How to be a Christian in an Election Year (And Not Hate Everyone)

CPJ's Stephanie Summers moderates a workshop titled "How to be a Christian in an Election Year (And Not Hate Everyone)" at the Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh, PA on February 17, 2024. The panel, made up of James Skillen, Dr. Vince Bacote, and Kaitlyn Schiess, answers questions that tackle compelling topics such as Christian political engagement in an election year, the balance of Christianity and politics, and practical steps to becoming a politically informed Christian. This video not only educates on the Christian calling of thoughtful political engagement but also showcases conversations about the manifestation of such, presenting a useful tool to all Christians existing within the current world.

Speakers featured:
Kaitlyn Schiess: Writer, Speaker, and Theologian
Dr. Vince Bacote: Professor of Theology and Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College
James Skillen: Author and Theologian

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and Overview
4:51 Why are Christians called to think well and critically about engaging in politics in an election year? Why is it critical that Christians lean into political conversations instead of opting out?
14:36 A question for Dr. Vince Bacote: What would you say to Christians who believe that the Christian life and the political life ought to be two separate things or perhaps would say, "I don't want to get involved in politics, it's really really messy."?
18:56 A question for James Skillen: How can individuals correctly balance their allegiance to Christ with their allegiance to their nation, or perhaps a political ideology?
24:59 A question for Kaitlyn Schiess: You wrote, "The Ballot and the Bible", which examines the ways that politicians historically made references to Biblical passages in and out of context. How can Christians critically evaluate a politician's rhetoric and their actual policy decisions, especially when they make appeals to the Bible or Christianity?
30:35 A question for Kaitlyn Schiess: In your book, "The Liturgy of Politics", you frame our basic habits and practices as liturgies because of the power they have in orienting our lives in particular ways. What are some of the liturgies you would say promote a worldview of political reconciliation and civil disagreement within a politically polarized United States?
33:44 James Skillen follows up on Kaitlyn Schiess' response to, "What are some of the liturgies you would say promote a worldview of political reconciliation and civil disagreement within a politically polarized United States?"
39:26 In reflecting on the session and considering the responsibilities of citizens in an election year, what are some practical steps college students can take to become better informed about candidates, policies, and local political issues?
49:05 Student prompted Q&A session
1:02:46 Conclusion

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