taking a couple of courses that fulfill the requirements for a minor in public policy. Our students work in internships on Capitol Hill, research organizations (think tanks), media organizations, and nonprofits, among many options. Some of the positions are eye-opening and yet so important for the functioning of a democratic system. For example, a few dozen of our students over the years have answered phone calls for congressmen. As you might imagine, these conversations are not usually pleasant in tone or intonation. However, these interactions present a great opportunity to be salt and light in very difficult circumstances. For an institution the size of Cedarville, our alumni base is much larger than one would expect in the nation’s capital — put colloquially, we punch above our weight. Our mission is to prepare young men and women to follow God’s call and make a difference at all levels of government upon graduation. BUREAUCRACY A third term that can cause even the most mature believers in Christ to stumble. Charges that government entities like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) target conservatives and Christians have been regular in recent years — in some cases, with substantial merit. Sometimes the response is to get angry or to react with lament about the seeming downward trajectory of the country. Our view in the Department of History and Government is not to complain, but to initiate change. What can we do to be part of the solution? In recent years, nearly a dozen graduates have found employment in the FBI, Central Intelligence Agency, or the Defense Intelligence Agency. Their success is not a solution to the challenges of modern bureaucracy, but wholehearted followers of Christ with a degree from Cedarville University are nowmoving through these bureaus or agencies with integrity. REDEMPTION Finally, a word that brings hope! Each member of the faculty at Cedarville University is required to write an integration paper. This paper prompts us all to think through how our respective disciplines align, or not, with Scripture. In particular, one section of the integration paper requires thinking through a trichotomy: Can we accept, reject, or redeemwhat our discipline ascribes? In politics, the reality is that redemption is easy to say and very difficult to practically implement. And we know that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. For the follower of Christ called to work in or around government, it is a high calling to stand for God’s Kingdom in places that may seek to remove or denounce Himwith alacrity. In Genesis, it was God who created the institutions of the family, church, and government. The family and the church are obvious places for ministry, and for initiating societal change. But so is the government. This is not to argue that Christ-followers should take government by force; rather, believers can provide influence in the public policy sphere by promoting ideas that align with Scripture and supporting the other God-ordained institutions, family and church, if they are so willing to stand. In this vein, one of the central dangers is to avoid a slide to extremism. Standing firm on God’s Word is paramount, but there are ditches to avoid — on the one side, being too apathetic about politics; on the other side, being too embroiled in politics with the undergirding assumption that the Lord is no longer sovereign in our sphere. It is a tough balance. Christians should rightly be consumed with completing ministry but should not neglect evils penetrating our land. We may not win every battle, but an important step is to stand for biblical positions, even if the world outvotes us. The key, here, is integrity in politics at all levels of government, with a devotion to sharing Christ with those who oppose the things of God. May the Lord find us active and sharing the Gospel in whatever vocation He has for us — even if He calls us to the halls of government. Glen Duerr is Chair of the Department of History and Government and City Councilman in Beavercreek, Ohio. He earned his PhD in political science from Kent State University. We may not win every battle, but an important step is to stand for biblical positions, even if the world outvotes us. 13
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