Big Questions

Why Susa?

Who is behind this project?

What do you mean by 'positive engagement'?

Why don't you campaign on specific political issues?

Shouldn't Christians focus on spiritual matters and stay out of politics?

 

Why Susa?

Susa was one of the capitals of the Persian empire. Some of the most important biblical examples of political engagement lived and worked in Susa: Daniel (a senior government minister), Nehemiah (a top civil servant), Esther (at the heart of the political and cultural elite), and Mordecai (literally a 'lobbyist'). They were all willing to engage with the system on its own terms. They all understood the importance of prayer and practise working together. And they all had to walk the tightrope of remaining culturally relevant while avoiding personal compromise.

Sometimes Christians seek to engage in the politics of 'Jerusalem', believing that they should exercise political influence as a matter of right. At other times Christians have regarded the state as 'Babylon', inherently hostile and beyond redemption. We feel that Susa, with its complex, diverse, and pluralistic political culture, offers a better model for the reality of Christian political involvement in the 21st Century.

Who is behind this project?

The SUSA resource has been launched and initially funded by Bible Society, as part of their work in cultural engagement.

The project is primarily supported by key partners: Christians in Politics, and 24-7 Prayer.

A list of organisations and individuals who are supporting the initiative is available here.

What do you mean by 'positive engagement'?

Christian engagement in politics in the UK has often been characterised by adopting a 'protest position' around specific issues. Protest is legitimate and important, and there a strong prophetic tradition in the bible and church history of speaking out against unrighteousness and injustice. However, it is only one part of a broader call to engage. In order to speak and act effectively across a broad spectrum, it is also necessary to articulate a positive vision of society. This involves communicating a clear picture of what is good and beneficial for our communities and nation as well as speaking out against what is harmful.

This kind of positive engagement is a powerful way of conveying a gospel of hope in the 'public square'. It also ensures that, when we do recognise a need to oppose on certain issues, our views will continue to be taken seriously.

Why don't you campaign on specific political issues?

We have to recognise that Christians do not always agree on issues of doctrine and policy. Few would disagree that a concern for the poor and for family life are key biblical emphases. However, whether we should respond by reducing the tax burden to encourage philanthropy or by raising taxes to fund social welfare payments is not quite so clear!

We are seeking to encourage Christians of all denominations and political opinions to become more extensively and effectively engaged in political life. We actively encourage individuals and groups to prayerfully take a view on the issues of the day, in line with their biblically informed convictions. For this reason, as a project we will not actively endorse any particular doctrinal or policy position.

Shouldn't Christians focus on spiritual matters and stay out of politics?

No. Politics is a spiritual matter! The gospel message is relevant to every area of our lives, including our political life. When we bring Godly wisdom to political debate with an attitude of humility and confidence, society is blessed as a result. And when we communicate Christ in the 'public square', the good news is preached in words and in action.