Theology 101: It’s actually a good thing for 1) a growing number of Christian citizens to 2) exhibit Spirit-empowered virtue resulting in 3) virtue-driven voting and political action leading to 4) a more virtuous society reflected in 5) laws that promote righteousness.
Skipping 1–4, however, and using other means to get to 5, is not good.
Questions: What do you mean by "Spirit-powered"? What do you define as "virtue"?
Fruit of the Spirit—as a result of the inworking of the Spirit.
Which means what? Can you translate this from a Christianese aphorism into what it is you are intending? Are all virtues the Fruit of the Spirit? If not, then which ones are you highlighting? If so, what is/are these Spirit powered virtues? "Fruit of the Spirit" usually refers to specific traits.
This is not Christianese. The theological virtues and fruit of the Spirit are clear in Scripture: the Spirit produces in Spirit-indwelled believers faith, hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I have no idea what you’re objecting to.
I am not objecting to anything. I am asking what you mean when you use a particularly Christian short form phrase (ie: Christianese) like "Spirit-powered virtue". That particular phrase can, depending on your theology, lead in very different directions.
For example, the slave trade was considered a spirit filled and virtuous activity by millions of Christians at one point. The ghetoization of people in Nazi Germany was considered spirit filled virtue. As is Gaza by some today. It's a dangerous phrase, because it has been dangerous in usage.
Simply claiming "Hold Spirit powered" leads to humane outcomes for Christians has proven false in the past - especially when it is decoupled from discernment (asking what we mean) and outcomes (asking what we want).
I don't consider it "a good thing" that Maga supporting Christians are, in earnest prayer, feeling empowered by the spirit to patiently and lovingly support Israel in a genocide, and voting people who support that into power. Christian Nationalism is, internally, claiming Fruit of the Spirit status.
So, theology 101: what do you mean and what are your goals when you use the phrase "Spirit empowered virtue"?
You’re the only one on three platforms, one with 17000 followers who is dissecting that phrase in these dark ways and calling it dangerous. The vast majority understand what Spirit-empowered virtue is biblically speaking.
Then perhaps more Christians need to dissect what their short form phrases mean, how they are applied, and how they have been applied. Lest the vast majority may be complicit in some pretty un-Spirit filled and un-virtuous activities.
You're a theology professor, I am a theology student. I am just asking potentially hard questions.
The definition of Christian virtue is not subjective. It is clearly spelled out in Scripture. I’m really having trouble grasping your concern. Maybe I’m the dumb one, but I just don’t see it. Perhaps others on here will help.