After the most recent Presidential campaign and election cycle, most Americans had their fill of the tumultuous (and frequently bizarre) escapades of vote-getting. As a youth pastor, did you take some time to mentor your youth through the process? As a youth pastor, teaching teenagers about politics and government involves balancing practical information and biblical guidelines. This approach helps young people understand their civic responsibilities and the moral and ethical implications of political engagement from a Christian perspective. Here are some key topics and guidelines a youth pastor might consider:
Practical Information
Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” wrote this about the degrading of the American pollical process:
“There seems to be no alternative to a political process in which parties compete to win votes and money. That competition always involves trickery and demagoguery, as politicians play fast and loose with the truth, using their inner press secretaries to portray themselves in the best possible light and their opponents as fools who would lead the country to ruin.”
Haidt wrote this 12 years ago (!), and it has only sunk deeper into the muck.
Can’t We All Disagree More Constructively? from The Righteous Mind, Vintage Books by Jonathan Haidt (2012).
Side note: it would be worthwhile to dialogue with your youth about the nefarious characteristics of current political discussions, debates, and dialogues from political parties, candidates, and their ads. Do the words, attitudes, and accusations reflect the kind of society we want to live in? Are they necessary? Could a Christian run for office with this approach?
Politics aside, here are some ideas and topics to provide a framework for understanding the American political structure and scheme.
- Basics of Government Structure
Teach how the local, state, and national governments operate, including the roles of various elected officials and how legislative processes work.
- Civic Engagement
Explain the importance of voting, how to register, and how to stay informed about political issues. Discuss other forms of civic engagement like volunteering in community projects or participating in local councils.
- Critical Thinking about Media
Educate on how to critically evaluate media sources, understand bias, and find reliable information to make informed decisions about political issues.
- Role of Citizens
Discuss the role of citizens in a democracy, including the importance of participation, advocacy, and respectful discourse.
Biblical Guidelines
- Biblical View of Authority
Teach what the Bible says about authority, such as Romans 13:1-7, which discusses the role of governing authorities and the Christian’s responsibility to respect and pray for them.
- Justice and Advocacy
Highlight biblical examples of advocacy and justice. Discuss how prophets like Amos and Isaiah called for justice and righteousness in society, and how Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31-46 call for care for the marginalized and oppressed.
- Peacemaking
Teach the importance of being peacemakers as Jesus taught in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9). Discuss how this applies in the context of political divisiveness and how to engage in conversations respectfully.
- Prayer for Leaders
Encourage regular prayer for political leaders and governments, following 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which urges prayers for all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life.
- Moral and Ethical Decision-Making
Discuss how to make decisions aligned with Christian values when participating in political life, addressing complex issues like poverty, injustice, and integrity in public life.
- Unity in Christ
Emphasize the unity that should exist among Christians regardless of political affiliations, drawing on Galatians 3:28, which speaks of unity in Christ despite external differences.
Discussion and Application
- Open Discussions
Facilitate open discussions where students can express their thoughts and ask questions about political issues and the Christian response.
- Debate and Role-Play
Organize debates or role-playing sessions to help teens practice discussing and defending their views respectfully and thoughtfully.
- Engagement Projects
Encourage practical engagement through projects like community clean-ups or participation in local government meetings, helping teens put their learning into action.
- Prayer Sessions
Regularly incorporate prayers for national and local issues, leaders, and upcoming elections in youth group meetings.
From a biblical perspective, educating teenagers about politics and government informs them about their civic duties and shapes how they perceive and interact with the world through the lens of their faith. This holistic approach prepares them to be thoughtful, informed, and faithful societal participants.
Verses to guide discussion:
Romans 13:1-7 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, hone the emperor.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Feel free to respond with any ideas and experiences. Blessings!
Bill
SLU Scholar in Residence