“公民生活”，即政治。对很多人来讲，这个题目有点儿超越自身的现实，因为在‘后疫情、后美丽国、后WTO’的情况下，绝大多数人在面对生活、房贷、培养下一代的压力时，普遍感到难以参与社会更和谐的议题。因此今天的文章分两个大的部分，第一部分是一个缩略版的建议，适合埋头生活无暇参政的朋友；第二部分是稍详细一点的建议，供有一些额外精力的朋友参考，无论何种情况下，我们仍可以通过一些实际行动来平衡个人生活和社会责任：

第一部分：通俗易行的建议

1. 每日反思与祷告：

    这是一个小步前进的方法，争取每天抽出10多分钟，关注新闻或阅读一本关于社会问题的书，毕竟小步前进比不前进好，这样你就不会感到负担过重。然后花几分钟时间反思和祷告，让自己的心灵得到平静，从而更好地面对生活中的挑战。

2. 适当参与社区活动：

    尽量参与一些社区或教会组织的小型活动，即使每个月一次，也能让你感受到集体的力量和支持，脱离教会是一种危险行为，没有哪个人可以强大到‘自力更生’。

3. 合理安排时间：

    使用时间管理工具，例如手机日历或任务清单，帮助你更高效地完成工作和生活中的任务。

4. 保持健康生活方式：

    坚持健康的饮食和适量的运动，这不仅有助于身体健康，还能提升你的整体精力和情绪。

5. 关注社会热点：

    即使没有时间深入参与，也可以通过阅读新闻、参与在线讨论等方式，了解社会动态，培养关心社会的意识。

    好了，就这些，以上做法虽然没有特别之处，至少保证了自己在社会中的参与感和健康状态。

第二部分：明辨是非，正视世界观

    在现代社会，特别是经历了很多运动之后，许多基督徒对政治保持距离，甚至避免讨论政治和主义。然而，正如圣经所教导的，作为基督徒，不仅有责任在信仰上坚守真理，也有责任在社会生活中践行公义和仁爱。换句话说，不应把政治和政权混淆，即便你不（想）‘当官’也时刻处于被管理的地位，被管的合理与否就属于政治的范畴，没有哪条活鱼可以不关心自己所处的水质吧。这篇文章将探讨基督徒如何分辨各种主义，并建立正确的世界观来面对政治生活，特别是如何辨别左派和右派的观点。

一、认识“政治”与“主义”

1. 政治的本质

    政治不仅限于政府事务，而是涉及管理公众事务，影响着社会的各个方面。基督徒不应把头埋进沙子里，回避政治，而应该积极参与，以公义和仁爱的原则影响社会。

2. 主义的定义

    主义是一种系统的思想或信仰，反映出人们在特定领域中的价值观和主张。例如，资本主义关注财产保护和市场自由，而共产主义关注平等和集体利益。

二、基督徒的基本原则

1. 敬畏神的心

    圣经教导我们：“敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端，认识至圣者便是聪明。”（箴言 9:10）基督徒的一切行动和思想都应基于对神的敬畏和对神话语的遵行。

2. 公义与仁爱

    作为基督徒，我们被呼召要行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心与神同行（弥迦书 6:8）。这意味着在政治生活中，我们要坚持公正，关怀弱势群体，并以谦卑的态度参与社会事务。

3. 真理的标准

    耶稣说：“我就是道路、真理、生命。”（约翰福音 14:6）基督徒应以圣经的教导为真理的标准，分辨各种主义的正确与否。

三、基督教各派别的主义

1. 加尔文主义

    正面观点：强调神的主权和预定论，认为一切都在神的掌控之下。加尔文主义者认为，基督徒应在社会中努力工作，彰显神的荣耀。
    须警惕的方面：有时被批评为宿命论，可能导致对社会问题的冷漠，因为一切都被视为预定好的。

2. 亚米念主义

    正面观点：强调人的自由意志和责任，认为每个人都有选择得救的机会。亚米念主义者通常更加关注社会公义和个人行为的责任。
    须警惕的方面：有时被批评为过度强调人的自由，可能削弱对神主权的认同。很多基督徒可能已经成为了亚米念主义的实践者，不妨对照省察一下。

3. 自由主义神学

    正面观点：注重社会正义和道德改革，强调基督教信仰应与现代科学和哲学相结合，适应社会的变化。
    须警惕的方面：可能导致对传统教义的淡化，甚至否认基督教的核心信仰，如耶稣的神性和复活。

4. 福音派

    正面观点：注重传福音和个人信仰的实践，强调圣经的权威和基督的救赎。
    须警惕的方面：有时可能忽视社会问题和政治参与，过于强调个人救赎而忽视社会公义。

5. 解放神学

    正面观点：强调社会经济正义，关注贫困和压迫，认为基督教信仰应致力于社会变革。
    须警惕的方面：可能被批评为过度政治化，甚至被指责为与某些激进政治运动有过于密切的联系。

6. 恩典福音

    正面观点：强调神的恩典和救赎，认为信徒只需靠神的恩典即可得救，无需过多强调行为。恩典福音派注重神的爱和宽恕，给信徒带来极大的安慰和希望。
    须警惕的方面：可能被批评为忽视行为的改变和圣洁生活的追求，容易导致信徒滥用恩典，缺乏实际的信仰见证，缺乏对罪悔改的强调。

四、如何分辨各种主义

• 1. 社会主义主张集体利益和国家对经济的控制。基督徒应关注其是否公平对待每个人，是否尊重个人的自由和权利。
• 2. 资本主义强调个人自由和市场经济。基督徒应警惕其可能带来的贫富差距和社会不公，提倡在自由经济中维护社会公正。
• 3. 自由主义强调个人权利和自由。基督徒应注意其是否尊重宗教信仰和道德价值，防止极端个人主义导致的社会分裂。
• 4. 保守主义强调传统价值和社会稳定。基督徒应评估其是否与圣经的教导一致，防止固步自封，抵制必要的改革和进步。
• 5. 共产主义主张社会平等，消除贫富差距，通过集体所有制实现资源的公平分配。共产主义的某些理念与基督教关爱穷人的教义有相似之处。但在实践中往往导致极权主义和个人自由的压制，基督徒应警惕其可能对信仰自由和人权的侵害。

五、左派与右派的辨别

    1. 左派：左派通常主张社会平等、政府干预、福利国家和社会正义。左派强调通过政府的作用来解决社会不公和经济不平等问题。左派的许多观点与圣经中对贫困和压迫的关注相吻合。然而，基督徒需要警惕左派可能过度依赖政府而忽视个人责任和自由。
    2. 右派：右派通常主张个人自由、市场经济、有限政府和传统价值。右派强调个人责任和自由市场在创造财富和解决社会问题中的作用。右派的许多观点与圣经中对个人责任和家庭价值的强调一致。然而，基督徒需要警惕右派可能忽视社会不公和弱势群体的需要。

六、教派与社会中的站队

1. 福音派与保守主义

    福音派通常支持保守主义，强调传统家庭价值观、反对堕胎和同性婚姻等议题。保守主义的政治观点与福音派的信仰实践有较多重合。

2. 自由派基督教与自由主义

    自由派基督教通常支持自由主义，强调社会正义、包容和多样性，支持移民改革、社会福利和环境保护等议题。

3. 解放神学与社会主义

    解放神学与社会主义有很多交集，强调消除贫困和压迫，关注社会经济正义，主张通过社会改革实现平等和公正。

4. 加尔文主义与政治保守派

    加尔文主义者往往与政治保守派有共鸣，强调秩序和权威，支持传统的社会结构和道德观念。

七、建立正确的世界观

1. 以圣经为基础：圣经是基督徒世界观的根基。通过研读圣经，我们可以明白神的心意，并用神的话语来指导我们的思想和行为。

2. 保持批判性思维：基督徒需要培养批判性思维，避免盲目接受各种主义的观点。通过祷告和圣灵的引导，我们可以辨别真理和谎言。

3. 积极参与社会事务：基督徒应积极参与社会事务，做光做盐，为社会的公义、和平和福祉贡献力量。我们不应逃避责任，而是应在各自的领域中彰显基督的爱和公义。

4. 关注社会热点：基督徒应关心社会热点问题，并以圣经原则为指导，发表我们的观点，影响社会舆论，为神的国度作见证。

5. 平衡信仰与社会参与：虽然有些基督徒倾向于只关心宗教信仰而忽视社会问题，但圣经教导我们要在各个方面荣耀神。我们不能仅仅聚焦于教会内部事务，而应将基督的爱和公义带到社会的每一个角落。

结语

    上述第二部分所谓的分类其实只是我们面对的各种主义的一小部分，社会现象是复杂且多样的，基督徒在面对各种主义和政治生活时，须自始至终保持学习的心态，以圣经为标准，保持敬畏神的心，践行公义和仁爱，积极参与社会事务。通过分辨主义的真伪，建立正确的世界观，弟兄姐妹们可以在这个复杂多变的世界中，成为神忠心的管家，彰显神的荣耀。

    希望这篇文章能帮助基督门徒在复杂的社会和政治环境中保持信仰的纯正，同时积极参与社会事务，发挥光和盐的作用。

    让我们一起为此祷告！

    （如有建议敬请留言讨论，邮箱：[email protected]）

Distinguishing Various “Doctrines”: Engaging in Civic Life Without Bias

“Civic life” here refers to politics. For many, this topic seems somewhat removed from their immediate reality because, in this post-pandemic, post-America, post-WTO context, the vast majority of people feel overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life, mortgages, and raising the next generation—making it hard to engage in broader social issues. Therefore, this article is divided into two main parts. The first part offers a brief set of suggestions for friends too busy with daily life to get involved in politics; the second part provides more detailed advice for those with additional time and energy. In any circumstance, we can balance personal life with social responsibilities through concrete actions:

Part One: Simple and Practical Suggestions

1. Daily Reflection and Prayer:

This is a small-step approach. Try to spend about 10 minutes each day catching up on the news or reading a book about social issues—after all, even a small step forward is better than none. Then, spend a few minutes reflecting and praying to bring peace to your soul and better equip you for life’s challenges.

• Participate in Community Activities:

Try to participate in small community or church-organized events—even if only once a month, you will experience the strength and support of a collective. Abandoning church entirely can be risky, for no one can be completely self-reliant.

• Manage Your Time Reasonably:

Use time management tools such as your phone’s calendar or a task list to help you complete both work and personal tasks more efficiently.

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

Stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise. This not only benefits your physical health but also enhances your overall energy and mood.

• Stay Informed About Social Issues:

Even if you don’t have time for deep involvement, you can remain aware by reading news or joining online discussions. This helps develop an awareness of societal dynamics.

That’s it for now. While these practices may not be extraordinary, they ensure you maintain a sense of participation in society and a healthy state of being.

Part Two: Discerning Right from Wrong and Facing Worldviews

In modern society—especially after many social movements—many Christians keep a distance from politics or even avoid discussing it. However, as the Bible teaches, Christians have a responsibility not only to hold firm to the truth in matters of faith but also to practice justice and compassion in civic life. In other words, we should not confuse politics with governing power; even if you do not (or do not wish to) “hold office,” you are always under some form of governance, and whether that governance is justified falls under political scrutiny. No living fish can ignore the quality of the water in which it lives. This article explores how Christians can distinguish various doctrines and establish a correct worldview to engage with political life—especially by discerning between left-wing and right-wing views.

I. Understanding “Politics” and “Doctrines”

1. The Nature of Politics:

Politics is not confined to government affairs; it involves managing public issues and influences all aspects of society. Christians should not bury their heads in the sand to avoid politics but rather engage actively, using principles of justice and compassion to impact society.

• Definition of Doctrines:

A doctrine is a systematic set of beliefs that reflects people’s values and propositions in a particular area. For example, capitalism emphasizes property protection and market freedom, while communism stresses equality and collective interests.

II. Fundamental Principles for Christians

1. A Reverent Fear of God:

The Bible teaches, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). All actions and thoughts of a Christian should be founded on reverence for God and obedience to His word.

• Justice and Compassion:

As Christians, we are called to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). This means that in our political lives, we must stand for justice, care for the vulnerable, and participate in society with humility.

• The Standard of Truth:

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Christians should use the Bible’s teachings as the measure of truth when evaluating the validity of different doctrines.

III. Christian Doctrinal Perspectives

1. Calvinism

Positive Aspects: Emphasizes God’s sovereignty and predestination, holding that everything is under God’s control. Calvinists believe that Christians should work diligently in society to glorify God.

Caution: Sometimes criticized for fatalism, it may lead to indifference toward social issues because everything is seen as preordained.

• Arminianism

Positive Aspects: Emphasizes human free will and responsibility, believing that everyone has the opportunity for salvation. Arminians often focus more on social justice and individual accountability.

Caution: It can be critiqued for overemphasizing human freedom, potentially weakening acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Many Christians may already be practicing aspects of Arminianism, so self-examination is worthwhile.

• Liberal Theology

Positive Aspects: Focuses on social justice and moral reform, stressing that Christian faith should integrate with modern science and philosophy to adapt to societal change.

Caution: This approach might lead to diluting traditional doctrines or even denying core Christian beliefs such as the divinity and resurrection of Jesus.

• Evangelicalism

Positive Aspects: Emphasizes evangelism and the practice of personal faith, upholding the Bible’s authority and Christ’s redemptive work.

Caution: May sometimes neglect social issues and political engagement, overly focusing on individual salvation while overlooking social justice.

• Liberation Theology

Positive Aspects: Emphasizes socioeconomic justice, focusing on poverty and oppression, and insists that the Christian faith must work toward social transformation.

Caution: It can be criticized for being excessively politicized and even accused of aligning too closely with certain radical political movements.

• Grace Gospel

Positive Aspects: Emphasizes God’s grace and redemption, asserting that believers are saved solely through grace without an overemphasis on deeds. This view stresses God’s love and forgiveness, offering great comfort and hope.

Caution: It may be critiqued for neglecting behavioral change and the pursuit of a holy life, potentially leading to an abuse of grace, a weak witness, and insufficient emphasis on repentance.

IV. How to Distinguish Various Doctrines

• Socialism: Advocates collective interests and state control of the economy. Christians should consider whether it treats everyone fairly and respects individual freedom and rights.
• Capitalism: Emphasizes individual freedom and a market economy. Christians should be mindful of its potential to create wealth disparities and social injustice, advocating for justice even within a free market.
• Liberalism: Stresses individual rights and freedoms. Christians need to ensure that it respects religious beliefs and moral values, guarding against extreme individualism that could lead to social division.
• Conservatism: Emphasizes traditional values and social stability. Christians should evaluate whether it aligns with biblical teachings and resist stagnation by not opposing necessary reform and progress.
• Communism: Advocates for social equality and the elimination of wealth gaps through collective ownership. Some communist ideals echo the Christian mandate to care for the poor, but in practice they often lead to authoritarianism and the suppression of individual freedom. Christians should be cautious of potential infringements on religious freedom and human rights.

V. Distinguishing the Left from the Right

1. The Left: Generally advocates for social equality, government intervention, a welfare state, and social justice. Many of the Left’s viewpoints resonate with the Bible’s concern for poverty and oppression. However, Christians must be cautious that the Left may overly depend on governmental intervention while neglecting personal responsibility and freedom.
2. The Right: Typically emphasizes individual freedom, a market economy, limited government, and traditional values. Right-wing views stress personal accountability and the effectiveness of a free market in creating wealth and solving social problems. However, Christians should be cautious that the Right might ignore social injustices and the needs of the vulnerable.

VI. Church Factions and Their Political Alignments

1. Evangelicals and Conservatism:

Evangelicals often support conservative politics, emphasizing traditional family values and taking stands against issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. Conservative political views frequently overlap with evangelical practices.

• Mainline/Liberal Christianity and Liberalism:

Mainline or liberal Christians tend to support liberal ideologies, emphasizing social justice, inclusivity, and diversity, and often backing reforms such as immigration, social welfare, and environmental protection.

• Liberation Theology and Socialism:

Liberation theology shares much in common with socialism by emphasizing the elimination of poverty and oppression, focusing on socioeconomic justice, and advocating social reform to achieve equality and fairness.

• Calvinism and Political Conservatism:

Calvinists often resonate with political conservatives, emphasizing order and authority, and supporting traditional social structures and moral values.

VII. Establishing a Correct Worldview

1. Based on the Bible:

The Bible is the foundation of the Christian worldview. Through its study, we can understand God’s will and let His word guide our thoughts and actions.

• Maintain Critical Thinking:

Christians need to develop critical thinking in order to avoid blindly accepting various doctrinal viewpoints. Through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can discern truth from falsehood.

• Actively Participate in Social Affairs:

Christians should actively engage in social matters, serving as salt and light to contribute to justice, peace, and well-being. We must not avoid responsibility but rather manifest Christ’s love and justice in our respective spheres.

• Pay Attention to Social Hot Topics:

Christians should be attentive to current social issues and, guided by biblical principles, share our perspectives and influence public opinion as a testimony for God’s Kingdom.

• Balance Faith with Social Engagement:

Although some Christians may tend to focus solely on religious concerns while ignoring social matters, the Bible teaches us to glorify God in every area of life. We must not confine ourselves only to church affairs; rather, we should extend Christ’s love and justice to every corner of society.

Conclusion

The categorizations in the second part represent only a fraction of the various doctrines we face. Social phenomena are complex and diverse, and when Christians confront various doctrines and political life, they must remain lifelong students—upholding biblical standards, maintaining reverence for God, practicing justice and compassion, and actively participating in societal affairs. By discerning the authenticity of doctrines and establishing a correct worldview, brothers and sisters can become faithful stewards of God in this ever-changing world, thereby manifesting His glory.

We hope this article helps Christian disciples maintain the purity of their faith amid complex social and political environments while actively engaging in society as salt and light.

Let us pray together for this!