SEAN: Dad, why do you think Christians should be politically engaged?

JOSH: One reason Christians should be politically engaged is because we live in the United States where, as citizens, we are all asked to be engaged. We live in a democracy, which depends on citizen involvement. Second, as believers our lives should reflect morality, justice, equality and other virtues that should flow to the national level. We should be very involved in different issues to show the moral, relational, and biblical perspective.

SEAN: What biblical principles should most inform one’s political convictions?

JOSH: Be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). We should study and show ourselves approved under God, a workman who need not be ashamed (2 Tim 2:14). We should do our homework and be prepared to deal thoughtfully with issues. Three times I have gone to the White House and was disappointed at the ignorance of the questions that were asked by some prominent Christian leaders. When we got to the airport, one of the leaders said to me, “How did you know all that stuff?” I simply said, “I’ve done my homework. I have studied the issues so I can have a positive influence.” Being informed is the first biblical principle.

SEAN: How do you stay politically formed and keep yourself knowledgeable about political issues?

JOSH: Read, read, read and read some more. I get into an airplane and read every magazine on the plane. I check out certain websites constantly. Personally, I think Heritage USA and Gladstone provide good, balanced views from a conservative perspective.

Also, take every chance you can to interact with politicians or with people who have informed political views. I love to sit with people who have different political views, but who are very informed. The other day I talked with a young lawyer on the plane. We went round and round. I walked away from there and thought, “I’d like to have a conversation like that every day.” Until your own values are challenged, you don’t really own them. You don’t own them until they’re challenged and you think them through.