To What Extent Should Christians Be Involved in Politics?
Author: DavidJones // Category: Politics
Many Christians and conservatives are not happy about the Health Care Bill. It’s pretty obvious. Twitter, Facebook, and Fox News has been flooded with negative comments about the bill from angry, middle-class, evangelicals. And I get it. I understand what the anger is about. I’m not exactly thrilled with the bill itself.
But what I also see is these same people repeatedly bashing President Obama, the House, and the Senate for their work in the bill. Comments are not simply expressing dismay. They seem to be expressing hatred, even going so far as to wish President Obama was dead.
I truly believe Christians should be knowledgeable about political issues. I also believe we should be active in making a difference, whether that’s by voting, working to fight injustice, serving our communities, etc.
But I’m really confused as to what extent we should be involved in politics. Yes, we see the importance of making our voice heard. But how far should we go in that? Is it necessary to take the same shots at our government as Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck? Is it okay and acceptable to attack the character of our President or Nancy Pelosi because we think their leadership is immoral and improper?
I’m not trying to lean to a side on this post or bring any agenda into it. I’m just really curious where that line is between making our voice heard/being politically active and being downright disrespectful and hateful to our leaders.
I need some feedback on this. What are your thoughts?
Tags: Barack Obama, Health Care, Nancy Pelosi
April 1st, 2010 at 7:10 am
Christians need to be more involved in politics than what they are currently. The problem with America is not that Christians do not vote, it is that Christians ONLY vote. Christians have allowed America to slide into political moral decay, and have sat idly by watching the values we hold dear be stomped upon by laws and politicians who could care less about Christian principles and values.
I think Christians have allowed this to happen because we have been conditioned in church to just take what is thrown at us without a fight. We have taken the “turn the other cheek” passage and twisted it to mean never stand up for yourself or for anything else, and we have taken “render to Caesar” as “Never question the government.” Neither of which I believe are correct interpretations.
While I do not believe we as Christians should wish for someones death, I do believe it is ok to pray that God will remove someone from office, and put someone else in their place.
To what extent should Christians be involved? I say to a much greater extent than what they currently are. I am reminded of a Beastie Boys song that says, “You gotta fight, for your right, to party.” There is coming a time when we as Christians will have to fight for our right to be Christians. Who will stand and fight for that right if in church we always tell people to take what is thrown at them? It’s time we raise up a strong generation who will fight for their rights, and I pray that God will raise up thousands of Christian politicians, who like David, are men and women after God’s heart.
April 1st, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Politics is a process. Voting is one piece of that process. Gathering information on issues is another. Discussing pending legislation over dinner with friends is another. Writing representatives, protesting, attending town hall meetings, donating money, etc. are all a part of the process. All citizens have more access to the process than ever before in the history of mankind. Christians should take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them in a way that is respectful, well thought out, within the bounds of the law, based on facts, and does not compromise the gospel. The methods that each person gets involved is for that person to decide. Spewing anger and generating fear needlessly is not helpful and should not be supported.
Not all Christians will see the same problems or the same solutions to problems. That’s okay.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was really a master at this. Instead of railing on the establishment from the outside he became a member of the establishment and then spoke out about the practices of the establishment.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18