A Christian advocacy blueprint for building political influence
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There is a lot of joy in the conservative movement following the recent inauguration of President Trump. For Christians seeking a more Christian nation, there is a lot to be happy about.
Trump emphasized protecting religious freedom, including issuing executive orders to ensure that faith-based organizations are not forced to compromise their beliefs. His administration strengthened protections for prayer and religious expression in schools, an important issue for many Christians. He reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, preventing US taxpayer funds from being used for overseas abortion services.
He has also talked about "combating anti-Christian bias" in his upcoming administration.
But we need to remember that Trump has only four years remaining in his presidency, and there is no guarantee that his policies will continue after those four years come to an end.
It is on this note that Christians should begin looking into ways to continue to move things forward in a positive direction, both following Trump's presidency and regardless of who wins the next elections.
If you've been anywhere near the internet over the last few years, you will certainly have heard some mention of the "Israel lobby." The Israel Lobby is exemplified by organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has drawn concern from many Americans over its reach and impact.
While numerous lobby groups exist, the success of this group, along with its ability to influence policy, mobilize grassroots support, and create bipartisan coalitions that safeguard its objectives, has become a model of effective political advocacy.
Christians looking for ways to create America First and Christ First advocacy groups seeking to bolster their federal- and state-level lobbying apparatus can draw inspiration from this model, tailoring strategies to align with Christian principles and priorities.
WHAT IS THE ISRAEL LOBBY?
In his book The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, John Mearsheimer writes that the Israel lobby wields disproportionate influence over US foreign policy, often shaping decisions that prioritize Israeli interests.
Mearsheimer defines the Israel lobby as a loose coalition of individuals and organizations actively working to influence US foreign policy for the benefit of Israel. He emphasizes that this is not a single unified entity, but a network of groups sharing common goals.
The effect of the lobby is unquestionable. Mearsheimer posits that the lobby has successfully pushed the United States to provide unwavering support for Israel, including substantial financial aid, military assistance and diplomatic backing. He claims that this support often comes at the expense of broader US interests and has lead to conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
What makes the Israel lobby so effective, however, are the strategies and tactics used to lobby the US government. Mearsheimer points out that the lobby engages with both major American political parties, ensuring that support for Israel remains a bipartisan issue. This strategy allows the lobby to maintain influence regardless of which party controls the government.
The book highlights various strategies used by the Israel lobby to exert influence, including:
LEARNING FROM THE ISRAEL LOBBY
The Israel lobby's success is rooted in several key practices:
CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVES: A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION
A Christian advocacy network could adopt these principles while remaining true to its unique mission. Potential examples include:
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Christian advocacy groups will face challenges, including cultural opposition and media bias as they move forward. However, these obstacles can be easily mitigated through strategic planning, unity of purpose, and robust grassroots engagement.
By drawing on the successful tactics of other lobby groups, Christians can create an enduring and impactful advocacy network that shapes policy and culture in accordance with our values.
The starting point, of course, will be in establishing an advocacy that can simultaneously present an acceptable framework of clear and achievable goals and policies and be answerable to the broader body of believers. This will be an immense challenge, but it is doable. If it can be done, just imagine the effect it will have. Imagine an America restored to its faith.
Arthur is a former editor and consultant. Born in India to missionary parents, he spent his early career working in development for NGOs in Asia, Central America, and Africa.
Arthur has an educational background in history and psychology, with certifications from the University of Oxford and Leiden in the economics, politics, and ethics of mass migration and comparative theories in terrorism and counterterrorism. He is currently launching CivWest, a company focused on building capital to fund restorative projects and create resilient systems across the Western world.
Editor's note:
HOW SOULS AND LIBERTY WILL MOVE FORWARD THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
There can be no doubt we have witnessed an extraordinary moment in the history of the United States and the world. The election of Donald Trump to a second Presidential term is a great victory for Christian patriots, but it is not a complete or final victory. Rather, it is a reprieve from the ceaseless assaults on life, liberty and faith we have had to endure for four years.
Donald Trump is president again! His decisions, Cabinet selections, and force of personality are already shaping the United States and the world in ways we could only dream of.
We have a Heaven-sent opportunity to step up and ensure this victory is not merely a one-off, but the first of many and the foundation of a lasting legacy of patriotic, Christian, pro-family policies.
Souls and Liberty will be part of that effort, but we cannot do it without you. It will require reporting and activism that YOU can be a part of.
Can you step up and support us? Just once – a one-time donation is very valuable. Or, better yet, support us every month with a recurring donation. Thank you, and may God bless you.
Stephen Wynne
Editor-in-Chief, Souls and Liberty
