Ethicist and broadcaster Frank Ritchie joins Andrew Urquhart fresh from a week-long monastic retreat at Southern Star Abbey, reflecting on a renewed sense of the cross's weight after walking the Stations of the Cross. He uses that experience to frame how Christians should approach the approaching 7 November election, cautioning against the polarisation and relationship breakdowns he sees fuelled by political tribalism.



Drawing on Matthew 22 and the example of early Christian writer Justin Martyr, Ritchie argues believers should resist the urge to "rage" against political opponents and instead model respect and gentleness even amid sharp disagreement. He encourages Christians to still engage democratically - asking not just how but "would Jesus vote" - while keeping politics in its proper place, reminding listeners that salvation is found in the cross and resurrection, not in any party or policy.



Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Ethicist and broadcaster Frank Ritchie joins Andrew Urquhart fresh from a week-long monastic retreat at Southern Star Abbey, reflecting on a renewed sense of the cross's weight after walking the Stations of the Cross. He uses that experience to frame how Christians should approach the approaching 7 November election, cautioning against the polarisation and relationship breakdowns he sees fuelled by political tribalism. Drawing on Matthew 22 and the example of early Christian writer Justin Martyr, Ritchie argues believers should resist the urge to "rage" against political opponents and instead model respect and gentleness even amid sharp disagreement. He encourages Christians to still engage democratically - asking not just how but "would Jesus vote" - while keeping politics in its proper place, reminding listeners that salvation is found in the cross and resurrection, not in any party or policy. Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.