Reading the Bible in a Year: Philemon

In honor of the shortest of Paul's letters, we take up the biggest of questions:  How do Christians respond to evil?  Should and can this response be political?  

1) I argue that although Jesus challenged political leaders, he was not interested in change through political means. Does this seem fair? How might you describe Jesus' attitude towards politics to a non-Christian? 

2) What are issues -- dare we call them evil -- where your faith makes you feel summoned and inspired to combat them on a person level? Where you actively seek to help people through time, treasure and talent, who are impacted by X, Y or Z. 

3) What are issues -- dare we call them evil -- where your faith makes you feel summoned and inspired to combat them politically? Where you actively seek to help people through advocacy, voting, donations to campaigns or even running for office? 

4) Do you think local congregations should be most focused on   a) cultivating Christians who can fight evil outside of church   b) creating caring communities that include people on the margins (don't fight the world, create a counter balance to the world)  c) engaging in direct aid to local people who are suffering   d) engaging in advocacy for local issues (township, city or school board)  e) engaging in advocacy for statewide or even federal issues 

5) What is your response when pastors discuss politics?   

6) I spend a lot of time talking about the rise of bishops from upper class families. Just curious for your response to this reality. Does this church need leaders who can play "chess" as the world does? 

7) People in Paul's day couldn't see the problem with slavery because it was so woven into the fabric of his culture. What things about our culture might future generations look at as terribly evil even though we assumed they were normal?