We run our website the way we wished the whole internet worked: we provide high quality original content with no ads. We are funded solely by your direct support. Please consider supporting this project.

Religion and Politics in Israel
This article, sent to us last week from a blog reader (thanks Beth!), discusses the problems that were created when Israel fused religion with politics. We aren’t endorsing all of the assumptions of the author, but it’s a fascinating look at the damage that results when political interests are joined with religious authority.
From the article:
“Israel arose as a secular, social democratic country inspired by Western European democracies. With time, however, its core values have become entirely different. Israel today is a religious, capitalist state. Its religiosity is defined by the most extreme Orthodox interpretations…Israel defines itself as a “Jewish and democratic state.” However, because Israel has never created a system of checks and balances between these two sources of authority, they are closer than ever to a terrible clash.”
Image by Mataparda. Used in accordance with Creative Commons. Sourced via Flickr.
Related Reading

Why is America Becoming More Politically Divided?
I watched a 20/20 special the other night on politics in America. The show explored the “growing political divide” in our country. Here’s some of the information found in this program. * Since the early 70’s Americans have become increasing polarized in their political views. Communities that once were pretty evenly split politically are now…

Palm Sunday, Partisan Politics & the Power of the Cross
Today we’re sharing something from David D. Flowers that we found especially insightful as we approach holy week. We hope it blesses you and moves you to more fully manifest the kingdom that is not of this world. ~~~ We remember it in the church as Palm Sunday. This is the triumphal entry of Jesus into…

When We Talk Politics
In this clip, Greg identifies a source of much of the conflict we experience in our conversations about politics, or other important topics. He does this by introducing the phrase, “your map is not the territory.” Your brain assembles and interprets the sensations you experience and forms maps of the world based upon those experiences.…

Podcast: How Do We Talk About Politically Charged Topics?
Greg gets charged-up talking about ‘talking about politically charged topics.’ http://traffic.libsyn.com/askgregboyd/Episode_0463.mp3

Conservative/Liberal are not Theological Categories
We wanted to repost something by Jonathan Martin today that struck a chord with us about the theological emptiness of political boxes. It’s brief and beautifully written and we hope you’ll read the entire article here. For those of you who are weary of the political tug-of-war for your soul, here’s some hope: And so…

Are you a pietist?
Question: Soon after the publication of your book The Myth of a Christian Nation, I heard Chuck Colson charge you with being a “pietist.” Since then, others have repeated the charge. They all claim you advocate a Gospel that focuses on individual salvation but leaves social issues for government to address. Are you a pietist?…