With the recent unrest after the presidential election in Iran making news in the US, I thought a comment in order.
We American Christians have an odd approach to government participation. Compared to most of the rest of our Christian brothers and sisters alive today, WE think (or I feel) we should engage and argue and even boycott governments for the sake of the gospel. We think activism is good. Political liberty = spiritual liberty.
Christians in Ir*n and Cuba that I have met approach things differently. (I guess the same is true in China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other nations, though I've never spoken to believers there personally.) They tell me "Inactivism" is better. Political oppression = spiritual liberty.
Why?
The Holy Spirit uses the persecution and pressure against the Church to spread the gospel to thousands, even millions AND proves to the people the inadequacy of inferior types of political governance. It's not dissimilar to the Ancient Near East in the biblical era.
So I say, Do NOT write our government to try to muster support from the USA for change in these nations. If you work in our US government, work for justice and freedom. But the rest of us (me) should not meddle in the affairs of the King of kings except in prayer.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to convert and disciple SO MANY people in these persecuted nations that political change happens from within - as a result of the hand of the LORD at work.
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