Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
Matt calls freedom of conscience a “kingdom-like characteristic” of the U.S. because it allows people not to go to war even when that is “not in the best interest of the United States”; how should Christians respond when the state does something consistent with Jesus while also doing other things “at odds with Jesus,” and what does gratitude look like without sliding into loyalty?
Another way to ask: How should Christians respond when a government does some things that match Jesus’ ways and other things that go against him? What does being thankful look like without becoming overly loyal?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker, Christians can affirm and be grateful for “kingdom-like” actions such as freedom of conscience, while still refusing to let that gratitude become political allegiance that excuses what contradicts Jesus.
- He calls freedom of conscience “one of the kingdom-like characteristics” when a state allows people not to go to war.
- He notes this may be “even in counter to your own best interest,” e.g., exempting Amish during war when it’s “not in the best interest of the United States.”
- He says, “I want to be generous. Why not grant it when you can?”—suggesting gratitude and fairness where appropriate.
- Yet he stresses the state often operates on “principles… at odds with Jesus,” and Jesus and the state have “very contradictory ways” of resolving conflict.
- He insists “respect for the king” is required, but “respect does not mean justifying a lifestyle that’s at odds with Jesus.”
- He warns against “selling out… so we can gain a little piece of political power,” which turns gratitude into loyalty.