All Christians are affected by and involved in politics, whether they recognize it or not. Opinions on whether Christians should intentionally engage with the political sphere range from encouraged disengagement to deliberate and concentrated participation. This episode discusses Biblical reasons for political engagement, why some traditions encourage disengagement, positive changes in our political landscape led by the Church, and how to handle the tension between responsibility and distraction.

Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu is the Senior Pastor of Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Akinbinu was ordained in September 2009 and has earned degrees from Washington Bible College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Duke University. In August 2007, Pastor Akinbinu married the love of his life, Angel. They are the proud parents of Alivia and Elijah.

Connect with Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu on Instagram or at Pastor@baptistgrovechurch.org

Connect with Baptist Grove Church

Connect with Paula Dannielle on https://www.instagram.com/paula_dannielle/ or at mailto:pdannielle@pauladannielle.com

Connect with Cohesion or at mailto:connect@cohesionclt.org

Follow Above the Divide on https://www.instagram.com/above_the_divide/

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Shcall, Jo Ann. Constantine's Effect on Early Christianity.
• Biblical Archeology Society. Who were the Essenes?
• Martin Luther King, Jr. & the Beloved Community
• Wallis, Jim. The False White Gospel.

Scriptures Referenced:

• Matthew 22:15-22 -- Render to Caesar what is Caesar's
• Amos 5:24 -- Let justice roll down like a river
• John 17:14-16 -- "in the world but not of the world" paraphrase