A North Texas author combined two topics commonly regarded as taboo into one book: religion and politics.
Bunni Pounds, author of Jesus and Politics, encourages discussions that give voice to morals and values in government.
“Two things we are not supposed to talk about at the dinner table are Jesus and politics. These are the things we feel divide our culture, but they are two of the most important things we should be talking about,” said Pounds in an interview with The Dallas Express.
Pounds explained that many Christians feel politics and government are not something they desire to engage in because “it looks like a mudslinging profession” marred by corruption. However, Pounds stressed that it is “absolutely essential that Christians get involved in this space, not just pushing for biblical values in legislation, but that they can have great effect on their elected officials, from city, county, state, and federal viewpoints.”
Jesus and Politics is full of stories and testimonies, both personal and from elected officials, meant to inspire people to walk their faith, even in a hostile culture, and impact people’s lives. Having spent 16 years running congressional campaigns and helping state and county-level officials represent their constituents, Pounds has plenty of stories to share.
Using her vast experience in the political arena and as a believer, Pounds explained that “there are people involved in government and politics who claim the name of Christ, that sometimes do not act like Christ followers,” adding that she wants to help them consider watching over the adversaries of their souls, including fear, anger, pride, bitterness, and lack of forgiveness.
“Jesus called us to speak the truth in love. The truth is hard for us to speak sometimes, but we still have to speak it with compassion and love,” said Pounds. “There is a right and a wrong. As believers, we believe those things are defined by the word of God.”
Pounds is the founder and president of Christians Engaged. The group was founded in 2019 as a non-profit organization dedicated to resources and outreach “to awaken, educate, and empower believers in Jesus Christ” to pray, vote, and engage, according to its website. Resources include election reminders, prayer prompts, curriculums, podcasts, and more.
“As I train Christians to be involved in politics, I always say, ‘Take on the position, not the person,'” Pounds said. “The person is created in the image of God whether they believe exactly like you do, and God has a plan for their life, and wants to pull them into a relationship with Himself.”
Pounds said she feels called into politics and government as “a missionary in America in a field that really needs Christian witness.”
“There is a big need for practical political education for people of faith,” she added. “If you could imagine the impact of every believer in the country, not only registering to vote but voting in every election — where we [currently] only have 1-6% show up for city elections nationwide — Christians can have a major impact if they would get involved.”
A timely educational resource Christians Engaged offers is the biblical roadmap, a non-partisan reference guide that helps readers prepare for the 2024 primary elections by comparing party platforms. Jesus and Politics will be released on February 6 and is currently available for pre-sale.
“We are in desperate need of leaders right now in our nation at every level, whether that is ministry, education, media, politics, government … all of it. I want to see the next generation get bold, knowing who they are in Christ and then stepping out into those places of influence,” said Pounds.