Policy
Policy: Connecting Jesus’ Teachings to Governance
This section connects Jesus’ teachings to policy and governance. We evaluate policies through the lens of Jesus’ ethics—compassion, justice, mercy, and care for the marginalized. This is not about partisan politics—it’s about applying Jesus’ teachings to how we engage with governance.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.” - Matthew 23:23
Why Policy Matters
Policy shapes how we live together. It affects the poor, the sick, the marginalized. Jesus himself declared his mission in these terms:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” - Luke 4:18-19
We must evaluate policies through his lens and advocate for policies that align with his teachings.
Our Approach to Policy
Values-Driven, Not Partisan
We focus on principles, not parties. We evaluate policies by Jesus’ ethics, not by political labels. We build bridges, not walls.
Solution-Focused
We address problems with solutions. We build structures for compassion. We create alternatives. We focus on transformation.
Non-Coercive
We invite, don’t demand. We model, don’t mandate. We focus on transformation, not conversion.
Key Policy Areas
Healthcare as Compassion
Healthcare policy through Jesus’ lens. How healthcare access connects to serving the sick and caring for the least of these.
“I was sick, and you visited me… Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:36, 40
“Heal the sick who are therein, and tell them, ‘God’s Kingdom has come near to you.’” - Luke 10:9
Scripture Foundation: Matthew 25
Poverty Alleviation Policies
Policies that serve the poor. How to address poverty, food insecurity, and housing through policy.
“For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. I was naked, and you clothed me.” - Matthew 25:35-36
“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house?” - Isaiah 58:6-7
Scripture Foundation: Matthew 25, Jesus on Wealth
Economic Justice
Economic structures aligned with Jesus’ teachings. Debt relief, predatory lending, wealth concentration, and economic exploitation.
“Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.” - Matthew 6:12
“He has sent me… to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” - Luke 4:18-19 (referring to the Year of Jubilee—forgiveness of debts)
Scripture Foundation: Jesus on Forgiveness, Jesus on Wealth
Wealth Concentration
Addressing extreme inequality through the lens of Jesus’ teachings on wealth.
“It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” - Matthew 19:24
“Woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation.” - Luke 6:24
Scripture Foundation: Jesus on Wealth
Voting with Values
How to evaluate candidates and policies through Jesus’ lens. Voting with values, not party.
“By their fruits you will know them.” - Matthew 7:16
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.” - Matthew 7:15
Scripture Foundation: Red-Letter Teachings
How to Use This Section
- Understand the Foundation - Connect policies to Jesus’ teachings
- Evaluate Policies - Use Jesus’ lens to evaluate policies
- Advocate - Support policies that align with Jesus’ teachings
- Engage - Participate in the political process with values
Connection to Action
Policy connects to action:
| Policy | Action |
|---|---|
| Healthcare as Compassion | Serve the Poor |
| Poverty Alleviation Policies | Serve the Poor |
| Economic Justice | Forgive Debts |
| Voting with Values | Political Engagement |
See Also: Action
Connection to Foundation
Policy connects to foundation:
See Also: Foundation
See Also
- Foundation - The teachings that inform our policy positions
- Action - How policies connect to action
- Community - Building community around policy
- Political Engagement - How to engage politically