Are Political Issues Important?
Political Beliefs
Since politics is simply how people interact, any belief that is considered controversial is often called political. My case here is for Christians being bold when it comes to cultural and political issues.
First, since Christians must strive toward righteousness, what we believe will often be considered controversial or wrong in an evil culture; and we must act totally contrary to customs and laws if they would compel us to do evil. We are also to be salt and light to the outside world—good examples, which we cannot do if we hide in caves.
William Wilburforce did not hide from political issues: he fought on until slavery was ended in the British Empire. In contrast, most of the German church 'stayed out' of German politics during the Nazi regime. Which is the example of righteousness?
Many pastors hardly mention anything culturally controversial. We receive little encouragement to resist the sins of our age, and even less rebuke. It is true that we also ought to keep the peace with our Christian brothers and sisters whenever possible, but this must never come at the cost of allowing evil to thrive within the church. Jesus and the apostles took doctrine and sin very seriously, and so should we. The leadership of churches may cower from this attitude because they are too focused on attendance, but we ought to demand better from them. We ought to demand that the issues of the day that are negatively influencing Christians are spoken about.
Indeed, both personal righteousness and the holiness of the church necessitate firm stances on some present-day issues, but there is a third reason that political issues are important: evangelism. Many of those who are willing to engage in discussions about Christianity have 'political' objections. We ought to be able to answer the most common of these critiques. See below for specifics.
A Warning
If you have managed to avoid learning much about political topics in a serious manner (for instance, perhaps you have only seen the nightly news), you may not be aware of how much deception and evil is out there. In fact, you will probably struggle to believe just how pervasive, common, and bold lies are in popular culture today. Then, as you learn more, you may become extremely wound up about some of these lies and the evils of the world. With so much information being available, you could find instances hand over first for hours, all the while working yourself up. This, you must not do. People at every level of society are corrupt and evil, so look for it and you will find it. Do not fret over how you might stop all of it, and instead set sensible, even if ambitious, goals. You cannot control much, no matter who you are, and you must remember your relationships with God and your family. 'Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.'
I do not say that you should not try to fight noble battles. Do indeed. Just don't waste time, and don't despair at the loss of a battle when God cannot lose the war.
What to Learn and Why
The Bible
Above all of the following, know your Bible. The more of God's wisdom you accept, the more prepared you will be to think clearly about everyday issues. For the other topics I am about to mention, please see the Resources section below for videos, articles, and books that should be good starting points.
Gender Theory and Abortion
Next, try to understand issues that you might be able to do something about or that do in fact impact you. For example, most of us will encounter someone considering an abortion at some point. (Abortions are even common among church-goers, shamefully.) It is important to be prepared for that discussion. Another key topic is gender ideology (transgenderism), since we should be extremely concerned about our children or grandchildren being indoctrinated into those false beliefs. If you do not know about either of those topics, please read Gender Theory and Abortion, where you will also find more resources to check out than are listed below.
Accusations Against God
It is also helpful to understand popular opinions that may impact your evangelism, no matter what scale. Christians are regularly called 'homophobes', and you should know both not to fear insults such as this, and what the actual Christian position is on homosexuality. (You must not give up on truth because of the shaming and insults of others.) Atheists also constantly accuse God of supporting slavery and rape, so you should know the truth of those matters thoroughly. For that, try the book Is God a Moral Monster by Paul Copan (although it is a bit liberal).
False Beliefs Among Christians
The corruption in our churches must be confronted. Many church-goers and pastors have false beliefs or tolerate the false beliefs of others without objecting. Among those beliefs are the prosperity gospel, Calvinism, and 'Progrssive Christianity'.
Resources
Abortion
What Is An Abortion?—Here's what you need to know—Abortion Procedures (videos)
Is Abortion Ever Justified?—Abort73 (article)
Transgenderism
OFFICIAL TRAILER: "WHAT IS A WOMAN?" —Daily Wire (video)
Prosperity Preachers
Do These Popular Scriptures Teach Health and Wealth? —Melissa Dougherty and Mike Winger (video)
The False Prosperity Gospel —Worship in Spirit and Truth (article)
PROSPERITY GOSPEL EXPOSED!! | Does God Promise Health and Wealth? —THE BEAT by Allen Parr (video)
Calvinism
The Reason We Continue To Push Back Against Calvinism | Leighton Flowers | Provisionism —Soteriology 101 w/ Dr. Leighton Flowers
Homosexuality
Not THAT Kind of Homosexual Behaviour? —Red Pen Logic (video)
Progressive Christianity
Cooperstuff Ep. 112:God The Mother? —Cooper Stuff (podcast)
What's Wrong With "Progressive" Christianity —Mike Winger (video)
Slavery in the Bible
Yes, The Bible Supports Slavery …And Perhaps You Do Too.—Theologetics (article)
Doesn't the Bible Support Slavery?—Answers in Genesis (article)
Rape, Slavery, Etc., in the Old Testament
Is God a Moral Monster?: Making Sense of the Old Testament God—Paul Copan (book)
Support for Homosexuality in the Anglican Church
Church of England decides to allow gay bishops—The Scotsman (article)
Anglican Church in New Zealand opens the door to blessing same-sex relationships—Anglican Communion News Service (article)