ABOUT
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10
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Thank you for taking the time to read this blog! I originally created this as a way to write and open discussion around areas of Christian and political interaction that I felt were lacking. It seems to me that many who are taking the lead and being vocal in their criticism of the church have already left the church, which I do not plan to do, and I do not discount their perspective, but I thought it was important to add the perspective of someone still inside. On the flip side, some of those within who are addressing these topics seem to have taken a reductionist view of these complex issues. Staking their claim and not leaving room for dissent on topics that are not Biblically mandated.
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What this blog has become is a place where myself, and others who believe similarly, are wrestling with these difficult topics. We definitely do not have the answers to everything, but we are seeking to live in this world as Christ has called us to, the best way we can. This includes staying true to certain doctrinal positions, like those listed below, and trying to apply the revealed word of God to everyday situations. In this blog we plan to ask tough questions and seek the best answers we can, I hope as you read you feel that same freedom and never shy from bringing your doubts and fears here. We're all humans trying to figure out some very complex topics. Thank you for reading, thank you for showing grace as we try to live as Christ has called us, and always know that I love you.
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- Travis
STATEMENTS AFFIRMED
THE NICENE CREED
324/381 - Council of Nicaea/Constantinople
THE BARMEN DECLARATION
1934 - German Confessing Church
The faith statements listed above are from various church leaders at various points in church history. Each of them is foundational to the beliefs of those who write here and help us to have a right understanding of this world and how we should relate to it through politics. Excerpts from each can be found below with links to their full texts provided.
THE NICENE CREED
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE BARMEN DECLARATION
From Clause 5:
"Fear God. Honor the Emperor." 1 Pet. 2:17
Scripture tells us that by divine appointment the State, in this still unredeemed world in which also the Church is situated, has the task of maintaining justice and peace, so far as human discernment and human ability make this possible, by means of the threat and use of force. The Church acknowledges with gratitude and reverence toward God the benefit of this, his appointment. It draws attention to God's Dominion [Reich], God's commandment and justice, and with these the responsibility of those who rule and those who are ruled. It trusts and obeys the power of the Word, by which God upholds all things.
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We reject the false doctrine that beyond its special commission the State should and could become the sole and total order of human life and so fulfil the vocation of the Church as well.
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We reject the false doctrine that beyond its special commission the Church should and could take on the nature, tasks and dignity which belong to the State and thus become itself an organ of the State.
CONTRIBUTORS
TRAVIS BROOKER
I grew up in the deep South, not really being able to formulate my political or spiritual beliefs apart from my parents until college. It was there that I majored in History, with a minor in Political Science, and experienced many of the most formative parts of my Christian walk. Through the help of a few key mentors I really made this faith my own and am continually indebted to them today. After college I worked overseas, volunteered in some political organizations, and continued to learn, read and grow.
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Major Spiritual Influences: My wife Laura, John Piper, C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, my Mom and Dad, as well as my many pastors.
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Major Political Influences: John Adams, Cicero, James Madison, David French.