DALLAS, Texas — In a thought-provoking discussion at the "Southern Baptists in the Public Square" event, U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) posed a challenging question: will Southern Baptists align with the "Fox News anger culture" or embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention, the event brought together influential voices to explore the intersection of faith and politics in today’s society.
ERLC President Brent Leatherwood moderated the panel, which included not only Lankford but also Ambassador designee Mark Walker and Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas). The panelists shared their insights on how Christians can authentically live out their faith within the political arena.
Walker, a former ranking member of the House Homeland Security’s Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee, highlighted the challenge of maintaining a scriptural worldview amid pervasive cultural ideologies. He warned against the infiltration of "nominal Christianity" into political discourse, urging believers to stand firm in their convictions. "It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of social media and political posturing," he said. "But the real challenge is to remain a bold believer and not lose sight of our testimony for Christ."
Lankford, who starts each day with the Psalms, emphasized the relevance of biblical texts in understanding contemporary political issues. "Thirty-six of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament were written with political leaders in mind," he noted, underscoring that the struggles faced by figures like David resonate with today’s political climate. "We all live that," Lankford remarked, drawing parallels between the challenges of faith and public service.
Moran echoed these sentiments, asserting that the principles of Scripture apply equally to politics. "There shouldn’t be a different set of rules for how we conduct ourselves in public office," he stated. "The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our political lives just as much as in our personal lives." He referenced biblical figures like Esther and Daniel as examples of how faith can influence political outcomes, advocating for Christians to engage in the public square with integrity and purpose.
The discussion also touched on the growing pressure on pastors to address political issues from the pulpit. Lankford expressed concern about the anger that has seeped into congregations, noting that it often contradicts the Gospel message. "The anger of our culture is bleeding into our congregations," he lamented, urging church leaders to foster an environment of compassion and grace, as outlined in Titus 3.
As the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annual Meeting continues through June 11, the conversations sparked at this event reflect a broader dialogue within the Church about the role of faith in public life. The challenge remains: how can Christians engage with the culture without compromising their values? As Lankford aptly put it, "We need to be drawn into the leadership of the Holy Spirit, not the anger of the culture."
For those looking to deepen their understanding of how faith intersects with public policy, resources such as the ERLC and the Southern Baptist Convention provide valuable insights and guidance. As believers, the call to action is clear: engage with the world around us while remaining rooted in the teachings of Christ.