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With the inauguration around the corner, I hear lots of conversations about Obama. And I can't help but bristle when I hear the way many Christians talk about their new President. I recently heard a member of a nearby church refer to Obama as 'a Muslim terrorist.' I've heard other Christians call him such names as socialist, baby killer, and "homo-lover." I'm not a politician, and I've only been a pastor for 10 years. However, as I have studied the Scriptures, it seems clear to me that such demonizing is contrary to what lies at the heart of the Christian faith: Love. It also seems to me that the Christian approach to politics is neither Red nor Blue. Why must the church be identified with any particular political party? More specifically, why has the evangelical church traditionally been identified with the Republican Party, which claims to be "pro-life" toward those in the womb, yet from birth forward advocates what one writer calls a "Social Darwinism": A survival of the fittest, i.e. poor people don't work hard enough, bad people should be executed, and countries suspected of having WMDs should be preemptively bombed even if it means killing a few innocent civilians. Conservatives will say this view is ignorant and immature, and yet many in their Party speak of the war in Iraq with a "They started it" tone, and immigration with an "I was here first" tone. Liberals will say they agree that love and peace is the answer, and yet many in their Party speak of Bush in a manner that is quite the opposite of such virtues. It's time for an end to partisanship in the church, and an acceptance of the fact that Christians should sometimes vote Democrat, sometimes Republican, and sometimes for third party candidates. Furthermore, the name-calling has to stop, towards both Bush and Obama, and friendships should not be affected by how one votes. Though I voted for Obama in the Pennsylvania primaries, I voted for a third party candidate in the general election. But I support Obama because he is my President. If life, peace, and freedom are so important for us Christians, then perhaps it's time that WE seek to implement these values in our communities rather than expect politicians to do it for us.
Monday, January 5, 2009
To the Beat of a Different Drum
With the inauguration around the corner, I hear lots of conversations about Obama. And I can't help but bristle when I hear the way many Christians talk about their new President. I recently heard a member of a nearby church refer to Obama as 'a Muslim terrorist.' I've heard other Christians call him such names as socialist, baby killer, and "homo-lover." I'm not a politician, and I've only been a pastor for 10 years. However, as I have studied the Scriptures, it seems clear to me that such demonizing is contrary to what lies at the heart of the Christian faith: Love. It also seems to me that the Christian approach to politics is neither Red nor Blue. Why must the church be identified with any particular political party? More specifically, why has the evangelical church traditionally been identified with the Republican Party, which claims to be "pro-life" toward those in the womb, yet from birth forward advocates what one writer calls a "Social Darwinism": A survival of the fittest, i.e. poor people don't work hard enough, bad people should be executed, and countries suspected of having WMDs should be preemptively bombed even if it means killing a few innocent civilians. Conservatives will say this view is ignorant and immature, and yet many in their Party speak of the war in Iraq with a "They started it" tone, and immigration with an "I was here first" tone. Liberals will say they agree that love and peace is the answer, and yet many in their Party speak of Bush in a manner that is quite the opposite of such virtues. It's time for an end to partisanship in the church, and an acceptance of the fact that Christians should sometimes vote Democrat, sometimes Republican, and sometimes for third party candidates. Furthermore, the name-calling has to stop, towards both Bush and Obama, and friendships should not be affected by how one votes. Though I voted for Obama in the Pennsylvania primaries, I voted for a third party candidate in the general election. But I support Obama because he is my President. If life, peace, and freedom are so important for us Christians, then perhaps it's time that WE seek to implement these values in our communities rather than expect politicians to do it for us.
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Well put Dale. Forwarding to my father as well. Hope all is well in York!
ReplyDeleteNice job, Dale. Eloquently stated.
ReplyDeleteAs Mom, I, too, remember your 9th grade year! Although, I think our memories are somewhat different. That said, I think your comments are very poignant and I love you!
ReplyDeleteDale
ReplyDeleteTough topic for a pastor to tackle. It may rankle some. But then, promoting Christ's message has never been easy. That that is true within the church is the pity.