Discussion Questions

Tertullian said, “All zeal in the pursuit of glory and honor is dead in us…nor is anything more entirely foreign to us than the affairs of state.” What view of God’s kingdom and God’s control of history makes that kind of detachment feel normal rather than irresponsible? JumpstartAnother way to ask: What did Tertullian believe about God’s kingdom and God guiding history that made it feel normal to stay out of government instead of feeling careless?

Dean Taylor insisted the early Christians’ political “non-involvement” was not merely negative withdrawal but a positive, busy commitment to “creating the kingdom of Christ through the church.” What kinds of church practices and priorities would have to be true for a community to genuinely “not have time for the politics of this world”? JumpstartAnother way to ask: What would a church have to be doing so actively that it truly wouldn’t have time or interest for the politics of this world?

Origen was referenced as saying gifted leaders and orators are needed “in the church, not in the world.” If your most persuasive, strategic, and educated Christians stopped aiming those gifts at elections and activism, what would change inside your congregation—and what would you fear losing? JumpstartAnother way to ask: If your smartest and most persuasive Christians stopped focusing on elections and activism, what would change in your church, and what would you worry about losing?

Dean said he and David Bercot do not treat voting as “a sin in and of itself,” but as “leaven” that can reshape a believer’s thinking and loyalties. What are the first signs that political leaven is working in a Christian’s heart—long before any obvious “extreme” positions show up? JumpstartAnother way to ask: What are the early warning signs that politics is starting to shape a Christian’s heart and loyalty, even before their views look “extreme”?

Both men criticized the “false dichotomy” that says, “If you can vote on a sewer, why not vote for president?” What categories or boundaries did early Christians seem to assume between ordinary civil life (taxes, roads, courts) and participation in “the affairs of state”? JumpstartAnother way to ask: What lines did early Christians seem to draw between normal civic life (like taxes and roads) and getting involved in running the state?

David described how starting with local tax referendums became a “slippery slope” that led him to presidential voting within six years. What parts of modern political involvement (registration, media narratives, party identity, outrage cycles) make “a little bit involved” hard to sustain? JumpstartAnother way to ask: What parts of today’s politics make it hard to stay only “a little involved” without getting pulled in deeper?

Dean called political involvement “a symptom that we’re already losing in our kingdom” because it reveals a lack of confidence that “the Kingdom of God gives answers to humanity’s problems.” Where do you personally feel that temptation most—abortion, border control, healthcare, courts, war—and what does your instinct to “fix it politically” reveal about your actual confidence in Christ’s way? JumpstartAnother way to ask: On which issues do you most feel the urge to fix things through politics, and what does that urge show about how much you trust Christ’s way?

The discussion contrasted Paul’s use of Roman citizenship (demanding a lawful trial) with political engagement (electing leaders), and noted Paul didn’t sue officials or try to remove them from office. How does Paul’s example challenge modern evangelical instincts about “using your rights” to secure outcomes through courts, legislation, or political pressure? JumpstartAnother way to ask: How does Paul using his Roman citizenship for a fair trial—but not trying to remove leaders—challenge how many evangelicals use rights, courts, and laws to get their way?

Dean showed Mennonite telegrams praising Hitler for “a government that freely and openly professes God as Creator” and “emphasizes the protection of the family,” and warned that “the Antichrist comes from the right…as an angel of light.” What parallels do you see today in how Christians are “wooed” by religious language from political movements, and what safeguards could keep a church from repeating that kind of mistake? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Where do you see Christians today being drawn in by political groups that use religious language, and what could a church do to avoid being fooled like that?

When asked about praying for Trump to win or “we don’t vote, but we pray Republican,” Dean pointed to Daniel 4:17—God “giveth [kingdoms] to whomsoever he will” and “setteth up… the basest of men.” How should that passage reshape the way Christians pray for leaders and laws, and what would it look like to pray for rulers while refusing to be discipled by either party’s fears and promises? JumpstartAnother way to ask: How should Daniel 4:17 change the way Christians pray about leaders and laws, and what would it look like to pray without letting either party train your fears and hopes?