Reader feedback: Have Christians become too identified with a political party?
Following Tuesday’s presidential election, some are asking: Have Christians become too identified with a political party?
Tony Thompson, minister for the Burlington Church of Christ in Massachusetts, suggests:
The evangelical church has become so politicized and identified with one political party that young people are leaving in droves. We have given people the impression that all we care about is gay marriage and abortion, that the environment, fair and progressive tax laws, help for the poor and hungry and equal pay for women are of no consequence to us. Our politicizing of the gay marriage issue has also left our culture with some unfortunate and damaging impressions.
Christianity Today reports that “born-again or evangelical” Christians were more unified than ever before in Tuesday’s voting — even as their preferred candidate, Republican Mitt Romney, lost to Democratic incumbent Barack Obama:
According to pre-election polls, white evangelicals backed Romney by nearly a four-to-one margin. Romney received a larger slice of the evangelical vote than any previous Republican presidential candidate. At nearly 80 percent, evangelical support for Romney was as strong—and perhaps even stronger—than the support Romney received from Mormons.
If further analysis bears such a figure out, it will be a dramatic benchmark in conservative Protestant voting trends. In 1982, exit polls showed an even 50-50 split of self-identified “born again” voters between Republican and Democratic candidates. That shifted to a 2-to-1 split favoring Republicans in the later ’80s and throughout the 1990s. Even when some exit polls shifted the question to ask whether voters were “members of the religious right,” two-thirds of such respondents supported Republican candidates. In 2004, “born again or evangelical” voters voted 3-to-1 for Bob Dole. In 2008, Democrats rebounded somewhat, with Obama receiving 29 percent of “born again/evangelical” support to John McCain’s 71 percent. To put a four-to-one margin in perspective: It’s the same percentage of self-identified Republicans who voted for George H. W. Bush in 1988.
In a blog post, Tim Pyles, minister for the Broken Arrow Church of Christ in Oklahoma, confesses:
Over the course of the last four years, I have been saddened, disturbed, and sometimes embarrassed by the politicization of Christian faith and the bitterness, vitriol, spitefulness, ill will, rumormongering, name-calling, “doomsdaying,” and unkind speech from many who profess faith in Jesus Christ and claim to represent Him as disciples.
While acknowledging her disappointment with Tuesday’s outcome, Kathy Pollard, wife of Neal Pollard, minister for the Bear Valley Church of Christ in Denver, writes:
I had to put things back into perspective. What really matters? What will outlast who sits in the Oval Office? What will really make a difference? In fact, it’s the only thing that will make a difference. We MUST get back to being an evangelistic church. For America to be reinstated as a Christian nation, it has to be made up of Christians. And who can accomplish that? Not the President. Or a political party. I can.
In Maine, Charlie Harrison, minister for the Brunswick Church of Christ, laments passage Tuesday by his state and others of a same-sex marriage referendum:
Satan does not sleep! So, my question is: Where is God in all this? I think I know the answer, but it would be good to hear from others on the subject.
Elsewhere, Washington and Colorado legalized recreational use of marijuana.
Chris Gallagher, minister for the Mount Pleasant Church of Christ in South Carolina, reacts:
It was troubling to watch morality lose last night: unborn children, casinos being praised, same-sex marriage being advocated, drug use made legal and lack of stewardship. However, if this is the will of God to wake Christians up from their comfortable pews, so be it. I will continue to have my “Habakkuk Moments” because I need them. I will continue to fight harder than ever to spread the message of Christ. What about you?
Reader feedback: What is your reaction to Tuesday’s election results? Some analysis indicates that older voters and whites favored Romney, while Obama prevailed among younger voters and minorities. Does such a breakdown hold any lessons for the church?
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FeedbackYes Christians have become too identified with a political party and the sad things is, we can’t see it. Even some churches either do not know that any indication of politics at church could put their 501C3 status in jeopardy or, just flat out do not care as long as they get their point across.
It is not a political party that takes care of us, but our heavenly father, and he does an awesome job that some of us seem too take for granted.Sharon UnderwoodNovember, 7 2012Yes, I would agree that Christians are often too identified with one party. However, we should clarify that we mean *white* Christians. Our African-American brothers have often, and continue to, support Democratic candidates, including President Obama. I get the sense that these Christians often have a better and broader perspective than affluent white Christians do, as they are closer to the crucial issues of poverty, crime, drugs, and inequality, and they often feel (and I agree) that the Democratic party better addresses those issues. Perhaps we as white Christians need to learn some things from our black brothers and sisters.Jamin SpeerNovember, 7 2012We are too identified with one party and too identified with two issues, abortion and homosexuality. While important, they are not the only issues we face in life. I have been beaten up by fellow Christians on Facebook because I support President Obama. Diversity of thought, once a characteristic of the Restoration Movement, is no longer allowed.
“Older voters and whites” sounds like the makeup of most of our congregations even though the country is moving toward “younger and non-white.” Unless we want to see declining church attendance, we need to pay more attention to people who do not look like us.David TaylorNovember, 7 2012As a student of history, and particularly a student of the history of the church, I believe one of the biggest mistakes Christians have made is to make politics into a religious issue.
When we equate Christianity with a certain political point of view, we force the opposite side to become anti-Christian. The religious right is doing it to the Democrats, just like our predecessors did it to the Muslims.
When Christians in the Middle East started equating a certain political point of view with Christianity, the Muslims wiped out the churches. That didn�t happen during the Crusades. It happened in the last two hundred years; and mostly in the last hundred years. Until then, many of the �Muslim� countries actually had a majority who claimed Christianity, and many of those nations were administered by Christians, rather than by their Muslim rulers.
We also alienate our Christian brothers whose political beliefs are different from ours. It�s a shock to most American Christians, but the majority of our brothers & sisters in Canada believe you can�t be a Christian unless you�re a Socialist. Many of my close friends and family members in Canada openly question my Christian faith, because I voted Conservative, and because I generally support Republican politicians. You can imagine how that makes me feel.
If we believe the statistics, it’s likely that many of our African-American brothers and sisters here in the US vote Democrat. Can you imagine how it makes them feel when a brother or sister suggests that you can’t be a christian if you voted for Obama?
We need to teach charity for those who disagree with us, instead of drawing a line in the sand. We should be able to discuss politics–and the impact our Christianity has on our politics–without dividing our body. It�s a political disagreement, not a religious one, and we�re going to have to live together and worship together when the politicking is all finished.Ralph WilliamsNovember, 7 2012Growing up the ’60’s, it was as though being in the church of Christ was intwined with being an American and that meant voting Republican. The Pope was going to control the White House if Kennedy was elected, it is God’s will that we bring christian faith and democracy to other nations, etc.Teresa NystromNovember, 7 2012I too think that Christians have become too loyal to a single political party. This nation was founded under the premise of separation of church and state which seems to manifest itself more frequently as the separation of state and church instead of the original condition. Additionally, I believe that more liberal social policies are more in line with what I would believe Christ to desire in regards to the treatment and support offered to the marginalized. The Pharisees and Sadducees were criticized by Christ for being stuck in their old ways and unable to adapt to see the fulfillment of prophecy they were waiting on. I think that it is time that Christians step out of the security of our past policies and begin to seek to actively love and support those Christ loved the most, whether or not that is through governmental policy.Zack M.November, 7 2012Christendom has lost sight of what Jesus commanded. As disciples, we�re supposed to learn to obey all that Jesus commanded and presumably taught. That�s a life long journey filled with distractions.
Christians need to focus on our own individual spiritual maturation, an ongoing repentance or change, so that we�re transformed instead of conformed, Rom 12:2. Politics is of Caesar not God.
Theo-political activists focus on others, often unbelievers, using the Bible as a window, instead of using God�s word as a mirror to look at themselves, James 1:22-26. Our own response to God�s teaching is important to our own eternal destiny, Matt 25:31-46. Only the wise do what God says, i.e. �wise vs. foolish� in Matt 7:24-29. Jesus says �I never knew you� to those who call him Lord, but don�t do what he says. Matt 7:21-23.
These plain language teachings are easier to ignore than misunderstand. But they have been ignored, starting with the Roman Emperor Constantine. See http://www.leeccamp.com/ and listen to 3 lessons on Mere Discipleship to begin further research.Mike ClemensNovember, 7 2012I don’t believe the issue is being too identified with one party. Rather, the problem is when we place our hopes and faith in any party. No matter the political affiliation, God is our hope and our Rock. No matter what happens with a government, we are guaranteed an outcome that far exceeds any pain or joy that we can experience on earth. It is easy to get overwhelmed and upset with politics, but when we do we give the world the impression that our faith in God only lasts so long as our wealth, prosperity, etc… continue.GerritNovember, 7 2012Yes.
The Republican Party’s biggest problem over the last 10-20 years seems to be that it’s out to be the party of affluent, ‘successful’, and upper-middle-class Americans; then it tries to elect people who exemplify affluent, ‘successful’, and upper-middle-class American ‘values’ by, upon taking office, making it harder and harder for people to become, or to remain, affluent, ‘successful’, and/or upper-middle-class Americans . . .
And they wonder why they’re suffering from a dwindling base?
I’m no longer part of it. And that’s a big part of the reason why – even if it is traditionally the party of ‘conservative Christian values’.
And that’s the only thing they’re out for. Conservative Christians operate out of an honest, sincere desire to have our values show up in how we choose our leaders, but because we look at no other qualities besides how they stand on gay marriage and abortion, we’re just a voting bloc that gets used.
Many voted Republican this year (and I took some criticism from some Christians closest to me in my own life, because I wouldn’t go along), because of their stand on just those two issues. And they supported a candidate who claimed to be pro-life, but he’s a partner in an equity capital firm that invested and owns a controlling interest in the company that makes the ‘morning after’ abortion pill. The same candidate expressed a healthy view of marriage, ‘one man and one woman’; but he ran for governor of Massachusetts on a pledge to ‘defend and expand gay rights’, and same-sex marriage became legal in that state on his watch. By their fruits you shall know them . . .
We’ve endured an election where there really wasn’t anyone to vote for. Not that many people voted either for Obama or Romney. Most voted for one or another out of a desire to vote <i>against</i> the other guy.
I voted for Obama because even though I’ve been a Republican most of my life, I could see even when the primary races were forming up a year ago that Romney wasn’t one of us. But he won the nomination because his opponents in the primaries were even worse.
Ultimately, his famous ‘47%’ speech proved he wasn’t one of us. It didn’t merely show him to be ‘out of touch’ as many say. It was a a malicious body slam. A slap in the face. In effect, “If you’re in the lower 47% of Americans who don’t make more than $43,000 per year (that’s the figure you get if you take the median household income, then knock off six percent so that, if you make that much, you’re right at the 47% mark), then forget you; your efforts are worthless and in vain, you have no value, I make no distinction between you and one of those ‘victims who think they’re entitled . . . etc., etc.’, a loser who deserves to lose, and it’s not my job to worry about you.” Not the thing I want to hear from a wealthy guy who, over the years, has become much more wealthy by buying companies, selling off the plants, and shipping American jobs to China, or India, or Mexico, for the $1.60-per-hour labor to be had there. Take away the pro-life, anti-gay-marriage and ‘traditional values’ rhetoric, and is what you have left really someone a Christian would vote for?
Try to understand a few realities. A guy like that is hard to like. Obama, meanwhile, gets his support from a lot of liberals, and his pre-political career was as a law professor, civil rights lawyer and – most notably – a community organizer. His gift is he can always find more supporters and mobilize them. (In this election, they called it ‘ground game’: it caught Romney’s people by surprise in several states where the GOP was confident they’d win – a lot more people showed up for Obama than they expected, many of whom had never before been in the habit of getting out to vote.) Obama can motivate people. So could Romney – in just the opposite direction, even people who don’t think of themselves as liberals.
Senate candidates like Todd Akin – the ‘legitimate rape’ guy – and Richard Mourdouk in Indiana – the ‘pregnancy resulting from being dragged off the street and raped is a gift from God’ guy – have a gift of their own for motivating people in just the opposite direction, that Romney can only dream about. (As a Christian, I’m pro-life – but I’d be very hesitant to tell a woman who is pregnant as a result of being raped that she shouldn’t have an abortion, and there’s no way I’m going to pass judgment on her if she indeed chooses to do just that . . .) I’m actually glad those two lost: their utter lack of compassion for crime victims – and in Akin’s case, ignorance of basic anatomy – give pro-life Christians a bad name that we don’t deserve.
So this election got a big liberal turnout. And guess what happened on Obama’s coattails? Same-sex marriage was legalized in two more states, and a ‘defense of marriage amendment’ was defeated in a third – the first time <i>ever</i> that same-sex marriage became, or remained, legal or permissible after being put to a popular vote. And even marijuana was legalized in two states; despite the fact that, since the ’80’s, ‘recreational’ use by decent people has fallen out of disfavor: except for a few people who have some medical need for it, only criminals and the underclass even <i>want</i> it.
Don’t let your ‘good’ be an occasion for evil, or cause others to stumble.
Worse is possible, and has happened. In 1933, after the elections in Germany, things indeed became much worse, for quite a few years. You want to vote for a guy just because he’s ‘against abortion’, and ‘against homosexuality’, and that’s all you care about? Well, that year, in Germany, they had your guy, and he won – and good, conservative, church-going Christians gave Hitler the margin of victory. (Romney inspired me to look it up and research it, and sure enough, that’s how it happened.)
The German Christians heard just what they wanted to hear: Hitler was against abortion, and against homosexuality, and talked a good game about hard work, discipline, family, and all of the values that we as Christians support. They just didn’t pay attention or ask any questions about anything else about Hitler and his supporters, their feelings about Jews and other ethnic groups, the methods they would use, and so on – even though Hitler had written a best-selling book and laid it out. Most didn’t notice that his views were extreme in some areas, some who did rationalized it on the idea that ‘maybe extreme is just what we need’. Needless to say, if they had paid attention, they wouldn’t have touched him with a ten-foot pole. Christians had a chance to save Germany that year, and that’s what we’re called as Christians to do. Instead, through the use of ‘values voting’ untempered by discernment and accountability, we made a mistake that cost millions of lives and untold suffering, and all but destroyed Germany for a time.
A good tree doesn’t bear bad fruit. This year, a candidate might be a little more lenient than we’d like on gay marriage, but at least he doesn’t make his money selling ‘do-it-yourself’ abortion pills. In 1933, a candidate in the German elections might not be as big on family values as we’d like to see, but at least he wouldn’t have lit off a second World War, and the Holocaust.
‘Values voting’, if you want to get into that, or feel that you should, should be a good thing. It certainly shouldn’t be a bad thing. But you must approach it responsibly, and with discernment.
You can’t just bite on one or two issues, and ignore everything else about the guy. You want to look at, can he actually do something about those one or two issues that’ll work? You have to think about, what’s likely to actually happen if this guy gets elected?
You may have to accept that we many have to approach it incrementally. It is easier to fool people than to show them that they have already been fooled, so goes the old saying. Satan’s job is to fool people, and it’s frequently easier than it should be. Our job is to show them they have been fooled, and that’s frequently more difficult than it should be.
Since Roe v. Wade, the cat’s out of the bag on abortion: we’re not going to get a law passed making it illegal next October 1. (‘Appointing Supreme Court Justices who’ll overturn Roe v. Wade’ may sound like a good idea, but we count on judges to judge cases in accordance with the Constitution, and the law. Would a judge who takes office intent upon implementing an agenda – even overturning Roe v. Wade – be doing that, or simply deciding cases on the basis of what <i>he</i> wants? And can you be confident that that’ll be the only thing he ‘wants’?) With several states now legalizing same-sex marriage, you’re not going to get it back within four years to a place where a homosexual act is illegal in most states. You may have to deal with pushing back in an area one bit at a time, and waiting next year, or even several years, before you can make more progress in that area.
Some things, you just can’t force, period. With some things, our influence is needed just as much, maybe more, at the social, media and cultural level, than it is at the political or legal level; and there it will do more good, anyway. When the ground is prepared at the social, media and cultural level, then we can continue the attack at the political and legal level.
The Internet is a great thing as a news source. When I was a kid we had one or two daily papers in every city of any size, and the 6:30 news on three channels. CNN came along later. Now we have all kinds of news platforms on the net. It brings you a lot of stories and items of interest that TV news just didn’t have time for, or the papers just didn’t have space for, back in the day. But it also brings you a lot of stories from highly questionable sources, and here again you must use some discernment: no one else can do it for you. What is the person, or website, that carried this story trying the prove? Is the story itself the news, or is the story meant to prove some other point the carrier is trying to make? Is this story even true? Does it show up in a more mainstream news source that’s been around for several years (other than to be debunked)? If the story is biased in some direction you don’t know, or even false, do you want to go to the polls and choose our leaders on the basis of it?
So, yes, we’re too much in alignment with one party. And it’s letting us down so badly that it’s coming to be an unequal yoke. We’re just being used and taken for granted, like the Tea Party was just as soon as it rolled out. To the political marketers and spin doctors, Christians are just one more voting bloc.
(<i>Now, c’mon, why would anyone disrespect Christians?</i> News flash – it’s been happening for centuries.)
You think ‘Christian’, you think automatically, ‘conservative Republican’; just as years ago, when you think ‘Irish’, you think ‘Democrat’. If we vote Republican as a bloc, we’re not enough to make a difference, but by going along, we often fail in our duty of discernment, and we’re giving up the ability to hold those for whom we vote accountable.
I’d suggest we be politically like the Jews and the Hispanics: no matter which side wins, whether Democrat or Republican, whether liberal or conservative, <i>we’re going to be who we are, and we’re going to influence the outcome</i>.
No matter which side wins, if we supported the guy, we demand accountability from them – or we support the other guy next time. Most importantly, we’ve got to use more individual discernment. If I’m going to support someone, I want him to talk to <i>me</i>, not ‘people like me’ in general. If we as Christians support someone, we want them to talk to <i>us</i>, not ‘conservative Christians’ in general. This should help us make a better evaluation, and reinforce accountability.
And we should never, <i>ever</i>, support radicalism, extremism, or hate. Or even encourage it. Quite the contrary, we should agree to make it a dealbreaker. If a candidate opposes same-sex marriage, we’re satisfied: we don’t need to hear a plan flaunted to ‘cure homosexuals’ or to criminalize private behavior between consenting adults. (We don’t oppose same-sex marriage because we ‘hate’ gay people, we just read the Bible and take what we get. But with them, if you oppose same-sex marriage in the way too many people do it, it lands for them as ‘hate’ – and the conversation ends. We need to find a better way to communicate.) If a candidate opposes abortion, we’re happy: we neither need nor want extreme views flaunted that abortions should be forbidden to rape victims. The one thing Mr. Akin and Mr. Mourdock proved in this election was that radicalism, extremism and hate not only gets us nowhere; it simply provokes, motivates – and in the end, only serves – the other side.
If we’re going to take our Christianity into the political process, let’s stop being a ‘reliable Republican voting bloc’ to be used, manipulated, and perhaps even led like sheep to the slaughter. Instead, let’s focus from here on on discernment and accountability, and see if we don’t start getting better results.Mike JonesNovember, 8 2012We face a unique situation that our ancestors did not experience. We get to help determine the direction of the government. I respect those who feel that they must stay informed and participate in that process and those who feel that we should stay as far as we can from it.
Those who feel that government should do more to help the poor forget the government’s motivation, give something to get something. Each side panders to its constituency to garner votes. Those who as Paul described as “those who won’t work” take advantage of the situation in some cases. They forget that if we have more of our own money, we can help others and offer the Gospel at the same time. In the Old Testament God instructed them to set up a theocracy. Jesus said that our Kingdom is not of this earth. Government is not the answer to our ills. They are the one’s forcing religious institutions to violate their conscience and if you think it won’t get worse, you may want to pay attention.
Those who would trade one precious life for some government assistance or policy need to ask themselves how God would respond to that.
We are drawn into the gay issue because they are making the most “noise” at this time. That is important, but we ignore the rampant other sins that people engage in today. It’s a free country still and as such, people have the right to sin (if we don’t have to see it) despite our convictions about it. If they want to give their possessions to someone besides their family, then that is their right. While against gay marriage, I also realize that it is probably inevitable that it will happen. However, God will still not recognize it. As a minister, I never preach politics from the pulpit. Preaching Christ should help individuals make their own decisions. After all, there are only two persons in that voting booth.Kenneth MorvantNovember, 8 2012It is evidence of truth found in Scripture (see Matthew 7:13-14). We should not be surprised.Kevin ShimpNovember, 8 2012This is a simple question to answer-We as Christians vote for who will help create a better environment in which to worship. If the presidential candidate “worships” regularly then I will probably vote for him if his policy is Biblically based. In my lifetime the Republican candidates seemed to be this way even in this present election.Jerry WheelerNovember, 8 2012Because of the politicization of and in Christ’s Church, I have stopped voting and participating in the political process since 2004. We are citizens of heaven. That is the only citizenship that matters.Bob ValeriusNovember, 8 2012I agree with many of these comments. An additional thing that has upset me is the expensive negative advertizing followed by the vitriolic, hateful, anger-filled emails sent by what I thought were spirit-led Christians. I no longer see many Christian graces in many Christians at election time. I was so disgusted that I did not vote this year after having voted for 42 years.Gary TurnerNovember, 8 2012Yes and it is sad! The church has typically aligned with the Republican Party, which has not been such a large problem until the last two elections. The Republican Party has allowed people such as Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Donald Trump to hijack the party as well as the conversation. For many that may actually share the Republican view of fiscal responsibilty, strong military and conservative social views, the idea of aligning with a party that has refused to speak out against the Donald Trumps, Rush Limbaughs and the Glenn Becks is unnaceptable. When the church vocally supports that party we are often cast in that same light! We should never allow ANY political party to dictate morality. We as Christians know there is more to the Bible than abortion and gay marriage. Had Rudy Giuliani or Newt Gingrich won the nominations, would Obama then have been the chose of Christians…I doubt it.
I also think it was a huge mistake for Christian Republicans to be silent about or even refuse to admit there were racial elements to Obama’s first 4 years in office. To have a known adulterer run for president and demand the POTUS show him his birth certificate, passports, grades from school and proof that he was accepted into Harvard was insulting and disrespectful and there was silence from the right. He was not the first Democrat in office. Clinton was a known adulterer and there was even an attempt to impeach him, however there was always a sense of respect given to him. To have a congressman yell at the POTUS as he addressed congress, to have a governor point her finger at the POTUS’s face, to have a congressman say his top goal is not to help America get back on track, but to make Obama a one term president…all these went unchecked and either folks agreed or did not want to rock the boat. The country was watching for the response of the party and many others were watching for the response of the their local church.
We as the church, have to decide to stand against all “appearances of evil” or none, otherwise we are seen as just another group of hypocrites!JuanitaNovember, 8 2012Absolutely we have. Why should religious beliefs become a litmus test for someone seeking to be president, legislator, or judge any more than for a builder, auto mechanic, or doctor? Our government was established to “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare …”. Those who are chosen to serve in our government should be selected based on their ability to meet these objectives rather than their personal beliefs.Chuck RogersNovember, 8 2012In the small Texas congregation where I preach, the party affiliation is probably pretty even. Having said that, I don’t know of anyone within the church who voted for Obama because of his positions on sexual immorality and abortion. What I am trying to figure out from a number of these comments is this: Do Christians seriously feel that they can support homosexuality and abortion, and still be without guilt? Even in our legal system we label those involved in such complicity as “accomplices”.
If the church prefers a politician’s stance because of his positions, that does not mean we are too affiliated with a political party. It just means that we seek those whom we feel are closest in their obedience to God’s word.Rick BloodworthNovember, 8 2012We have become closely tied to one political party, but an examination of Scripture tends to actually support that party’s positions:
Abortion – the Scriptures are clearly pro-life.
Gay “marriage” – the Scriptures are clearly against it.
Helping the poor – the Scriptures indicate that we as individuals and congregations are responsible for this, not the government. We are even told that if a man will not work then he should not expect to live off another’s labors.
Death penalty – the Scriptures unequivocally favor it.
“Recreational” drugs – the Scriptures clearly oppose these.
Which party has a Scriptural position on every single one of those issues? It’s not the libertarians, the communists, or the democrats. The official party platform of the republican party aligns with Scripture on every one of the issues I just listed, not just abortion and gay “marriage.” It is ironic that we are questioning whether we need to support a position that supports Scripture.ScottNovember, 8 2012This was written last night by a woman at my church:
Okay. Enough, already. Are you a people of God or not? Do you trust Him or not? Did you pray and pray and pray about this election? Because you certainly voiced your displeasure about a hundred times a day on facebook; so I’m going to have to believe you prayed about it… a lot. If all of us prayed and asked God to do the best thing for our nation then you need to stop panicking. You need to stop slinging insults and voicing hate. Our God is a god of peace, He is a god of love. We are supposed to trust Him and lean not on our own understanding and believe that no matter what, God has our best interests at heart. Take a deep breath folks, and trust Him.TiaNovember, 8 2012I think the overall issue isn’t “Are Christians too identified with one political party” but “Are Christians too identified with our political beliefs at all”? Has “politics” infiltrated the church too much? The question is, are we Americans who happen to be Christians or are we Christians who happen to be Americans?
It is so easy in situations like this to forget the big picture. Our citizenship is not in the United States of America. And our “rights” as Americans do not outweigh our obedience to God. The principles we find in the Word of God do not fall second or change because of “our beliefs”.
It is interesting to me how many people on Facebook or Twitter or some other social network, openly state their political stance and beliefs to everyone, yet do not have the same passion to share their spiritual beliefs…with anyone. Now remind me, which of these beliefs can actually save someone for eternity?
I have seen several relationships in the church hurt beyond repair because we got so caught up in our American rights and our own political agendas that somewhere along the line we stopped looking at each other as fellow heirs to the Kingdom and more like enemies…and all the while the world was watching.
If we cannot even love each other, why in the world would those outside the church want to become a part of the church? I wish we would look at situations like this, not as a time to drill your political beliefs into your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but as an opportunity to show the world how we are different. That our faith and the core of our beliefs and our love for each other does not change, just because the world does.
If we did this, imagine the impact we could have on not just Americans but the world.Ariel F.November, 8 2012Actually, the problem is not that Christians are too closely aligned with any one political party as much as the two parties have evolved to the point that they come from two starkly different worldviews. Because of that, elections become a choice of our most basic moral convictions. One party believes a woman has the right to destroy her unborn child and “oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.” The other party affirms the dignity and worth of the unborn. One party believes marriage should be redefined to accommodate sexual perversion and the other party does not.
Often the charge is made (and has been made in some comments above)that Republicans care nothing of the poor because they do not believe the government cannot solve the problem of poverty. As a matter of fact, there is much evidence that massive welfare programs have contributed to social problems rather than making them better. If we took what we are spending on poverty programs this year alone, we would have enough to write a check for $60,000 to every family under the poverty line. If poverty could truly be eliminated with government programs, we would have done so long ago. Yet if anyone points out these realities of economics and government failure, they are branded as someone who cares nothing for the poor. On the contrary, it may be that they have a genuine belief that the largess of the federal government has done more to destroy the family than any number of seductive temptresses. In fact, the promise of a nanny state may be the most seductive temptress of them all. It may very well be instructive that conservatives consistently in survey after survey are shown to be more likely to donate to charity than are liberals. I am not convinced you get brownie points in heaven for voting for money to be taken away from any one particular group in order to be given to any other particular group you find deserving. Some may believe that is compassion, but they are only fooling themselves. Such is nothing more than raw politics masquerading as compassion.JimNovember, 8 2012YES!
I think that a careful reading of Acts and the epistles will reveal that the church was never charged with changing government, society yes but those are two very different things.
And on a technical note. I also believe that laws allowing sin are quite different from laws requiring it. If a law allows sin it should not change our response to scripture only make the distinctions between us and the world more clear.
Ideally speaking, individuals should be generous (liberal) so that government can be conservative. But if most folks give in to greed who will feed the poor. Remember that Jesus told us to remember the poor, not first make them take personal responsibility. Of course the political divide is more complicated than that but I think that if more of the parts were boiled down to that same simple level then the whole might not be so complicated. And what about Roman 12:18.
Now, in summary, I’m not trying to make Democrats out of any of my ‘conservative’ brethren, just reminding us all to be Christian first.
Chuck ReedChuck ReedNovember, 8 2012There is no doubt that evangelicals are biased toward the republican party, however,I am made happy that my local church does not push any political view upon its members and the members are kind enough to avoid all mention of politics in our classes. Politics can cause division in the Family of God and are best left to ones individual preference.Joe BainNovember, 8 2012I take my voting privilege seriously, and I do not vote by party lines. I research who the candidates are and find out what they believe in before I cast my vote. I strongly believe that God has blessed each and every one of us who were born in this country, and has entrusted us with the care of this country and to see that this country continues to do what God has designed this country to be and to do in this world today.
When I vote for someone, I give that person my “stamp of approval” so to speak, for their stance on the issues. Abortion is one of the issues that concerns me today, because I strongly believe that each unborn child was created by God, and that this unborn child is not merely a fetus, but a human being with a soul. If I vote for someone who endorses abortion, then I am supporting abortion. And if I vote for someone who endorses abortion, then I am advocating that there is nothing wrong with murdering an unborn child. I also know that since God will require an accounting of each one of us, I will have to give an accounting for each vote I cast. In short, if there is a Republican candidate that supports abortion by demand, and a Democrat candidate that opposes abortion by demand, then I cast my lot for the Democrat. Party labels means nothing to me…it is the person’s stance on any given issues rather than the party that person belongs to. Abortion is just one issue out of several that I look for in a candidate.
We need to teach our young people how to think critically, and to evaluate each candidate, and ask ourselves, will this candidate help us to move our country in a direction that God would like for us to go? In order to do that, we need to know what God expects from a nation. Our Founding Fathers sure did give a lot of thought in this area as evidenced by their writings and from our founding documents. Don’t kid yourselves that God is not interested in what countries do. That is a beaut of a lie from Satan, and he will do everything he can to thwart God’s plans for this world. When was the last time we had a bible study on what God expects from a nation? Or a sermon series from the pulpit? Are we capable of explaining what God expects from a nation based upon the scriptures? If not, why?
There is nothing in the scriptures that forbids us, as Christians, to take part in the political process. The scriptures gives us principles to live by, and to vote by as well. Because we, as Christians, have voluntarily removed ourselves from the political process for the last 40 years, we have ended up with corrupt governing authorities and a nation that has lost its way. This is what happens when we seperate our voting habits from our Christian walk. And when we did that, we conformed to the world rather than being a light for the world and changing the world to God’s way of thinking.
I voted for Romney this year because I believe his principles are much more closer to my beliefs than Obama’s. Romney’s stances on the issues may seem to be a throwback to the 1950’s, and come to think of it, that was when our country was at its high tide watermark as a godly nation. Yes, the 50’s weren’t perfect, but the Bible had a place of honor in our society, and God was held in deep reverence, and most citizens were grounded with biblical moralities. Then came the counter-revolution of the 60’s and the Christians began to retreat from the political processes, and look how far we have fallen as a godly people.
God is known for raising up and bringing down nations. If we, as a nation, no longer have any use for God and His principles in our personal and public lives, then God will find another nation to raise up and bless and use for His glory. God does not need this country, but we do need God, and we need to show God that His principles are very important in the lives of our citizens and in the public square. Our Founding Fathers figured that out, why can’t we figure this out, too?
I thank God for the lessons He has given us in the Bible, and I pray that we all learn and apply these lessons in our private and public lives in this country. It is my prayer that we, as a nation, continue to fight for God’s place in our lives and that God will continue to bless this country and use this country for His glory, and that His work here in the United States of America is not done.
I’ve done my part in the voting booth.
Have you?Stephen MapleNovember, 8 2012I’m really encouraged by the responses I’m reading. The tea-party has taken over the Republican Party. At first, the tea-party during the primaries was against Mitt. Why? It was mostly about his Mormon faith…it’s a cult…they have their own bible and worship the words of Joseph Smith. After Mitt was chosen, they were for him. Why? Because he is one of us and Obama isn’t. He’s a Christian and Obama is a Muslim. I can go on, but I won’t.Thomas SuttonNovember, 8 2012Have Christians become too identified with a political party?
I suppose the answer depends entirely on whether one party identifies with Christianity more than the other. If a Christian looks at both parties, and sees one as more in line with the teachings of Christ, then why wouldn’t they identify with that particular party?KyleNovember, 8 2012Following Jesus’ example, spiritual matters are judged(John 7:1) based on Good vs Evil. In politics–at best–it’s “Better” vs “Worse”, especially where the candidates have no connection to the Bible being the only authority given by God(II Peter 1:3).
When setting up my Facebook profile, I mentioned that I am a member of the party I trust the LEAST to give us a morally-(and Biblically-) viable candidate without a Christian’s vote in the primary election. No, I do not attempt to sabotage that party by voting for the weakest candidate; instead, I go at it from the viewpoint of, “If this party does win, which one of its candidates would be least objectionable from a Biblical viewpoint?”. I must then trust that at least a portion of Christians affiliated with the other party will do the same(instead of them just voting for the one who has the best chance of winning). That way, there would be a clear choice, in accordance with my all-too-imperfect attempts to do all in subjection with God’s will when I vote in the general election. I feel no tug to vote one particular way simply because of my party affiliation, and it would show in how I vote.
However, we certainly cannot logically make our choice a matter of Christian obligation in races where neither candidate has made a conscious decision to serve throughout his or her term in office with the same commitment to Biblical guidelines governing their decisions while in office.Russ SharpNovember, 8 2012It does not seem appropriate to me for a church to identify or promote any political party; however, for those in the church who make the choice to run/vote/otherwise participate in politics, they should come to that process with their Christian values intact.
No party is an arm of the church but when one’s national convention vehemenently votes 3 times against the inclusion of our Creator in their platform, that might be an indicator. As has been pointed out here, that party also seems to consistently line up against Christian principals on various of the day. We must be loving and kind to all and if politics gets in the way of that, we should have no part in them. If however we choose to participate in the process, there seems to be a stark difference between which party supports Christian values and which actively opposes them.RayNovember, 8 2012If we stay focused on truth, as well as being salt and light, it is still possible to be involved in the political process without falling prey to worldliness. I am equally concerned about the church’s love of money and “teachers” such as Dave Ramsey.GrantNovember, 8 2012II Timothy 3:16-17 should go alongside II Peter 1:3 in relationship to the issue of the authority and place of scripture in our lives, as well.Russ SharpNovember, 8 2012When party supersedes biblical values, yes.Todd MNovember, 8 2012If republicans wish to support same sex marriages and abortion, i can leave them. Where is green energy talked about in the scripture?
Republicans freed slaves and passed the civil rights act. Every time minorities spoke at the republican convention, main street tv didn’t show it. Blacks have been decieved by the dems.
I can’t morally support them.t. g. runionNovember, 8 2012Thank you to everyone who has commented.
You might be interested in an item we just posted on <a href=”https://christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/11/are-churches-of-christ-in-the-u-s-a-red-state-movement/” rel=”nofollow”>”Are Churches of Christ in the U.S. a red state movement?”</a>Bobby Ross Jr.November, 8 2012Pray tell us what Political Party has in their national platform the support for Abortion on demand? Now tell me again how we as Christians can vote for anyone that has that as their core values. Better to jusy NOT vote and just preach the gospel, pray for peace, live godly and suffer persecution. This is what our brethren did in the 1st century and the church grew. May God help us in His work and not so much in the way of man.Don MusgraveNovember, 8 2012It is not that the church is identified with one party, as the church, collectively, has no business being in politics at all. I have no desire to hear politics on Sunday morning while worshiping God! At the same time, I deeply desire to hear what the Bible teaches on moral issues. One moral issue today is that of life and death; some are against the “death” penalty, while being in favor of abortion. On the one hand, some desire the freedom to save the life of a murderer, while on the other hand; while on the other hand, some feel at liberty to take the life of the unborn. Both should desire to learn what does the Bible teaches and stand with the truth.
However, individual Christians have every right to engaged in politics. It is not so much a party that I personally desire to be identified with, but the ideals, what ideals the party stands for, is how I desired to be identified. There are basic biblical truths, moral issues, that I desired to be identified with and nowhere are these moral issues put before this nation more than in politics. This nation every four years elects someone to serve as President; the party and the man stand for or against certain morals values which I also stand for. I just naturally identify myself with the party and the man running for President, who express the same basic moral issues that I do.
Is there a greater issue than life and death? Do we as a nation, as an individual, have the moral right to kill, to murder, the unborn? Here is the most innocent and helpless being on the face of this earth! The one person who has no voice! So, who will stand and speak in behalf of the unborn? Then, how do I speak in the behalf of the unborn? One way is by voting for those who so speak!
On the other hand, we may debate is how best to care for the needy. Yet, the best way, in my opinion, is to help them get a job; by which they also will gain self-respect. But, even before this is a good education! In the areas of the greatest poverty, we also have the greatest areas of the worst education; and the lowest areas of family: husband/father and wife/mother and children. Christians should stand for better schools in our inner-cities! Through such schools would better families, better education, and better jobs come; thus, less poverty!
Let Christians take the moral high road as they vote; understanding the elected people make the decisions and the laws by which the rest of us live.
We live in a great nation, as we are allowed to elect our own leadership. It did not, nor does it not now, come free, but has been paid with blood. Let us use our rights wisely while standing for New Testament truth. I desire to be identified as one who stands for truth as revealed in the New Testament, and the Old Testament serving in the background.
Frank R. WilliamsFrank R. WilliamsNovember, 8 2012Christianity in today’s society has become a superficial sense of entitlement. This superficiality becomes apparent when Christians endorse one candidate simply because the other candidates’ sins are worse than theirs. Abortion is wrong, I agree, yet the antiabortion Christians seem to think that this is the only sin. Conservative pundits in the media are entertainers, they make great sums of money for inciting people to believe in something that might not be the truth. They are about as unchristian as any abortionist and yet today’s superficial Christians listen to these folks with baited breath. I have seen hate and complete bitterness from people proclaiming to be Christians… and yer abortionists are sinful. I guess I do not get that concept that an abortionist’s sin is worse than yours.JW RichardsonNovember, 8 2012Christ did not die to make America a “Christian Nation”. He died to make Christians of all, and in so doing rejected supporning the government, claiming his Kingdom is not of this world. We have become a a group supporting the wealthy somehow believing that “Blessed are the wealthy for they shall control the world.”, is in Matthew. If we apply the same amount of intelligence that we use in our politics to that of our religion, we just might be doomed.
JoeJoeNovember, 8 2012Thanks for finally raising this question! Absolutely, C of C have virtually married the Republican Party and formed a partnership that transcends the usual social issues. An aura of sacredness is even applied to more tax cuts for the rich. The real spiritual mission of the church has been lost.
Ralph Reed began the movement in 1980 and admitted that when he promised 7 million evangelical voters for the Republicans if they would “use” several issues like abortion, prayer in schools, etc., they were literally jumping up and down. Now, 32 years later, their non-sincerity is indicated by the fact that even with a Republican court, the pro-life movement hasn’t even made sure that a test case was introduced into the courts. One preacher recently told me his goal was to be able to preach abortion a sin and get members to go vote Republican.
The evidence is clear that after the elections, sermons are filed, and the winners are not held accountable, and the issue is silent until the next election. The most discouraging thing to me has been the hundreds of e-mails I have received from Christians that are hate filled, lies, fabricated stories, urban legends, photo-shopped pics, and pure racism and the preachers –for the most part–have not spoken against this deceptive practice. Two days before the election, I received, like 20 million other voters, a racist message that said, “The bro and the ho gotta go.” While I doubt it originated from anyone in the church, there will not be specific condemnation of such because “it might hurt the party.”
I’ve asked at least three C of C preachers to have an honorable discussion on the subject of abortion provided they addressed my arguments. They agreed, but failed to respond to reasonable questions and ended the discussion.
Our message is now a religio-political message tied to a partisan political culture. We do not have enough moral opinion makers in the church to change that. We will gradually be absorbed into this conservative political culture, and it will never change. The “God and Country” movement back in the early 1960’s was soundly rejected in 1964. I do not see that happening today.Harold WilliamsNovember, 8 2012I used to be a proud Republican Christian up until about 15 years or so when I began to see what a presidential campaign began to do to the church. And by the church, I mean individual Christian brothers and sisters who transformed into something else. I began to believe that if someone was a Christian, then they automatically had to be a RepublicanFidelNovember, 8 2012I am greatly surprised (and rather taken back) by many of the comments I’ve read. I was raised in a family of Democrats and a Democrat, myself, for 16 years after reaching voting age. In 1980 I, along with Ronald Reagan, decided that I didn’t leave the Democratic party, they left me. The Democrats became more and more liberal on all the major issues. However, the issues that mattered to me more than the others were and still are the moral issues that are dragging our country right down the sewer drain. Scott’s comments above where he listed the moral issues and where Democrats and Republicans stand on those issues are right on. If the Republican party best represents biblical and godly morality better than the Democratic party, you better believe I will vote Republican. Brethren, the party platforms say it all. The church should stand with the more Christ-like ideas. For those who say we need to change with the times in matters of morality (at the same time comparing us to Pharisees)…please think about what you are saying. But understand this: Our congregation would accept gays and women who have had abortions and accept and love them but gently teach them what the word of God has to say on those matters. I could go on and on about this but I’m not in the mood to write a book.RodNovember, 8 2012As much a I love my iPad, sometimes it and my thumbs are not compatible, my apologies and let me start again –
I used to be a proud Republican Christian until about 16 years ago when I began to see what a presidential campaign can to do to the church. And by the church, I mean individual Christian brothers and sisters who transformed into something else. Up until then, I believed that if someone was a Christian, then they automatically had to be a Republican, there was no other option. It was us against them, the right against the wrong, our way of life against theirs and since God was on our side, I knew that we were what was best for this country and the people in it.
As we began to be more and more vocal about it, I began to feel a little uneasy and uncomfortable about how it began to work its way into our Bible classes, prayers, emails and everyday conversations among the brethren. Nine times out of ten, there were things said, written or forwarded that were not right and sometimes down right insulting.
My spiritual life took a beating and I remember there were times that I struggled with my faith, until I looked at how Christ handled the situation in the Gospels. Back then there were two (political?) parties within God’s people as well. Which one did He become a member of? Neither one, He remained an independent and went about His Father’s business. My wife and I decided we would do the same. But it hurts to see so much bitterness and shall we say hatred among the brethren when it comes to politics and the things of God. For me, these last few years have been the worst.
I love my country and I am a veteran who served his country proudly and would defend it against all aggression. However, “One Nation Under God” to me means not this land that we live in, but the Nation of God that came up out of the water in Acts chapter 2 and that nation is all over the the world. For that nation, I will give my heart as well. We cannot love and minister to those who don’t know Him if our hearts don’t belong to Him first.FidelNovember, 8 2012So many minorities blame the rich for everything. (I too am a minority)
Many blacks and hispanics need to realize it’s the ones who are rich who give them their jobs. Many small businesses who have perhaps 10-12 employees will cut back or shut down because the taxes will become too high. Many millionaires today started out making minimum wage and have worked hard while giving much of their money to the church, charities, also paying very high taxes; while sharing their blessings and praying for their employees. I think that the rich are sort of like the disabled in that they must try even harder! We all must be careful of being too cynical of others because then we think we are the smarter ones. I Peter 5:6,7 “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD that he may exhalt you in due time; casting all your cares upon HIM for HE careth for you.
We need to show Christ living in us and share HIS teachings while serving others. Whether rich or poor we are Christian’s first. Whatever happened to the John F. Kennedy quote, “Ask NOT what your country can do for you but ASK what YOU can do for your country.” That motto has gone by the wayside. The democratic party today stands for big government taking care of us. I guess now we can truly say the majority of Americans want to be like Europe and live in socialism. Our nation was once a great nation under GOD but it’s turned that corner. Our nation has gone down-hill spiritually while losing our strength, our respect, and our dignity. I was going to say security but our security is in our Lord,Jesus Christ.
GOD is in charge and he may soon be bringing our nation to it’s knees just as He did with other nations. We are ALL sinners whether republican or democrat but I personally cannot support a political party who pushes big government spending our money to support abortion or guy/lesbian lifestyles with open approval.pamNovember, 8 2012It is really disheartening to me to read what so many are professing in these comments. We, as Christians, individually are responsible to take care of others, yet we are so willing to allow ourselves to buy into the idea that it is someone else’s responsibility: i.e. the government and even the church. I do believe the church is to help out, benevolently, although it is limited and primarily toward fellow christians who are in need, not the community at large. We want to place the burden of providing for others upon the government, as well and that is one of the primary reasons we, as a nation, are in the shape we are in: we have overburdened the country with a “responsibilty” to provide for those who have little. Jesus did not advocate or teach anything about governments caring for those in need, but He did teach about us, individually doing that. We have taken the proposition that it is not our responsibility but someone else’s and we want to contribute our little share to help out with that (no sacrifice involved).
There is, also, much in these comments indicating that the Democrat party is more in tune with taking care of these social needs. I would disagree completely. The Republican party does not shy away from social welfare, although it does want people to be responsible and do what they can to support themselves (a definite requirement in God’s Word: “He who will not work, let him not eat.” There is nothing wrong with people working and striving to take care of themselves and their families and even sacrificing to get the education they need to achieve greater wealth. If they do that, as Christians, they are responsible for using that wealth for, not only, their own welfare but for others. Our welfare programs supported by our government have gotten way to broad, providing entitlements to those who have no intent on working or even trying to support themselves when they are completely able. Many, if not most, are unwilling to accept jobs that pay minimum wage, yet they will still maintain many of the luxury items of life: cell phones, cigarettes, liquor, higher priced foods such as steak, cars, professionally done hair/nails, and nice clothes. You can extend this same idea to the unlawful immigrants into our country. Their is nothing wrong with having laws for immigration and enforcing those laws: there is no responsibility to our government to provide anything for them.
Finally, if we do not stand for leaders who will guide, legislate, and govern in a moral fashion we are being irresponsible as Christians. God has set up governments, although He does not take the responsibilities He has allowed us to have: to be good citizens and take on our duties as such. We are fortunate that we have the opportunity to vote, but we ought to vote with morality foremost in mind. Social programs, foreign policy, economic management do not trump moral issues. When we know of a political party or politician who stands for issues that are of a moral deprave nature, we have no business supporting them regardless of the other issues they stand for. In that respect, the answer to the question is, NO we have not become too tied to a political party. It is one thing to acknowledge that sin exists and that we don’t discriminate against those who sin, but it is entirely different when we take it to the point of saying that we are responsible for supporting them in that moral depravity (i.e. supporting abortion/murder, same sex marriages, and priviledges granted to domestic partnerships). I cannot support a party that advocates and supports immoral issues through the use of my taxes. If I support them, vote for them, or praise then I am part of the immorality, therefore I am part of the sin.Glenn LandrumNovember, 9 20121 Samuel 8:1-9
1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
1 Sam 8:1-8 (KJV)
Political parties came about because of the people’s decision to have such. George Washington, the father of our country, absolutely despised them and recognized the evil inherit in them.
Because of our laziness to take care of business ourselves we have let the government handle all our problems. Our right to exist as a church is entailed in our teaching others (the lost) the love of God. that is we must show them that we can rise above all the immorality and strife inherent in ourselves and have compassion on each other in our imperfections. As a church we must do everything that we can to help those that “can’t” help themselves. Galatians 6:10 empowers us to do good unto all men as the opportunities present themselves.
Now the ideal is that we must stand up for morals. Yes that is true. I don’t think because you vote Democratic and/or Republican makes one moral or immoral. Anyone that claims that one party is more moral than the other apparently doesn’t know anything about history. There have been some atrocious men morally that have been president from both parties in the our history, study their lives if you think not. The underlying factor of their worthiness as a leader of men (I mean worldy leader of course)is what is in his heart concerning those that he leads. Remember King David “the man after God’s own heart”, he lacked a lot morally (dare you to disagree on this point). The thing that made him great is he recognized his weaknesses and knew where his strength was (against thee only have I sinned)and asked for forgiveness. He believed in the sovereignty of God. God’s will will prevail regardless of our imperfections as a nation and/or individually. The history of Israel shows us that.
We might fall as a nation, but the church will endure, IF WE STAY FOCUSED ON OUR TASK OF LEADING PEOPLE (DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICAN)TO CHRIST, and ultimately this is the only thing that matters. We need to get rid of all the politics, as a church, and save souls. Feed and clothe the poor, visit the sick and afflicted, visit the orphans and widows in their affliction. Preach the gospel in our nation and worldwide. Exhort one another to good works in the Lord.
Neither Christ nor the apostles ever endorsed politcal parties. We are driving wedges between us by “politicizing” christianity,you know what I mean so I will close with these thoughtsWallyNovember, 9 2012I have heard that people in congregations were getting mad at each other because it was being strongly suggested either in talk in the church, or from the pulpit that any faithful Christian must vote for Romney, because of Obama’s stand on homosexuality and abortion. But our preacher said it best—either you vote for a person who endorses immorality and comes from false teaching, (Jeremiah Wright’s church in Chicago) or you vote for a false teacher who believes that an angel from heaven presented a message to the leaders of his church in the modern age in clear violation of Gal 1:6-10. The best thing to do is vote your conscience prayerfully, and we have to pray that this country turns around it’s wicked ways before it is everlasting too late.Gary HatmakerNovember, 10 2012Yes,far too many churches of Christ have allowed politics to creep into the pulpit. Members of the church should work for Christian ideals. Advocating one political party over the other should be left to the individual. Even then the individual Christian should not become so caught up in a political party as to lose direction and perspective of the broader picture of prayer and Christian service.
My experience in the mission field, in the pulpit, and in government as an elected official, has taught me that the Christian belief supercedes any political party agenda.
The Christian’s first reposibility is to pray,and second, to evanglize. Thses two things will help our nation and every nation of the world more than a vote. Where true Christianity goes the plight of man, woman and child gets better and more freedom is enjoyed.Don R. HouseNovember, 10 2012I wrote previously on Thursday, Nov 8. I would say, “Well, it’s GOD’S will.” However, I admit I was very depressed for those few days just thinking about the children, our grandchildren and our nation’s future. I’m slow I guess, but on FRIDAY, NOV 9th I remembered something extremely important. MY HOPE IS NOT IN THE USA BUT IN MY LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! GOD keeps HIS promises and I must try and stay focused on HIM every time I get down on things happening in our nation and around the world. We ALL need to pray and stay focused on HIM.pamNovember, 12 2012I wouldn’t say it is being identified with a political party, rather with the issues and where the candidates stand on them. I think we are called to be counted and when we vote we should vote as best aligns with biblical principles – throughout my years of voting that is what I have prayed about and tried to do – no matter what party that candidate is identified with – or for that matter what party I have been registered as.CallieNovember, 12 2012This is a quote from a young man from our church, a college student.
I thought I’d share…
“It’s not about the elephant, nor the donkey, IT’S ABOUT THE LAMB!”pamNovember, 15 2012Perhaps the bottom line is that God is sovereign and our decisions affect that fact. As such, we must determine to represent Him, with the following in mind: http://alivewithchrist.com/i-cast-multiple-election-ballots/Nathan McVeighNovember, 16 2012The question itself is ill-conceived. I have political views that are shaped by my Christian views as well as my views of what works in government and what does not. There are some who share many of those same Christian views who have come to different political views. I do not think they should change their political beliefs just because I disagree with them, and I am not going to change mine just because someone thinks too many other Christians agree with me. What would be the answer to the supposed “problem” this question suggests? Am I to give up my beliefs and start supporting abortion, higher taxes, more government intrusion into and control of our lives, and less freedom for the people, in order to address this “problem?” Someone noted that many African-American Christians voted for Obama, and that we should learn from them. If 90+% of all African-Americans voted for Obama, and African-American Christians followed suit, why is it that their vote represents vision and insight, and mine does not? The question is skewed.Steve McLeodNovember, 30 2012
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In his day, many pushed hard to get Jesus to preach against sin and stand up for community righteousness. That he refused to do that should give us pause and make us question whether we have misunderstood the purpose and mission of the church.