Greg Taylor of Wineskins on Political Power and the Election
I was reading Preacher Mike’s blog and I think it hits the nail of the head in terms of the seeming conundrum over Christians and the politics of the voting booth when he quotes Greg Taylor. Even though the election is over, it helps frame our perspective as we approach political issues and unity within the church:
This week, Newsweek’s Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham asked the question, “Is there a religious reason to vote for or against Obama or McCain?”
Judging from the pile of desperate emails we’re getting, the answer is yes. And many on both sides of the aisle believe there are religious reasons to vote for one or the other party or candidate.
I’m of the party of people who have grown exasperated at the notion that religion can only be expressed through one particular party. That doesn’t make me a Republican or Democrat. My conservative friends think I’m a Democrat. My liberal friends probably think I’m Republican.
My voter card still says Independent. Maybe next time I get a card, I’ll ask if they can record “Christian” on my party affiliation. Because I’m a Christian who believes a particular political party or candidate is not the answer to my prayers.
Shane Claiborne and more than 2000 years of Christian teaching is right. Jesus is our Messiah, not a political candidate. So perhaps we ought to write in Jesus for President this year. Perhaps not.
No, Jesus told his disciples he didn’t come to be president. They trusted in political power, and we are just as guilty as they were about this.
Our vote is for someone to protect and defend the constitution of our nation, to be a good leader and caretaker of what we think we own right now, not a Republican or Democratic or Independent Messiah.
So this is a call to disable your email over the weekend, get some fresh air, sleep, read the Bible, pray, and when you go vote–one of the great rights we have in a democracy–go in the knowledge that God is sovereign, the king over all the earth.
In a similar vein: Anne Jackson (Aka Flowerdust–thanks Anne) Don’t rely on Obama and Darren Tyler on the topic of Christ centered social action and change: Gods Kingdom vs. Earthly Kingdoms. John Piper even has an interesting perspective on Christian voting. Prodigal Jon of Stuff Christians Like simplifies our Christian responsibilities for both McCain and Obama fans. Finally, Cameron Strang who publishes Relevant Magazine has a short on point critique of politics, the political process, and punditry.
It all depends on what you call a “Christian,” doesn’t it? America will get what it deserves.
featherdust. teehee.
I’m not sure I get what you are speaking to. .. Perhaps, you should re-read those three (and now five) posts.
I can’t say that I’m not troubled by your verbal hostility toward what you think is an unChristian choice. Forgiveness and humility rather than sharp words seem to be the best response to these types of disagreements.
I have viewed this election through the eyes of children and I do not like what I saw. I am a counselor for a middle school and we had a mock election a few days before the real one.
It was quite interesting that Barack Obama won by a similar margin as in the national election. We have about 500 students.
I am saddened by the response of our McCain supporting students to the Obama supporting students. I had a number of students come to me because they were frightened by the statements that were made about Obama. They were hurt by the names they personally were called.
They were anxious and frightened by the number of times they heard, “assasinate Obama”.
These are 10 and 11 year old students! Parents, think about what you are saying around your children.
How sad.
My heart goes out to you and your kids. Its sad that rumor, unsubstantiated conjecture, and malice is spread by adults and unfortunately picked up by their kids.
God bless.