This course is designed for students seeking to understand how the Scripture relates to and mandates specific engagement of the governmental arena and "perceived" political activity. It is intentionally and distinctly non-partisan, recognizing that civil government and politics is incredibly broken and at times convoluted. Nevertheless, Christians, no matter what nation they may find themselves living in, have a biblical mandate to be salt and light in that arena and a responsibility to bring Christ's Lordship to it.

GOALS OF THE COURSE
-Explain the involvement of both the individual Christian and the Church in the civil governmental arena from a biblical perspective.
-Dispel general myths and concerns with Christians participating and influencing the codification of community, state, or national policies and values.
-Identify and apply scriptural precepts to contemporary cultural issues and offer the appropriate biblical patterns or solutions.
-Demonstrate practical strategies for effectively discipling a nation’s civil leadership and reforming its culture with a biblical worldview.

MEET THE FACULTY MEMBER
Dr. Kevin Baird is the director of the Florida Capitol Project, an initiative which seeks to connect Florida pastors with their civic representatives for prayer, partnership (in righteous programs), and public policy discussions. In addition to 35 years of pastoral experience, Dr. Baird has been highly involved in activating pastors towards greater civic engagement and public policy advocacy. In 2008, he was one of a group of national pastors who challenged the constitutionality of The Johnson Amendment of the IRS Code 501(c)3, which restricts a pastor’s First Amendment rights in the pulpit. He was also the founding director of the South Carolina Pastors Alliance, a group of nearly 500 pastors networking together to influence legislation especially in the areas of life, marriage, family and religious liberty.

Textbook:
Title - Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity
Author - Nancy Pearcey
Click HERE to order.