21/01/2019
CITIZENSHIP, CHRISTIANS, POLITICS
AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN NIGERIA
A) CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
The word citizenship means:
The state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen.
The character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen.
Citizenship Education include the following:
Peace Education. Multicultural Education. Environmental Education. Human Right Education. International Education. Development Education.
Biblical Reference: Acts 22:25-27
[25] And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
[26] When the centurion heard that , he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
[27] Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
Romans 13:1-3,5-7[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. [7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
đ CLASSIFICATION OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Denominationalism, Charismatic Movements, Pentecostalism, Missionary, Evangelical movement, Field Mission, Freelancers, Spiritualist
CATEGORIZATION OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Born Again and the nominal Christians
Born Again: Earthly minded, Philanthropists, and Kingdom investors
C) CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS
The relationship between Christianity and politics is a historically complex subject and a frequent source of disagreement throughout the history of Christianity, as well as in modern politics between the Christian right and Christian left.
4 reasons Christians should care about politics
During the course of a presidential campaign, it is common to hear evangelicals, especially younger ones, quip, âIâm just not that interested in politics,â or, âPolitics just arenât my thing.â These dismissive remarks are often delivered with a veneer of piousness implying that political engagement is inherently defiled, occupying an arena unfit for those serious about the gospel. For those inundated with television ads, robo-calls, campaign mail and the overall negative tone of politics, this might be a tempting position to adopt. However, it is not a position Bible-believing, gospel-loving Christians can or should accept as congruent with Scripture.
The message of the gospel is that by grace through faith sinners can be reconciled with God (Ephesians 2:7-8). This message transforms individuals and enables them to lead godly lives. Mandated by Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20), Christians are charged to share the good news and disciple others in faith.
The gospel is a holistic message with implications for all areas of life, including how Christians engage the political process. Here are four reasons Christians should care about politics:
1. The Christian worldview speaks to all areas of life.
A frequently raised objection against Christian engagement with politics is that anything besides explicit preaching and teaching of the Bible is a distraction from the mission of the church. However, this is a limited understanding of the kingdom of God and contrary to examples in Scripture.
The Christian worldview provides a comprehensive understanding of reality. It speaks to all areas of life, including political engagement. In fact, the Bible speaks about civil government and provides examples of faithful engagement.
In the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel served in civil government, exerting influence to further the flourishing of their nations.
In the New Testament, Jesus engaged in holistic ministry, caring for the spiritual and physical needs of people. Feeding the hungry and healing diseases were an outworking and extension of the reconciliatory message of the gospel.
Paul also advocates this approach: âAs we have opportunity, let us do good to everyoneâ (Galatians 6:10). And: âFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in themâ (Ephesians 2:10).
Engaging in âgood worksâ should include participating in the political process because of the legitimate and significant role of government. The decisions made by government have a substantial impact on people and the way we interact with them. A Christian worldview should include a political theology that recognizes every area of life must be included in the âgood worksâ of believers, especially politics, an area with significant real-life implications for people.
2. Politics are unavoidable.
As âsojourners and exilesâ (1 Peter 2:11), it can be tempting for Christians to adopt a mindset that earthly governing systems are inconsequential to the task of furthering the gospel. But ask a pastor in an underground church or a missionary attempting to access a closed country if politics are inconsequential. Religious liberty, passports and visas are not unnecessary luxuries but are often vital for pastors and missionaries seeking to preach and teach the gospel.
Augustineâs City of God offers guidance on this point. Believers are citizens of the âCity of God,â but on this side of eternity, we also belong to the âCity of Manâ and therefore must be good citizens of both cities. There are biblical examples of how membership in the earthly city can be leveraged for furthering the reach of the heavenly. Paulâs appeal to his Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37, 22:25) is a model of this.
In an American context, engaging these dual cities takes on added significance because of the words prefacing the Constitution: âWe the people.â In the United States, ultimate national sovereignty is entrusted to the people. James Madison explained that the âconsent of the peopleâ is the âpure original fountain of all legitimate authority.â This reality makes politics unavoidable for American citizens who control their political future.
Because politics have real-world implications for Christian evangelism, missions and preaching the gospel, Christians ought to engage the political process by leveraging their rightful authority, advocating for laws and policies that contribute to human flourishing.
3. We need to love our neighbor.
When questioned by religious authorities on the law, Jesus explained that loving God with heart, soul and mind was the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). He added that second in priority was: âYou shall love your neighbor as yourselfâ (Matthew 22:39).
Followers of Christ are called to love and serve their neighbors (Matthew 28:19-20). When asked about the qualifications of âneighbor,â Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), indicating that irrespective of race, background, social status or occupation, neighborly love is owed.
In a very real sense, politics is one of the most important areas in which Christians demonstrate love to neighbor. In fact, how can Christians claim to care about others and not engage the arena that most profoundly shapes basic rights and freedoms? Caring for the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick and lonely is important to Jesus and should be to His followers as well. Jesus said, âAs you did it to one of the least of these you did it to meâ (Matthew 25:40).
Fulfilling the biblical mandate to love neighbor and care for the âleast of theseâ should be a priority for every believer. Again, a holistic approach is essential. Loving neighbor includes volunteering at a homeless shelter, as well as influencing laws that encourage human flourishing. Good government and laws are not negligible factors in the prosperity and freedom of a society.
For example, the majority of North Koreans are held in economic bo***ge by corrupt political forces, whereas in South Korea, citizens are given liberty and a system that encourages prosperity. The people of North Korea need more than food pantries and improved hospitals; they need political leadership and policies that recognize human rights. Advocating for these changes in totalitarian countries is crucial for loving our neighbors in oppressed areas.
Obedience to the golden rule includes seeking laws that protect unborn children, strengthen marriages and families, advocate for the vulnerable, and provide opportunity for flourishing. Politics is a means of effecting great change and must be engaged by Christians who love their neighbor.
4. Government restrains evil and promotes good.
Government derives its authority from God to promote good and restrain evil. This mandate is expressly stated in Romans 13:1-7. Elsewhere, Paul urges that prayers be made âfor kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet lifeâ (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul understood the need for Christian participation in government.
Government plays a role in the work of Godâs kingdom on earth. Good government encourages an environment conducive for people living peaceably, whereas bad government fosters unrest and instability. Because of sin, the legitimate institution of government has, at times, been used illegitimately throughout history. However, numerous examples persist of Christians reasserting their influence and redeeming government to promote good and restrain evil.
In How Christianity Changed the World, Alvin Schmidt documents Christian influence in government. Examples include outlawing infanticide, child abandonment and gladiatorial games in ancient Rome, ending the practice of human sacrifice among European cultures, banning pe******ia and polygamy, and prohibiting the burning of widows in India. William Wilberforce, a committed Christian, was the force behind the successful effort to abolish the slave trade in England. In the United States, two-thirds of abolitionists were Christian pastors. In the 1960âs, Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian pastor, helped lead the civil rights movement against racial segregation and discrimination.
Carl Henry rightfully stated that Christians should âwork through civil authority for the advancement of justice and human goodâ to provide âcritical illumination, personal example, and vocational leadership.â This has been the historic witness of Christians concerned about government promoting good and restraining evil.
Jeremiah 29:7 says: âBut seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.â Referring to Babylon, the prophet recognized that secular government served a legitimate purpose in Godâs plan for Israel. This is still true. Today, good governments promote literacy, advance just laws, provide religious liberty and allow churches to preach and teach. Good government can serve as a conduit for the furthering of the gospel and human flourishing.
Christian witness in the public square contributes transcendent values about moral and ethical issues. Christian withdrawal opens a moral vacuum susceptible to influences that pressure government to move outside the purview designated by God. Politics affects government, shapes society and influences culture. Because of what the Bible teaches and the inevitability of its effect on our culture, Christians must care about politics.
D) DEFINITION OF SOCIAL CHANGE
Sociologists define social change as changes in human interactions and relationships that transform cultural and social institutions. These changes occur over time and often have profound and long-term consequences for society. Well known examples of such change have resulted from social movements in civil rights, women's rights, to name just a few. Relationships have changed, institutions have changed, and cultural norms have changed as a result of these social change movements. Social change is the transformation of culture and social institutions over time. It is an alteration in the social order of a society. It may include changes in nature, social institutions, social behaviors, or social relations.
AGENCIES OF SOCIAL CHANGE
Development of ICT - Information, communication, network
Globalization - website, social streaming, postage, etc
Industrialization - commerce, urbanization,
Environmental challenges - global warming, desertification, ecology
Social struggles and disorderliness - problems of migration and refugees
Political philosophy and ideology - human rights, feminism,
Social classes and institutions
Social shutter stock and tourism
Implications for Theological Education
Study to get familiar with social ethics, and how they affect the operation of church missions
Get familiar with the doctrines of different social movements and organization, and prepare for its impact on the church
Development of ICT - Information, communication, network and twenty-first century church organization
Globalization - website, social streaming, postage, etc and how they can become extension of your pulpit.
Industrialization - commerce, urbanization,. The impacts of such social changes on the new method of evangelism
Environmental challenges - global warming, desertification, ecology . Implications on church Auditorium and cathedrals
Social struggles and disorderliness - problems of migration and refugees. What can the church do to help?
Political philosophy and ideology - human rights, feminism. Church would need rigorous teachings and discipleship
Social classes and institutions. Should we shutdown on some social institutions?
Social shutter stock and tourism. How can we take advantage of it?
