Beitang's suggestions on current political and social issues
(1)
Both government and the church are established by God as two different forms of His governance on earth. God has given the authority of the sword to the government (Romans 13:1-4), and the keys to the kingdom of heaven, which is spiritual authority, to the church (Matthew 16:19). The government should eradicate evil, maintain public order, defend against external enemies, ensure people's livelihoods, and maintain the normal and orderly operation of commercial activities. The church, on the other hand, should focus on worshipping and serving God, proclaiming God's word, spreading the gospel, administering sacraments, and nurturing the spiritual life of the congregation. Although the functions of government and the church are so different, they are not entirely unrelated. The government should provide a peaceful environment for the church, while the church has the responsibility to supervise the government, especially on a moral level. The common goal of both the government and the church is to glorify God and edify people, both aiming to fulfill the will of the Most High and accomplish His work.
(2)
Lord Jesus wants us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). He told us that His kingdom is not of this world, and Christians do not fight for this world (John 18:36). Therefore, Christians are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), seeking the heavenly kingdom, longing for our better homeland, which is in heaven (Hebrews 11:16). We do not believe there will be a perfect government on earth until Christ returns and reigns as King.
(3)
Lord Jesus did not ask us to escape from the world (John 17:15), but rather asked us to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). Loving others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and seeking harmony among people (Matthew 5:9) are characteristics that Christians should possess. Regarding those in authority, we should be submissive and fearful (Romans 13:1-8, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13-14). However, if the authorities forbid Christians from worshipping God and spreading the Gospel, then we must disobey, because “We must obey God rather than human beings“ (Acts 5:29). Christians also have a responsibility to pray for those in authority, “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity“ (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Furthermore, although the church has not been given the authority of the sword, individual Christians, as citizens of their land, should fulfill their civic duties (Matthew 22:21) and influence society through legitimate means. For example, voting for government officials according to the conscience God has given us, paying taxes according to the law, upholding justice, denouncing evil, and even resisting tyranny when necessary. In the Bible and church history, there are also many examples of God's people participating in government and holding important positions, such as Joseph in the Bible serving as prime minister in Egypt, Daniel holding a high position in Babylon, and the eminent theologian Abraham Kuyper in church history, who served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands in the nineteenth century. Therefore, some Christians can also participate in elections to serve as government officials and bear a good testimony for the Gospel of Christ in such participation.
(4)
Under the aforementioned principles, we are deeply concerned about the moral and public safety conditions in the United States, our homeland, especially in light of the recent frequent riots occurring across various locations. The Church reiterates here: we oppose the legalization of abortion; we oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage; we consider every human life as a precious gift from God, and no one can be illegally and innocently harmed or deprived of life; we oppose discrimination and illegal, unreasonable harm against any ethnic group, especially any minority ethnic group. We call upon brothers and sisters to pray urgently for the United States. May people's hearts return to righteousness, and may public safety be restored soon.
(5)
Nowadays, social media is widely used and has become an important medium for interpersonal communication. For example, WeChat groups have become the primary tool for communication among many brothers and sisters in our church fellowships. Through these tools, everyone can care for and pray for each other, share messages, announce meetings, forward good articles, and so on. With the US presidential election drawing nearer, debates over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, deteriorating US-China relations, political party disputes, and recent unrest in the US caused by racial issues, some brothers and sisters in the fellowships are increasingly concerned about these political and social issues. In various settings, especially on WeChat groups, they forward political commentary, leading to different viewpoints being debated, and even argued over. In response to this, we suggest:
Although the church has not uniformly established rules for the online social groups of various fellowships (such as WeChat groups), it is recommended that each fellowship have its own group rules, and members who join the group must abide by them.
2) Online social groups (like WeChat groups) are very effective and convenient communication tools, but they are not necessarily the best platforms for debate. Short texts, videos, or pictures can often lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, thus failing to clarify matters and instead causing emotional harm among brothers and sisters.It is recommended that discussions of the political and social issues listed above, or similar topics, be prohibited within the fellowship group.If there is a need to discuss such issues, it is recommended to discuss them during fellowship meetings and pay attention to the following examples of problems.
3) When we indeed need to discuss certain political or social issues, especially when there are disagreements among brothers and sisters, before expressing your own opinions, please consider:
- Is my passion for current events greater than my passion for God's kingdom and righteousness? Am I not practicing the spiritual principles I've stated above?
- Do I recognize that many political and social problems are ultimately spiritual problems, the problems of the gospel? If we rely solely on human methods to solve these problems, we ignore the pollution of human sinfulness on society, culture, and politics, and we weaken the absolute necessity of the gospel.
- Do I bring these concerns before God and pray urgently for them? Do I pray for our brothers and sisters who I believe have different viewpoints?
- Can my words edify my brothers and sisters, especially those who disagree with me?
- Are the remarks I'm about to make truly aimed at resolving differences, or am I just feeling pleased with myself for being able to refute others? Am I “speaking the truth in love”?
- When trying to persuade others, do I give them the opportunity to persuade me? When others' opinions are indeed reasonable and mine are wrong, am I willing to change my own mind?
Prayer
Oh God! We are deeply concerned about the recent situation in the nation where we temporarily reside by Your grace – the United States – and we are also extremely worried about the upcoming election. We plead for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. May the principles of righteous living we have outlined according to biblical teachings be pleasing to You and obeyed by our brothers and sisters. Let us be salt and light in this world, and let our brothers and sisters dwell together in unity as Your witnesses, so that we may be praised by You on the day we meet You!
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen!
