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Abstract

In a time of increasingly divisive rhetoric and polarization, churches are facing new challenges that threaten their unity and mission. Churches of Christ find themselves in a peculiar position in this cultural moment. We do not bear the negative baggage associated with Evangelicalism’s drift into Christian nationalism and an enmeshment with the Religious Right. And yet, our witness has been muted through our silence pertaining to matters of public life and ethics. In this paper, I set out to investigate the historical reasons for our silence and to suggest a theology of public witness for Churches of Christ in the 21st century. Christians have an opportunity to offer an alternative politic to the two partisan political visions offered by modern American democracy. As we follow Jesus, our public witness must decidedly focus on the interests of others, particularly the oppressed and marginalized whose cries we encounter as we do justice in our communities. In a world increasingly willing and prepared to use violence, Christian communities must remain committed to nonviolent action as we seek to love our neighbors.

Author Bio

Collin Packer is the Director of Strategic Development for LTR Ministries, an organization that engages white Christians in the ministry of reconciliation and justice through education, inner work, and community. Collin received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University. He then served as the Lead Minister for prominent Churches of Christ in Littleton, Colorado and Allen, Texas. As his calling evolved, Collin has led in nonprofit, legislative, and academic roles that have all focused manifesting the kingdom of God in the public square for the common good.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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