly recently held in

Abbotsford, British Columbia, Dr. Brian Stiller noted that

Jesus could have used political power when facing Pontius

Pilate and death but chose not to do so. Instead, Jesus

demonstrated a servant’s attitude by washing his disciples’

feet.

Stiller said North American believers struggle with the

concepts that their values are crucial to national life and

become frustrated over being excluded from political

dialogue. In addition, Stiller said many are confused over

how to live out the Gospel in a Christ-like fashion.

“We have been politicized: over the past few decades we have

resorted to make every stand a political view. Conservative

Christians too often show intolerance and self-centeredness,

but this is not Jesus’ way,” declared Stiller. Instead,

Stiller suggests, Christians should follow Christ’s model of

servanthood. Christ’s towel was a symbol that “would topple

the mighty power of Rome.”

Though evangelical Christians believe societies need strong

biblical leadership, Stiller warned, “We must be careful of

our methods. Don’t make the kingdom of God synonymous with

our society. Our ways are different from others, and our

attitudes must disarm those who believe that we are simply

another noisy interest group.” (Maranatha Christian

Journal, www.pe.net)

Shalom! Rowland Croucher