Here’s some Biblical advice no one ever follows, taken from Sunday’s readings:
Avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. (2 Timothy 2:13)
Who can resist expressing an opinion when it comes to politics? And what else can we do, but wrangle over words?
Our biblical writer has good reason to be skeptical about the outcome of such wrangling: Has anyone’s mind ever been changed that way?
Nonetheless, at least on Facebook, we all keep sharing our words. But let’s rejoice in these words, too. As Christians we should be using our gifts, including the opportunity to share opinions and vote, in service of God’s kingdom. Not everyone in the world is so blessed, and we would be poor stewards if we did not use our political opportunities faithfully.
Danger Zone: Politics and Religion
Political leaders who believe that they are doing God’s work often aren’t. From Spanish conquistadors to American slave owners to vigilants–Christians create destruction, not blessing. These realities demonstrate religion as the root of all evil. But also remember those who, in the name of Christ, did great good. From William Wilberforce who devoted his entire Parlimentary career to ending slavery in England to Oscar Romero, the Roman Catholic Archbishop who spoke against (and was martyred by) right wing death squads in El Salvador, to Frances Perkins, an Episcopalian who was Secretary of Labor under FDR, Christians have made a positive difference. Without the Christian connection, justice wouldn’t be much of a concept, let alone a reality. When we vote we have a great opportunity and responsibility to make a difference. Staying above the political fray is not an option for the faithful.
How to mix religion and politics:
Bottom line, politics, like all of life, begins for the Christian with one truth: Christ is Lord. His ways and his kingdom are more important than any of our various causes, nor can his ways be identified with any of them, no matter how just. With that in mind, here are a few pointers on being a Christian in politics.
- Ends do not justify the means, unless you are talking about salvation. The cross is glorious because it is the means of salvation, even though it is also a image of brutality. Too often we criticize the other side for lying, insults, and generally poor behavior, while applauding such in our own candidate. Note too, that if the cross is our model then sacrifice and service, not self-importance, are essential parts of leadership.
- Politics are imperfect. Since Jesus isn’t running for office, we are always left balancing the lesser of two evils. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make a decision. Jesus was clear about priorities: On the last day, what matters is how we treated those in need (see Matthew 25, the parable of the sheep and the goats). Christians cannot justify voting for selfish needs without considering the impact of those policies on the vulnerable. That priority helps us discern our path.
- Fight the right battle. Jesus said, “I come to bring not peace but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34). Strange attitude for the Prince of Peace, but Jesus knows that peace doesn’t mean avoiding conflict at all costs. Some things are worth fighting for. One good example would be our baptismal promise to “respect the dignity of every human being.” Doing that means we must say “no” to certain jokes, attitudes, and solutions. Taking a stand can be costly. Make sure your stand is for the Kingdom
- Christian rules still apply. Basics, like the 9th Commandment (Thou shalt not bear false witness), Jesus’ second great commandment (love your neighbor as yourself), or judge not and the ban on namecalling–heck, the whole Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)– still apply. Whether your words are on social media, anonymous, or verbal, these words represent who you are. If your words were all a stranger knew of the Gospel, would the Good News be visible? Remember who you represent.
Christians can and must be political. It’s all in how we use our words.
More thoughts? How does the fact that you follow Christ direct your political decisions this season?