Theology 201 #1: Religion & Politics

Several years ago I can remember being at a parade, and there were several politicians there all trying to assure future votes into office. And of course, there were the fire trucks, a band and horses who were pulling some of the floats. Well, I will never forget seeing one of the politicians going behind the horses shoveling up the horses’ exhaust. :) As I witnessed that, I can remember another spectator saying, “That’s pretty appropriate, as they can shovel a lot of it!” :)

Some like to joke about politics and politicians, some love to discuss them, yet others side with Weird Al Yankovic who said, “If you want to avoid heated arguments, never discuss religion, politics, or whether the toilet paper roll should go over or under.” :) However, as Christians, we don’t have the right to be silent concerning religion or politics! 

Why must we speak about such controversial topics? Martin Niemöller, a prominent Protestant pastor, who lived under the tyranny of Adolf Hitler, said it well. “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

As Christians, we are called to stand up for what is right even if it means debates, arguments, oppression, etc. Believe it or not, God even refuses to accept the worship of those who will not stand up for what is right (Isa. 1:17; Jam. 1:27).

I can hear you saying, Now Matt, according to our constitution, there’s supposed to be a separation of church and state. However, something I learned in Bible College stands true here—context is key. When our founding fathers placed that in the Constitution they did so from the context of the state not ruling over the church as was the case in Great Britain. Even a non-Christian, Mahatma Gandhi understood this. “Those who believe religion and politics aren’t connected don’t understand either.” This is even true among atheists.

A person’s belief system, whether based upon one’s religion, or even the philosophy of atheism will directly have an impact on how they view politics. For example: tax credits for single parents vs. married couples, sex education in public schools, abortion, legalized marijuana, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, the right to bear arms, gun control, bullying, tax exemptions for non-profit organizations, war, torture of prisoners, religious symbols and statues on public property, prayer in schools, etc., etc., etc. It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest that religious convictions don’t influence political decisions! Again, this is true of those who claim to be atheists as well!

Now, I want to be very clear about something. I am not saying who or what you should vote for. My intent is to help you understand how connected and important politics should be to you regardless of whether or not you are Christian. Therefore, just because a topic can cause debates and/or arguments does not mean it should be avoided!

Over the next several months, I’d like us to consider topics such as these. That is, I’d like us to consider topics that can cause much debate yet can make a significant impact on how we live. Some of these topics will be related to issues as mentioned above. Other topics will relate to differing views on theological matters. Some of the topics that we will discuss, you may disagree on, and that’s fine. Yet I want to encourage you to consider why you believe what you believe. Likewise, why do you vote the way you do.

Regardless of these things, God commands us to pray for our government (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Elsewhere, we find commands that we are to obey the laws that governments impose as long as they are not contrary to God’s Word. Thus, it is my prayer that as you grow in your understanding of such matters, that you are lifting up those who are in authority above us, as they have been placed there by God (Dan. 2:21; Rom. 13:1-4). They are public servants who are shoveling some pretty serious exhaust… ours! :)

In His service,

      Matt

Your Life’s Story #1: The Author Identified

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Phil. 2:13).

Have you ever had the feeling you were being watched? Or maybe you’re discovering fascinating coincidences in your life that intertwines it with others? Have you ever thought that maybe there’s a bigger picture that we’re just not seeing? 

Over the past four months, several famous, and not so famous people have died. Many of whom have played some part in our lives: actor John Mahoney, to the world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, to Naomi Parker Fraley better known as the iconic female World War II factory worker Rosie the Riveter, to actor and comedian Jerry Van Dyke, to 33-year-old singer Seo Minwoo, to Rayya Elias (the lesbian partner of author of the best-selling novel Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert), to the former rapper Craig Mack, to Billy Graham. While there are vast differences in the lives that these people lived, there are still some similarities. All of these individuals were blessed with the gift of life, suffering in one shape or another, and God’s grace along the way to receive Christ or reject Him.

The Bible records numerous stories like these individuals who have impacted other’s lives in big and small ways. However, the Bible makes it clear that every person’s life, and all of history is a part of something bigger (Col. 1:16-17). It is all God’s story. The Bible teaches that history is going someplace. It is all a part of God seeking to fill the earth with people who would praise Him. Even those who choose not to praise Him are still a part of His story. God orchestrates His message of grace even in the lives of non-believers. God did this with the pagan nations of Assyria and Babylon. Both of these nations were raised up to purify God’s people.

God is at work in your life’s story as well. I like how Paul Tripp explained it. “Thankfully I am not the author of my own personal story. Your story isn’t an autobiography either. Your story is a biography of wisdom and grace written by Another. Every turn He writes into your story is right. Every twist of the plot is for the best. Every new character or unexpected event is a tool of His grace. Each new chapter advances His purpose” (New Morning Mercies).

God is ultimately the author of the bigger picture. Thus, God is weaving your story together as a part of His story throughout time. God wants to write your story is such a way that ultimately leads you to being a part of the few who travel the narrow way to life eternal (Matt. 7:13-14). And He wants you to help lead others down that narrow road.

In the meantime, He wants you to meet Him in all your appointments and disappointments of life. “Every stage of the process may not look picturesque, but every detail will come into focus and possess its share of beauty” (Ravi Zacharias, The Grad Weaver, p. 31). So what if rather than trying to be the author of your own life, you trust your life to the One who is writing your life’s story as a part of His story? If you do, the Bible affirms that your story will end in the best way possible (Phil. 1:6).

In His service,  

      Matt