Religion and Politics

I think this warrants a new post. I don't want this conversation to get lost in the shuffle of posts (I spent too much time thinking about it). I also welcome anyone wishing to get involved in this conversation to do so. However, I ask that regardless of your position you do so in a respectful way. This is especially important if you think I am a lunatic, I am sensitive and easily hurt. You know, it might just be easier to agree with me.....I'M JUST KIDDING. As I have said before, I am extremely funny and this is a fact all of you really do need to admit to yourselves.

Ok, I'll get on with it. Here is the comment I am responding to:

I read an article yesterday in the paper about a coalition of evangical leaders who have encouraged folks to pull back a bit in terms of linking politics and religion. (I can't find the link to this story). I also saw a pretty good piece on NOW that addressed a similar suject--preaching politics at the pulpit.
Here is a link to the story:
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/404/index.html

What do you think about this?

Well, I don’t think there is an easy quick way to adequately answer your question. Especially without avoiding any possible misunderstandings but I will give it a shot.

So do I agree that we shouldn’t be preaching politics from the pulpit or that we should pull back from linking the two? No and here’s why. I have a problem with the fundamental premise of the debate. I don’t believe you can separate religion and politics they way many believe should be done. If you preach the Bible you will inevitably talk about certain issues, especially current issues that some would call “controversial,” and how the Bible relates to them. I would also say that these so called “political” issues have always been “religious” issues as well. However, I do believe you can and should separate out “party politics” from the pulpit.

There is a fine line to walk with a church or religious leader when it comes to these “political” issues but one they must if they are going to stay true to preaching the Bible, the whole Bible. It is impossible, unless they wish to water down the truth of the Scriptures, to say it is acceptable to simply avoid topics that may be perceived as controversial. Perhaps you could make many arguments for why avoiding those topics and focusing solely on issues that are more “positive” might be more beneficial but is that what the Bible teaches its leaders to focus on? God doesn’t allow for picking and choosing parts of the Bible as if you are at a religious salad bar.

As a Christian, why focus on avoiding the “controversial?” Jesus was controversial, the Ten Commandments are controversial, and so it is only logical that you will encounter “controversial” topics that might also be “political” in nature. Does that mean those topics are off limits? I would say absolutely not. Jesus Himself was very involved during His time on Earth. Jesus used scripture to lay a foundation for us to follow in life. In doing so He calls on us to be steadfast in our faith and what the Bible teaches as right and wrong but to do so with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is where so many Christians go wrong much of the time. It isn’t avoiding these issues but how we handle them that will make the difference. In fact if you stay true to the Bible you can never totally avoid divisive issues anymore than Jesus did in His time. If Jesus didn't avoid it than why do we think we have to?

Having spent some time in politics I can say it can often be a very ugly place. It is a place revolving around compromise in order to win power. The church must focus on the Word of God and from that everything will fall into place. The political parties; Republican, Democrat, Independent, etc. will ultimately fail a Christian voter. It is for this reason I would advise they don't lose track of their principles if their party ultimately choses to change direction. This also helps unite Christians rather than divide them by party lines. Does that mean Christians should never become politicians? No, but it is a heavy burden with many temptations to overcome. In fact I would go so far as to say that the church in general has failed to fulfill many of the roles our government has now been given in its place. (Perhaps an entirely separate topic for another day so I will leave it at that)

Unfortunately humans are not perfect and make mistakes. Christians and their leaders have made many mistakes and how they handle “political” issues is certainly one of them. To simply not talk about those items that might be controversial is not what God calls us to do. How we approach and handle such issues is perhaps equally important to teaching what the Bible says about them. Christian leaders who are comfortable watering down or not talking about topics that could be divisive weaken the very foundation they claim to support. In addition those that preach “party politics” from the pulpit also do a disservice to those entrusted to their leadership. We currently live in what you could describe as basically a two-party political system. The political parties have a large role in determining power in our government. So figuring out how, as an individual Christian voter, to balance that fact without falling into the trap of “party politics” is something I still don’t have an answer for.