In my earlier post I advocated an approach to politics that is more passive than I probably should have. I didn't come out and say it, but it was implied. Upon reexamination, I don't think that church influence in politics is necessarily a bad thing. I think that it is an abused thing.
I think that a big problem with most peoples' approach to politics, whether they are Christians or not, is that they make their personal political views more important than they really are. Even on issues that everyone agrees are important, it is rare that one person's viewpoint properly sums up all of the moral and practical implications of specific policies for that issue. Furthermore, politics works a bit like a pendulum, so anyone who is seeking a rightist or leftist paradise will be sorely disappointed because the masses won't allow that to occur. It's almost unavoidable that whoever wins the White House in 2008 will lose seats in Congress in 2010.
The main problem with mixing Christianity and politics is that you inevitably end up putting words in Jesus' mouth. The idea of Jesus wearing a "Vote Caesar in '28" pin is ridiculously hilarious. Can anyone really know what Jesus' fiscal policy would be, or what perspective he take on privacy rights, or how he would rate the value of military experience versus community organizing experience? He was willing to associate with political extremists, if you remember Simon the Zealot, but he didn't advocate political extremism.
On the other end of the spectrum, I don't see anything in the Bible that indicates that we cannot be political, either. From a practical and historical perspective, there are good and bad policies, and it isn't wrong to take a stance on policies or politicians. In fact, I think it is a good thing to want to make society better. I think it is awesome that both candidates were asked a series of questions at Saddleback Church. I also think that this election presents a great opportunity, regardless who is elected president, for Christians to be a truly positive influence on society through whatever administration is put in place.
I actually have some pretty strong political views. The thing is, I am sure that some of them are probably not perfect, even though I can rationalize my views as well as anyone can. Because of that, I try not to take my political views too seriously. It doesn't make someone stupid, immoral, or anything else like that to disagree with me, and no politician or political policy can be perfect. I'll vote how I see fit, and everyone else can vote as they see fit if they see fit to vote.
As a final thought, no matter who wins the election in November, we should remember Paul's words.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."- Romans 13:1
2 comments:
Good points. You hit the nail on the head.
I've read that, most scholars agree that Jesus's actions were more of a socialist than a capitalist. "spread the wealth" Mixing religion and politics is risking business. You are bound to alienate someone.
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