The Statesman Standard

An explanation and an introduction

Statesman Definition: One versed in the principles or art of government especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies¹

According to Websters 1828 - A man versed in the arts of government; usually, one eminent for political abilities²

The word "standard" is well-known and is often employed by newspapers. From what I can tell, it is used to evoke a sense of high standards, as in "This is a newspaper you can trust!" I am not attempting to start my own newspaper; however, I do want to cover some current affairs because I believe it is important to do so.

It is curious, particularly among evangelicals, to shy away from political and cultural discourses. It is rather sad, for the church has relinquished a lot of influence because of this tendency. I believe that politics are downstream of culture; however, so too is the law a teacher. Accordingly, culture can also be downstream of politics. Moreover, current political debates reflect the heart of the country and its people. Therefore, observing the present discourse allows us to examine the issues of the day and the ailments to which Christians must apply a salve.

It is this remedy that we must keep in mind. In the world's view, this remedy might manifest as more laws and prescriptive legislation (which are important). However, for politically minded Christians, these are not our cures. We look to a higher power than legislative bodies and executive offices for our hope of a better world. Rather, when we speak out about issues, our goal should be to compel those very offices to submit themselves to the authority of that same higher power—God. This is where the Founders say our rights come from in the first place, much to the consternation of liberals.

Przybyla went on to make a distinction between Christians and "Christian nationalists," which she said are "very different." What unites all Christian nationalists, she said, "is that they believe that our rights as Americans, as all human beings, don't come from any earthly authority."³

The context of this brief quote is from a video where a reporter warns the audience about the significant threat of "Christian Nationalists." However, this is precisely what Christians should be doing; we should be reminding people of all backgrounds that God is the one who grants us rights. The remarkable aspect of this is that we can experience true freedom even while in prison, just as Paul and Silas, Peter, and many other apostles did. God grants us our freedoms, and thus, He is the only one who can truly liberate us. Even should our current situation to get better, and life still gets harder for Christians we may still be free. For God is our ultimate salvation, our ultimate ruler and lawmaker, it is his joy that we experience and his strength that we rest upon.

However, as we still reside in a nation that claims to be founded on the constitution, we as Christians should remind lawmakers of their obligation to safeguard rights, defending them under the banner of God-given. Therefore, this is my endeavor: to examine current affairs and endeavor to apply classical and Christian wisdom to such contemporary issues!

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman

2. https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Statesman

3. https://www.christianpost.com/news/god-given-rights-are-christian-nationalist-heidi-przybyla-says.html