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== Evangelism ==

In what Christians sometimes call the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus sent his disciples out into the world to preach the Gospel (literally "good news") and make disciples. The importance of preaching is later emphasized in the New Testament (Romans 10:14). Christians consequently spend a great deal of energy and money in evangelistic efforts. It should be noted, however, that Jesus Christ said it was the Holy Spirit, not people, who was sent to convict the world concerning sin and righteousness (John 16:8). Also, Christian leaders after him credited God, not people, with the growth and maturity of the Church (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). In other words, Christians are instructed to tell others about Jesus, but only God can make a change in the heart (John 6:45).

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~~== Christians and politics ==~~

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Christians have exerted themselves in the political arena for nearly two thousand years. But one should remember that Jesus Christ was neither a political activist nor a political philosopher. His only directly political statement is found in Mark 12:14-17, where in the discussion of whether to pay taxes, he said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Most Christians take this saying to mean that one ought to honor their authorities with the appropriate respect and service, an attitude reflected elsewhere in the New Testament (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:12-14, 17). Various interpretations of this principle have been practiced since Christ.

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In America, many Christians feel it is not only their constitutional right, but a religious duty to participate in the active democracy. Some feel they have a moral obligation to influence American politics and society in order that they exemplify more Christian ideals. Christian political advocacy groups such as the Christian Coalition work toward this end. These tend to emphasize controversial issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and adolescent sex, and have come to be associated with the political right wing, the Republican Party in particular.

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Some Christians have criticized these advocacy groups for not pursuing moral issues they feel are equally important. Examples include poverty (Luke 18:22), judicial equality (Exodus 23:6; Deuteronomy 10:18), animal rights (Proverbs 12:10), and the environment (Genesis 1:28-30). Prominent exponents of secular humanism, but also moderate Christians, tend to characterize Christian conservatives' stance on sexual morality, gender equality as intractable, prejudicial and sometimes, even as immoral. This has lead to what many see as a national conflict of values.

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Because of these and other such disputes, it is vitally important to stress that many devout practicing Christians are not politically conservative, and that Christ never personally endorsed any particular brand of political thinking.

== See also ==

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