Have you noticed, I wonder, that there is a cultural tendency to make civil discourse uncivilized? All of us, from time to time, fall into the trap of pointing fingers at someone guilty of the same sin we fail to see in ourselves when we reflect in pride at our own correctness. Perhaps some wisdom from the past may be helpful, a voice that has been claimed by every side in a world that bifurcates each message into “us” and “them”. There are many to choose from, so picking one on President’s Day I thought it appropriate to engage someone claimed by Progressives, Conservatives, and everyone in between.
Christian Citizenship: The Call to Strength and Virtue
On this President’s Day, as we reflect on the legacy of leadership in America, it is fitting to turn our attention to a man whose vision for citizenship was inseparable from moral duty—Theodore Roosevelt. His essay, Christian Citizenship, found in The Strenuous Life, is not merely a relic of political thought but a clarion call to every generation that seeks to reconcile faith with civic responsibility.
I think many questioned whether he was committed to his Christian beliefs. We may also wonder what the patriarch of the Progressive movement might have to say about a nation that seems in flux on “conservative principles” and “Christian Nationalism” (by the way, I think that is an entirely different phrase than Christian Citizenship, FWIW).
Perhaps we should just allow him to speak for himself on the subject:
The Decalogue and the Golden Rule must stand as the foundation of every successful effort to better either our social or our political life. “Fear the Lord and walk in his ways” and “Love thy neighbor as thyself”—when we practice these two precepts, the reign of social and civic righteousness will be close at hand. Christianity teaches not only that each of us must so live as to save his own soul, but that each must also strive to do his whole duty by his neighbor. We can not live up to these teachings as we should; for in the presence of infinite might and infinite wisdom, the strength of the strongest man is but weakness, and the keenest of mortal eyes see but dimly. But each of us can at least strive, as light and strength are given him, toward the ideal. Effort along any one line will not suffice. We must not only be good, but strong. We must not only be high-minded, but brave-hearted. We must think loftily, and we must also work hard. It is not written in the Holy Book that we must merely be harmless as doves. It is also written that we must be wise as serpents. Craft unaccompanied by conscience makes the crafty man a social wild beast who preys on the community and must be hunted out of it. Gentleness and sweetness unbacked by strength and high resolve are almost impotent for good.
The true Christian is the true citizen, lofty of purpose, resolute in endeavor, ready for a hero’s deeds, but never looking down on his task because it is cast in the day of small things; scornful of baseness, awake to his own duties as well as to his rights, following the higher law with reverence, and in this world doing all that in him lies, so that when death comes he may feel that mankind is in some degree better because he has lived.
– Teddy Roosevelt [CARNEGIE HALL, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30, 1900]
From this quote, we should ask ourselves: can we each make life for others just a little better because we lived? What is progress, anyway, if not improvement on lessons of the past, mistakes and successes, individual and collective. That’s a topic worth discussing.
Theology Pub Host Preparation
Expand each section below (by clicking the arrow) to read a deep dive in preparation for hosting a Theology Pub discussion. Remember, this is not just intellectual, it is also personal – any given topic is likely to touch on a nerve in someone’s personal life. Click on this first arrow to see an example.
All Application is Personal Application
Example: A discussion thread may lead to big government vs small government, which is not inherently a theological topic, but get there because of Teddy Roosevelt’s quote:
While on the one hand it has become evident that under the conditions of modern life we can not allow an unlimited individualism which may work harm to the community, it is no less evident that the sphere of the State’s action should be extended very cautiously, and so far as possible only where it will not crush out healthy individual initiative.
This could easily spur a discussion on the balance of what should be done by State action versus what should be done by private organizations – yet what about cases where actions larger than a private organization are required, such as in laws for handicapped individuals? Remember, this is not just hypothetical for people who are reliant on the state not by a lack of healthy individual initiative but because they are truly reliant on others. Always remember it is personal to someone.
The idea of hosting a Theology Pub discussion is to first prepare yourself as a discussion leader in the topic at hand. This may involve some prep on the subject for you; however, others should just feel comfortable showing up unprepared, just as any item from today’s current headlines can easily make this topic relevant on the spur of the moment! The goal is to just have a dialogue – not to give folks that come to join you any homework or read aheads – preparation is your job. So, the following sections are provided to those who wish to dig deeper on this topic and prepare themselves. When you are ready, just invite others for chat, perhaps with just the quote from Teddy Roosevelt or something that stood out from a recent headline; a desire to grab a drink and chat with some friends is often rewarded.
This first section provides an article to encourage some reflection on the subject…
Progressive Christian Citizenship: Reflection on Theodore Roosevelt’s Essay
The True Citizen: Strong, High-Minded, and Brave-Hearted
Roosevelt’s argument is strikingly simple yet profound: The best citizen is also the best Christian. He warns against the twin evils of excessive individualism and overreaching state control, advocating instead for a society where individuals embrace personal responsibility while also supporting one another. Charity is necessary, but reliance on the state at the expense of self-respect is ruinous.
One cannot read his words without recognizing their relevance today. “To break the Tenth Commandment is no more moral now than it has been for the past thirty centuries,” he wrote, condemning envy and class warfare just as strongly as he opposed greed. Roosevelt saw moral decay as the greatest enemy of both the Republic and the Church. The true Christian citizen is not simply pious but industrious, honest, and courageous in standing against injustice.
The Pitfalls of Modern “Progress” and Religious Division
It is interesting that Roosevelt is often claimed by both the political left and right. Progressives may laud his reformist spirit, but he would hardly recognize today’s redefinition of progress—a concept now often detached from personal virtue and moral restraint. Conservatives may applaud his emphasis on duty and family, yet they must also reckon with his belief that wealth and power are dangerous if detached from righteousness.
Today, the term “Christian” is similarly stretched and reinterpreted by various factions. Some wield it as a weapon of exclusion, while others dilute it to the point of meaninglessness. Roosevelt’s words challenge both approaches: “We ask that these Associations, and the men and women who take part in them, practice the Christian doctrines which are preached from every true pulpit.” True Christianity, for him, was not a tribal identity but a call to moral excellence.
A Call to Action: Citizenship as Discipleship
Roosevelt’s challenge is clear: We are not merely called to believe; we are called to act. The Bible does not tell us to be harmless doves only, but also wise serpents. Strength and righteousness are inseparable. A nation cannot survive if its people lack either.
What, then, is the Christian response to the civic strife of our time? It is neither passive retreat nor reckless zeal. It is the steady work of integrity in family life, fairness in public discourse, and a commitment to moral action without hatred. Roosevelt warned against those who “try to solve the great problems that confront us by an appeal to anger and passion.” His words could have been spoken yesterday.
The Measure of a Life Well Lived
Roosevelt closes with words worth committing to heart:
“The true Christian is the true citizen, lofty of purpose, resolute in endeavor, ready for a hero’s deeds, but never looking down on his task because it is cast in the day of small things.”
A Christian citizen does not wait for grand moments of history to act. He serves in the quiet, daily duties of honesty, sacrifice, and love of neighbor. When death comes, Roosevelt says, he should be able to say, “Mankind is in some degree better because he has lived.”
If we are to honor the spirit of President’s Day, let it not be with mere nostalgia for past greatness, but with a resolve to embody the principles that made such greatness possible.
The next section provides an outline for how you might structure a conversation on this topic with a group of friends at a pub or coffee shop to encourage a civil dialogue…
Pro Tip: Let the discussion be open ended, honor everyone’s time by keeping a pace that ends in open discussion without division or strife. You do not have to wrap up loose ends, they make great points for future discussions. …
Theology Pub: The Progressive Christian Citizen’s Duty and Discipleship in Public
1 Hour Conversation Outline
Introduction (10 Minutes): The Weight of Citizenship
Start a 10 minute conversation with something along the lines of:
It is a curious thing that the modern world has drawn a sharp line between faith and public life, as though Christ’s injunction to love one’s neighbor did not extend to policies, governance, or civic engagement. Theodore Roosevelt, in his essay Christian Citizenship, saw no such division. He argued that to be a good citizen was, at its heart, to be a good Christian—one who pursues righteousness, justice, and the common good with strength and wisdom.
Christian citizenship is not a passive title, nor a mere legal status. It is an active vocation, demanding more than personal piety or political partisanship. It calls for the full engagement of heart, mind, and soul in the shaping of society. It means defending truth, exercising virtue, and resisting both the corruption of greed and the folly of envy. In short, it requires the very thing Christ taught His disciples: courage wrapped in wisdom, compassion strengthened by conviction.
Tonight, let us examine what it means to be a Christian citizen, where Scripture and civic duty intertwine, and how Roosevelt’s insights remain startlingly relevant in our own divided times.
Feel free to add in additional thoughts from your reading and research – this is your discussion, so make it a personal dialogue not just something you read verbatim.
Worldview Discussion (20 Minutes)
1. The False Divide: Faith and Public Life
• Many modern thinkers advocate a secular public square, where religion is kept private. Is this a biblical view?
• How do we reconcile Christ’s call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) with the civic responsibility to uphold justice and order?
• Can morality be legislated? If so, where is the line between righteous governance and theocracy?
2. Virtue Over Ideology
• Roosevelt warned against those who inflame “anger and passion” in public discourse. Do we see this today, and how should Christians respond?
• What virtues should define Christian political engagement? Meekness, justice, wisdom? How do these balance?
• How do we avoid the twin pitfalls of political apathy and idolatry?
3. Charity vs. Responsibility
• Roosevelt argued that charity without self-respect leads to dependence, but unchecked individualism leads to neglect. How do Christians navigate this balance?
• How does the biblical principle of stewardship (Luke 16:10) apply to governance and economic policy?
• Are modern welfare and social justice movements in alignment with biblical charity?
Christian Worldview Redirect (20 Minutes)
1. The Biblical Mandate for Civic Engagement
• Scripture does not call believers to retreat from society but to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16).
• The Old Testament prophets held rulers accountable—how does this apply to modern Christians?
• Romans 13 commands obedience to governing authorities, yet Acts 5:29 commands obedience to God over man. When do Christians resist?
2. Strength and Humility in Political Action
• Christ told His followers to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). What does this mean for modern civic engagement?
• How do we fight injustice without becoming unjust?
• How do we ensure our politics are shaped by our faith rather than the reverse?
3. A Call to Noble Citizenship
• Roosevelt wrote, “The true Christian is the true citizen, lofty of purpose, resolute in endeavor, ready for a hero’s deeds.”
• What small actions can we take daily to live as Christian citizens?
• How does our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20) shape our earthly duties?
Closing Thought (10 Minutes)
Roosevelt’s vision of Christian citizenship was not about political party or national pride but about character. His words echo the wisdom of Scripture: we must not only be good, but strong; not only high-minded, but brave-hearted.
If Christian citizenship is indeed discipleship in the public square, then we cannot afford complacency. We must engage with wisdom, act with righteousness, and speak with both truth and grace.
The question remains: Will history say that the world was better because we lived as Christian citizens?
This final section provides you some worldview considerations and an alternative perspective you should consider when engaged in a dialogue where not everyone shares a Christian viewpoint.
You should really take the time to think through the potential arguments to a Christian Worldview. This is good for your faith, not just for the discussion at hand. Furthermore, you are well served in keeping this as a dialogue, and not a debate, thus being ready to receive an argument with a cool head and thoughtful response is important when someone shares their heart and head with you – at the public place where you invited them to join you to talk about a hot topic!
Alternative Worldview Considerations
Theological Considerations in Citizenship and Governance: A Worldview Analysis
The relationship between faith and governance is one of the oldest and most contentious issues in human history. From the theocratic rule of ancient Israel to the Christian debates over monarchy and democracy, believers have long wrestled with how—or whether—faith should shape civic life. Today, the conversation continues, often reduced to binary arguments between secularism and theocracy, progressivism and conservatism, individual freedom and communal responsibility.
But Christianity is neither a political ideology nor a mere cultural tradition. It is a faith that speaks to the very nature of human beings, morality, and justice. The question, then, is not whether theology should influence governance, but how it should do so rightly.
1. The Secularist View: The Absence of Theology in Governance
Modern secularism argues that governance should be devoid of religious influence. This view is rooted in Enlightenment thought, which sought to establish reason as the primary source of authority. Under this model:
• Religion is seen as personal, not public. Faith is considered a private matter with no bearing on legislation or civic duty.
• Moral relativism often prevails. Laws are based on societal consensus rather than objective moral principles.
• The state replaces religious structures. Government programs take the place of traditional religious institutions in areas like charity, education, and ethical formation.
Critics of this view argue that it is self-contradictory. Every law is based on some moral framework; the question is whose morality is being enforced. Secularism, despite its claims to neutrality, often imposes its own ethical system while excluding others.
2. The Theocratic View: Governance as an Extension of Divine Law
At the opposite extreme is the theocratic model, where religious authority and civil government are indistinguishable. This view has historically manifested in:
• Theocratic states like ancient Israel, medieval Christendom, and Islamic caliphates. Here, religious leaders wield governmental power, and civil law is directly derived from sacred texts.
• Moral absolutism enforced by the state. Sin is treated as a crime, and civil penalties are prescribed for offenses against religious law.
While theocracy ensures that governance aligns with religious convictions, history has shown that it often leads to legalism, oppression, and human corruption distorting divine law. Even in ancient Israel, where God Himself was King, the people demanded a human monarch (1 Samuel 8), and the Old Testament is filled with the failures of kings and priests who abused their authority.
3. The Christian Worldview: A Kingdom Not of This World, Yet In It
The Christian perspective on governance is unique because it does not fall neatly into either secularism or theocracy. Christ declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), yet He also taught that believers are to be “salt and light” in society (Matthew 5:13-16). This creates a tension: Christians are called to be engaged in earthly governance, but their ultimate allegiance is to a higher kingdom.
From a biblical perspective:
• Government is ordained by God (Romans 13:1-7). Civil authorities are meant to restrain evil and promote justice, but they are not divine.
• Believers are called to influence, not dominate. Joseph, Daniel, and Esther all served in pagan governments while remaining faithful to God.
• The moral responsibility of a Disciple transcends political structures. Whether under democracy, monarchy, or empire, Christians must uphold justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8).
This worldview avoids the errors of both secularism and theocracy. It affirms the necessity of moral governance while recognizing that human rulers are fallible. It acknowledges that laws can guide behavior, but only Christ transforms hearts.
4. Practical Considerations for Christian Citizenship
If governance is a tool rather than an idol, how should Christians engage in politics and citizenship today?
• Vote and advocate wisely. Political involvement is not about partisan allegiance but about seeking policies that align with justice and biblical morality.
• Reject both apathy and idolatry. Some Christians disengage from politics, assuming that “this world is not our home,” while others treat politics as though it can bring ultimate salvation. Both views are flawed.
• Be agents of peace and righteousness. Christians should be known for their wisdom, integrity, and commitment to truth—never for fearmongering or partisanship (James 3:17).
• Balance justice with mercy. Policies should not merely be punitive but should reflect God’s heart for both justice and restoration (Isaiah 1:17).
The Hitch: Perspective on Holy Politics – When Faith Becomes a Means to Power
C.S. Lewis was once noted as having struggled with writing the Screwtape Letters because it was such an awkward perspective to make an evil mentor. However, I imagine that he would encourage us, nonetheless, to seriously consider what an atheist might say, even if not meaning to be an antagonist, at the table while we discourse at the pub. Perhaps our antagonist would say: “My dear Christian, if you wish to truly master the art of control, you must learn the great trick of pious politics. You see, it is quite simple to take the loftiest of ideals—faith, morality, righteousness—and twist them ever so slightly until they become the very instruments of ambition, division, and power. Therein lies the great trick of subjecting everyone else to piety while you are seeking power instead.”
Religion, therefore, happens to be an ideal instrument of subjugation to powerful people over those who mean simply to do well in society and before a God they believe is watching them. Why settle for a mere political movement when you can drape it in divine sanction? Why argue with opponents when you can declare them not just wrong, but heretical? Why be satisfied with reasoned governance when you can claim prophetic authority over legislation?
No, my friend, the truly cunning do not abolish religion from politics. They baptize politics in the name of religion and declare their kingdom to be the kingdom of God Himself. The results? History has been most generous in providing examples of just how splendidly this works. So what say you to the powerful who would use your desire for morality against you and others too weak to stand for themselves?
The Case For and Against Political Piety (As the Opponent of Christianity Might Argue)
Consider, if you will, the brilliance of a faith that weds itself to political power:
1. The Divine Right to Rule
• Kings, emperors, and even modern politicians have claimed God’s anointing, conveniently making opposition not just treason, but blasphemy.
• Why debate policy when you can proclaim that your platform is divinely inspired?
2. The Holy War Against the Other Side
• Whether in ancient theocracies or modern democracies, the easiest way to maintain power is to ensure that your opponents are not merely wrong but wicked.
• Frame every issue as a battle of light vs. darkness, and soon enough, the people will stop asking questions and start sharpening their swords.
3. Selective Morality for Political Gain
• Nothing strengthens a movement like claiming God’s favor while strategically ignoring the more inconvenient parts of faith—like humility, love, and justice.
• It is a most useful trick to emphasize personal sins in one’s enemies while excusing corruption and injustice in one’s own camp.
4. The Messiah Complex in Leadership
• Every era has its leaders who are not content to be mere politicians; they must be prophets, deliverers, even messiahs.
• If you wish to hold absolute power, let the people believe you are the fulfillment of God’s plan rather than merely a fallible human in a temporary office.
What a wonderful machine this is! Once in motion, it needs no external force to sustain it. A self-perpetuating cycle of religious fervor and political power, where the people will march, fight, and even die—not for truth, but for your truth.
The Christian Counterpoint: A Kingdom Not of This World
But alas, there remains one most inconvenient Man who shatters the entire scheme. He is, of course, the Christ who stood before Pilate and declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
How vexing! Instead of seizing power, He emptied Himself. Instead of condemning Rome, He warned that the greatest among men must be the servant of all. Instead of wielding political force, He allowed Himself to be executed by it.
And what did He say about those who seek to mix faith with power? “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). A most disastrous doctrine for those who wish to use His name to seize control.
For the true Christian, the danger is clear: when faith becomes a political tool, it ceases to be faith at all. It becomes idolatry, a hollow shell of religion serving an earthly master.
Final Redirect: The True Role of Faith in Public Life
Does this mean Christians should abandon politics entirely? By no means! Faith should shape one’s ethics, inspire justice, and inform governance—but never as a blunt instrument of power. The Christian citizen is called to be a servant, not a conqueror; a voice for truth, not a pawn of propaganda.
The Church thrives not when it wields power, but when it speaks truth to it. When faith becomes a weapon in the hands of politicians, it loses its salt and light, becoming nothing more than a banner under which men march to their own ambitions.
And so, dear reader, the question remains: Will your faith shape your politics, or will your politics shape your faith? The answer determines not only the course of nations, but the fate of your own soul.
Wrap-up: A Thinking Man’s Religion in a Political World
Christianity, at its best, is neither a political party nor a cultural artifact. It is a way of living that demands both conviction and humility, engagement and separation. When Christians influence governance, it should not be for power, but for the common good. When they critique governance, it should not be out of rebellion, but out of fidelity to a higher law.
The question is not whether Christians should engage in citizenship and governance, but whether they will do so wisely, justly, and in the spirit of Christ.
I hope this fosters some great conversations! Let me know what you think and if this format works. Remember – this is just a chat, don’t be overzealous to turn it into a decision, change someone’s worldview on the spot, or tackle global geopolitics. People often just want to be heard – so listen more than you talk. And enjoy the drink with friends, just as Jesus did with with the tax collector who later, after dinner, became a disciple (Mat 9:9-13). You are not trying to impress your pastor or rabbi – you are having a drink with a friend, relaxing at the table, and having a discussion about things people are often too afraid to talk about in public.
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