Attacks Confirm Need to Reground Approach to Political Life -- the Purpose of National Association of Evangelicals/Christianity Today/American Awakening Partnership

NEWS PROVIDED BY
First Principles Project
Oct. 21, 2020

BOSTON, Oct. 21, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a series of baseless online attacks by partisan activists, participants in the First Principles Project (www.firstprinciplesproject.com) have been unfairly targeted for their nonpartisan call to reground the evangelical Church's approach to political life.

"This is but one of thousands of examples of the tragic state of Christian civic engagement," said American Awakening Founder John Kingston. "When the pressure to hijack Christian witness for political gain so overwhelms leaders of our faith — to the point so many back away from speaking truth in the public square — we see the depths of the problem. We must act now to reverse this long and troubling trend."

First Principles Project was launched as a partnership of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Christianity Today (CT) and American Awakening, and is a nonpartisan initiative to reground the Christian voice in the public square.

"As a partnership of Christians — across racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, political and generational lines — calling believers to their fundamental responsibilities as 'Citizens of the Kingdom, the Country, and their Communities,' it should be clear to any reasonable observer there is no partisan objective," Kingston added.

About First Principles Project
The First Principles Project provides in one convenient location the best teaching on Christian civic engagement in both video and transcript form. Pastoral and thought leaders with the First Principles Project also curated easy-to-use original videos, transcripts, outlines and discussion materials based on the best historic and contemporary thinking to encourage a biblical approach:

• First, as citizens in the Kingdom of God — with Jesus as our King and God's way as our charter;
   
• Second, participating as citizens of our country, engaging in our civic duties in a spirit of service; and
   
• Third, serving our communities, loving our neighbors as Jesus commanded.

About American Awakening
American Awakening (www.americanawakening.us) is an ambitious multi-platform effort that embodies a campaign for the soul of America in an effort to slay the giants of death and despair in this American moment. The initiative includes John Kingston's book, "American Awakening: 8 Principles to Restore the Soul of America," a "Signs of Life" livestream and podcast, a "Losing Our Religion" docuseries, "The Daily Dose" online devotional and the virtual "Better Together" concert series. The movement is a comprehensive and far-reaching initiative to convene key faith and thought leaders across generations and traditions to inspire the nation to come together to heal, unite, and cherish what its people share instead of being fixated on what divides.

About the National Association of Evangelicals
Founded in 1942 and now led by Walter Kim, the National Association of Evangelicals (www.nae.net) includes more than 45,000 churches from 40 denominations and serves a constituency of millions. The NAE provides resources, connection and influence to help evangelical leaders navigate complexity with clarity and foster thriving communities.

About Christianity Today
Christianity Today (www.christianitytoday.com) is regarded worldwide as the leading evangelical publication for news and opinion. Trusted for its thoughtful and civil presentation of ideas and analysis, Christianity Today reaches more than 4.5 million Christian leaders monthly through its printed pages, ChristianityToday.com, and a wide array of other print and digital resources that engage, encourage and equip the Church worldwide. It was inspired by Evangelist Billy Graham's desire for a national resource that provided balanced reporting, biblical commentary, and a loving posture on the social, cultural and theological trends, issues and opportunities facing Christians. Tim Dalrymple serves as president and CEO.

SOURCE First Principles Project

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