CHRISTIANS IN POLITICS

About Course

The course thoroughly examines the intersections of Christian beliefs and politics, including the biblical basis for Christian involvement in politics, historical and contemporary case studies, and the challenges and opportunities that Christian politicians face. By connecting Christian teachings to political engagement, students will gain greater awareness of the role of faith in shaping public policy and promoting social justice. This course will help students improve their critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, as well as their ability to engage in informed and respectful discussions about complex political issues. The course prepares students to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the intersection of Christianity and politics by analyzing examples and evaluating challenges and solutions. Students will present final projects to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts.

Course Objectives

To understand the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics
To analyze the historical and contemporary context of Christian political engagement
To evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing Christian politicians
To develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Christians in Politics

Topic: Biblical Basis for Christian Participation in Politics
Objective: To understand the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: Matthew 5:13-16 (Salt and Light) – This passage emphasizes the importance of Christians being salt and light in the world, including in the realm of politics.
Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Introduction); Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapter 1)
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the implications of being salt and light in politics.

Module 2: Historical Overview of Christian Political Engagement

Topic: Historical Overview of Christian Political Engagement
Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian political engagement.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to describe the historical development of Christian political Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian political engagement.
engagement and analyze its impact
Biblical Text: Romans 13:1-7 (Submission to Authorities) – This passage emphasizes the importance of submitting to authorities and paying taxes.
Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 2-3); Heclo, H. (2007). The transformation of politics. In Christianity and politics (pp. 23-40). Cascade Books.
Assignment: Write a summary of the historical overview of Christian political engagement (2-3 pages). Research a historical example of Christian political engagement.

Module 3: Relationship Between Christian Theology and Politics

Topic: Relationship Between Christian Theology and Politics
Objective: To understand the relationship between Christian theology and politics.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the relationship between Christian theology and politics and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (Prayer for Leaders) – This passage emphasizes the importance of praying for leaders and those in authority.
Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Biblical Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (Prayer for Leaders) – This passage emphasizes the importance of praying for leaders and those in authority.
Publishing. (Chapters 1-2); Yoder, J. H. (1972). The politics of Jesus. Eerdmans Publishing. (Chapter 1)
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the relationship between Christian theology and politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the implications of Christian theology on politics.

Module 4: Role of Christians in Politics and Governance

Topic: Role of Christians in Politics and Governance
Objective: To understand the role of Christians in politics and governance.
Objective: To understand the role of Christians in politics and governance.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the role of Christians in politics and governance and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46 (Sheep and Goats) – This passage emphasizes the importance of serving others and being responsible stewards.
Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 4-5); Rohr, R. (2002). The call to conversion. Crossroad Publishing. (Chapter 1)
Assignment: Write a summary of the role of Christians in politics and governance (2-3 pages). Research a Christian politician and analyze their role in politics and governance.

Module 5: Christian Political Participation in Africa

Module 6: Moral Implications of Christian Participation in World Politics

Topic: Moral Implications of Christian Participation in World Politics
Objective: To understand the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: Micah 6:8 (What Does the Lord Require?) – This passage emphasizes the importance of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Chapters 3-4); Niebuhr, R. (1932). Moral man and immoral society.
Scribner. (Chapter 1); Walzer, M. (1977). Just and unjust wars. Basic Books. (Chapter 1)
Assignment: Write a summary of the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics.

Module 7: Performance of Christian Political Office Holders in Africa

Module 8: Role of Christians in the Election of Political Office Holders

Topic: Role of Christians in the Election of Political Office Holders
Objective: To understand the role of Christians in the election of political office holders.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the role of Christians in the election of political office holders and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: 1 Samuel 8:1-22 (Israel Demands a King) – This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership selection.
Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 6-7); Yoder, J. H. (1972). The politics of Jesus. Eerdmans Publishing. (Chapter 2);
Book Reading: Dionne, E. J. (2008). Souled out: Reclaiming faith and politics after the religious right. Princeton University Press. (Chapter 1)
Assignment: Write a summary of the role of Christians in the election of political office holders (2-3 pages). Discuss the role of Christians in the election of political office holders.

Module 9: Christian Tradition, Skills, and Political Ideologies

Topic: Christian Tradition, Skills, and Political Ideologies
Objective: To understand the relationship between Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the relationship between Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: Colossians 3:1-17 (Putting on the New Self) – This passage emphasizes the importance of putting on the new self in Christ.
Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Chapters 5-6); Heclo, H. (2007). The transformation of politics. In Christianity and politics (pp. 41-56). Cascade Books.
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies (2-3 pages). Discuss the relationship between Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies.

Module 10: Case Studies of Christian Politicians

Module 11: Challenges Facing Christian Politicians

Topic: Challenges Facing Christian Politicians
Objective: To understand the challenges facing Christian politicians.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the challenges facing Christian politicians and analyze their implications.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the challenges facing Christian politicians and analyze their implications.
Biblical Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 (Treasures in Jars of Clay) – This passage emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of God’s gifts.
Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 8-9); Niebuhr, R. (1932). Moral man and immoral society. Scribner. (Chapter 2)
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the challenges facing Christian politicians (2-3 pages). Discuss the challenges facing Christian politicians and possible solutions.

Module 12: The Role of the Church in Politics

Module 13: Christian Citizenship and Civic Engagement

Module 14: The Intersection of Faith and Politics

Topic: The Intersection of Faith and Politics
Objective: To understand the intersection of faith and politics.
Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the intersection of faith and politics and analyze its implications.
Biblical Text: Psalm 119:1-8 (The Law of the Lord) – This passage emphasizes the importance of following God’s law.
Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Chapters 9-10); Niebuhr, R. (1932). Moral man and immoral society. Scribner. (Chapter 3)
Assignment: Write a summary of the intersection of faith and politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the intersection of faith and politics and its implications.
Topic: Case Studies of Christian Political Engagement
Objective: To analyze case studies of Christian political engagement.

Module 15: Case Studies of Christian Political Engagement

Module 16: Conclusion and Final Project Presentations

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About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Christians in Politics

Topic: Biblical Basis for Christian Participation in Politics

Objective: To understand the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: Matthew 5:13-16 (Salt and Light) – This passage emphasizes the importance of Christians being salt and light in the world, including in the realm of politics.

Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Introduction); Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapter 1)

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the biblical basis for Christian participation in politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the implications of being salt and light in politics.

Module 2: Historical Overview of Christian Political Engagement

Topic: Historical Overview of Christian Political Engagement

Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian political engagement.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to describe the historical development of Christian political Objective: To understand the historical context of Christian political engagement.

engagement and analyze its impact

Biblical Text: Romans 13:1-7 (Submission to Authorities) – This passage emphasizes the importance of submitting to authorities and paying taxes.

Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 2-3); Heclo, H. (2007). The transformation of politics. In Christianity and politics (pp. 23-40). Cascade Books.

Assignment: Write a summary of the historical overview of Christian political engagement (2-3 pages). Research a historical example of Christian political engagement.

Module 3: Relationship Between Christian Theology and Politics

Topic: Relationship Between Christian Theology and Politics

Objective: To understand the relationship between Christian theology and politics.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the relationship between Christian theology and politics and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (Prayer for Leaders) – This passage emphasizes the importance of praying for leaders and those in authority.

Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Biblical Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (Prayer for Leaders) – This passage emphasizes the importance of praying for leaders and those in authority.

Publishing. (Chapters 1-2); Yoder, J. H. (1972). The politics of Jesus. Eerdmans Publishing. (Chapter 1)

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the relationship between Christian theology and politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the implications of Christian theology on politics.

Module 4: Role of Christians in Politics and Governance

Topic: Role of Christians in Politics and Governance

Objective: To understand the role of Christians in politics and governance.

Objective: To understand the role of Christians in politics and governance.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the role of Christians in politics and governance and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46 (Sheep and Goats) – This passage emphasizes the importance of serving others and being responsible stewards.

Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 4-5); Rohr, R. (2002). The call to conversion. Crossroad Publishing. (Chapter 1)

Assignment: Write a summary of the role of Christians in politics and governance (2-3 pages). Research a Christian politician and analyze their role in politics and governance.

Module 5: Christian Political Participation in Africa

Topic: Christian Political Participation in Africa

Objective: To understand Christian political participation in Africa.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to describe Christian political participation in Africa and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: Psalm 24:1-10 (The King of Glory) – This passage emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty over all creation.

Book Reading: Taylor, I. (2014). African politics. Routledge. (Chapter 1); Case studies of Christian politicians in Africa

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on Christian political participation in Africa (2-3 pages). Research a Christian politician in Africa and analyze their role in politics.

Module 6: Moral Implications of Christian Participation in World Politics

Topic: Moral Implications of Christian Participation in World Politics

Objective: To understand the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: Micah 6:8 (What Does the Lord Require?) – This passage emphasizes the importance of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Chapters 3-4); Niebuhr, R. (1932). Moral man and immoral society.

Scribner. (Chapter 1); Walzer, M. (1977). Just and unjust wars. Basic Books. (Chapter 1)

Assignment: Write a summary of the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics (2-3 pages). Discuss the moral implications of Christian participation in world politics.

Module 7: Performance of Christian Political Office Holders in Africa

Topic: Performance of Christian Political Office Holders in Africa

Objective: To evaluate the performance of Christian political office holders in Africa.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to describe the performance of Christian political office holders in Africa and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: Proverbs 29:2 (When the Righteous Thrive) – This passage emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership.

Book Reading: Taylor, I. (2014). African politics. Routledge. (Chapter 2); Case studies of Christian politicians in Africa

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the performance of Christian political office holders in Africa (2-3 pages). Research a Christian politician in Africa and evaluate their performance.

Module 8: Role of Christians in the Election of Political Office Holders

Topic: Role of Christians in the Election of Political Office Holders

Objective: To understand the role of Christians in the election of political office holders.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the role of Christians in the election of political office holders and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: 1 Samuel 8:1-22 (Israel Demands a King) – This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership selection.

Book Reading: Pecknold, C. C. (2010). Christianity and politics: A brief guide to the history. Cascade Books. (Chapters 6-7); Yoder, J. H. (1972). The politics of Jesus. Eerdmans Publishing. (Chapter 2);

Book Reading: Dionne, E. J. (2008). Souled out: Reclaiming faith and politics after the religious right. Princeton University Press. (Chapter 1)

Assignment: Write a summary of the role of Christians in the election of political office holders (2-3 pages). Discuss the role of Christians in the election of political office holders.

Module 9: Christian Tradition, Skills, and Political Ideologies

Topic: Christian Tradition, Skills, and Political Ideologies

Objective: To understand the relationship between Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to explain the relationship between Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies and analyze its implications.

Biblical Text: Colossians 3:1-17 (Putting on the New Self) – This passage emphasizes the importance of putting on the new self in Christ.

Book Reading: Spencer, N., & Chaplin, J. (Eds.). (2012). God and government. SPCK Publishing. (Chapters 5-6); Heclo, H. (2007). The transformation of politics. In Christianity and politics (pp. 41-56). Cascade Books.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies (2-3 pages). Discuss the relationship between Christian tradition, skills, and political ideologies.

Module 10: Case Studies of Christian Politicians

Topic: Case Studies of Christian Politicians

Objective: To analyze case studies of Christian politicians.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to describe case studies of Christian politicians and analyze their implications.

Biblical Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (Spiritual Gifts) – This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts in serving others.

Book Reading: Case studies of Christian politicians; Taylor, I. (2014). African politics. Routledge. (Chapter 3)

Assignment: Write a summary of the case studies of Christian politicians (2-3 pages). Research a Christian politician and analyze their leadership style.

Module 11: Challenges Facing Christian Politicians

Topic: Challenges Facing Christian Politicians