The Washington Post wrote a very telling story today on Liberty University students’ campaign for McCain. The article briefly touches on the point that most evangelical, religious right folk originally opposed McCain, in 2000 and in 2008—and with much fervor, too. But now, they are falling in line, again, with the GOP and claiming McCain as their candidate.
Why? Is it just because McCain is Republican? Did the religious conservatives even examine Obama’s stances? Or have they allowed the framing of Obama’s “pro-choice” stance or "socialists" economics to cloud all other possibilities?
But that’s actually not the topic I wish to touch on today. Although it is one that deserves more thought.
What resonated most with me in this article was one of the student activists’ comments. "My goal is not to make laws Christian but to make government as small as possible so you can be as biblically Christian as you so choose," says Meghan Allen.
The role and size of the government is a question I struggle with often in my politics.
In my ideal world, the Christian church and other faith communities would be so active in caring for the poor, seeking justice and helping the oppressed, as Isaiah writes in chapter 1 of Isaiah. However, due to a number of reasons, the Church has departed from that—at least on a grand scale.
So do we put our hope—or at least our efforts—into a system of this world?
Maybe that’s not the ultimate answer. I think I’ve read somewhere that Jesus is the only way. But maybe, in the meantime, we do support a form of government that looks closest to Jesus’ words in Luke 4 and Matthew 25. Maybe we support a government that “brings good news to the poor,” feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and cares for the sick.
Maybe that government won’t do such things in the name of Christ. But maybe that doesn’t matter. Maybe, just maybe, actions mean more than words or titles. Maybe we shouldn’t be scared of the titles given to policies, but instead focus on what those policies look like, and how they line up with the words of the Christ we claim to follow.
2 comments:
you should check out "myth of a christian nation" by gregory boyd. he points to the fact that even though we should be involved in governments around the world, they all are kingdoms of this world and not the kingdom of god that christians are to spread and help build. thus, we shouldn't get so caught up in supporting the "right" candidate or law but live in sacrificial love.
p.s. i don't know if you remember, but we met in st. louis a few years ago at some newspaper conference. i was that lone vanguard editor. glad to see you're blogging.
Hello there! Yes I do remember you! And I have read Boyd's book & continue to refer back to it. It's one of the most influential books on my current politics. Thanks!
Hope you're doing well!
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