At the CHP Ontario Council meeting held January 15, 2011at Redeemer College, guest speakers Rick Postma of Word and Deed and Tim Bloedow, the driving force behind ChristianGovernance.ca and the No Apologies blog joined CHP National Vice President Leslie Bartley to present their views on the responsibility as well as the right of Christians to impact our culture—through charity work, media and political involvement.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the topics covered—just a tiny taste of the many important things they had to share.
Tim Bloedow: Biblical Foundations for Policy
Points for Discussion:
- The four governments of Christian governance: church government, self-government, family government and civil government. All are to be accountable to God.
- The role and nature of governments
- The self-government ethic vs. the civil government ethic
- Idolatry and vigilantism
- Equality before the law and the rule of law
- The wasted vote
Tim stresses that our authority is delegated under Christ.
Tim is a voracious reader and a prolific writer. Much of his philosophy and approach can be gleaned at his two blog-style websites:
Rick Postma Word and Deed: on Poverty and the Role of Christians in Meeting the Needs of a Hurting World
Rick is an elder at Brantford Free Reformed Church.
He began by referencing poverty in third world countries e.g. Haiti
He then asked:
- Are we asking the right questions?
- Are we being biblical?
- Are we helping? Or increasing dependency?
- Is there a problem?
10 million die from preventable diseases, clean water would prevent many deaths.
Rick built a solid case for Christian compassion, charity and involvement in the social crises of our day. He also presented a variety of resources and research studies highlighting the need for Christian wisdom, discernment and the application of Biblical principles to ensure that charity is not wasted or even worse—that it does not make the problems worse.
Rick also showed some positive results of Christian compassion properly applied and shared a few stories of those who had been freed from prostitution and other forms of bondage. He gave a broad view of the work of Word and Deed.
More info about the work of Word and Deed can be gleaned by phone or from their website:
1-877 – 375-(WORD)9673
The information was well-presented and much appreciated.