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
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