Politics Is Downstream From Culture But The Church Must Lead Upstream

Today’s guest host, John Crane, reminded us of something that should shape how we think about government: politics is always downstream from culture. What happens in the halls of power is really the fruit of something upstream—the battle of worldviews. Whoever wins the idea war ultimately shapes everything downstream.

Having served two terms in the Indiana Senate, John surprised many people by voluntarily stepping down. He explained that God was calling him to go “upstream,” investing more deeply in worldview training and leadership development. The mission wasn’t over; it was just moving closer to the source.

He also shared how, as a sitting senator, church invitations dried up. Congregations that once welcomed him now worried about appearing “too political.” But here’s the truth: our whole culture is political. And God has something to say about everything—including government. When the Church pulls back, it creates a vacuum—and others are more than willing to fill it.

John’s call is simple but urgent: reject the false divide between “sacred” and “secular.” Every vocation—business, education, medicine, law, politics—is mission territory. And politics, he insists, is one of the darkest fields of all, needing Christian leaders to bring light.

Perhaps his most striking line was this: darkness doesn’t advance unless light retreats. That means if it looks like evil is gaining ground, it’s not because darkness is strong—it’s because light has been withdrawn. The solution isn’t retreat. It’s engagement.

We need thoughtful, principled, courageous Christians willing to enter the public square without conforming to it. That’s the only way to shine light upstream—and ultimately transform what flows downstream.

👉 Listen to the full episode or read more about what John had to see on today’s Stack.

My friends, you know the old saying: the pen is mightier than the sword.

Well, according to President Trump’s new Rose Garden display of presidential portraits, it’s mightier than Joe Biden too. Instead of a portrait of the man himself, Trump hung a framed picture of Biden’s autopen.

And honestly — it makes sense. That pen was the busiest member of his administration. For all we know, it signed letters, executive orders, and pardons — all while Joe was taking a siesta or calling it a day.

At this point, the autopen deserves Secret Service protection and maybe even its own presidential library.

But while the display is entertaining, the reality it represents is not. No one knew who was making decisions in the White House for four years. And that , my friends, is nothing to laugh about.

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You may have heard me mention this Bible study on the Toddcast. It’s called The Bible Recap — a daily reading plan with short, powerful commentary that helps you see the big picture of Scripture.

I’ve completed it once already and am going through it a second time. In fact, I’m even considering leading a group through it at some point. That’s how much I believe in it.

This isn’t a sponsor — just a resource I think will bless you.

👉 Check it out at thebiblerecap.com

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