Christians in Politics: Too much or too little?
Posted by: Richard Land on May 28, 2008 Featured Article •
Over the past few weeks, a national polling firm for LifeWay Research and the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission conducted a survey asking Americans to respond to this statement: “I am concerned that at times Christians are too involved in politics.”
The results were quite informative. The majority of Americans (52%) either “strongly disagree” (32%) or “somewhat disagree” (20%) with the statement. Even larger majorities of faith-affiliated Americans disagreed with the statement. When researchers asked Americans who attended religious services of any faith at least once a week, disagreement with the statement was even higher, with 65% indicating they were comfortable with Christians being involved in politics, and only 21% expressing varying discomfort with Christians’ political activity.
Those who self-identify themselves as “born-again,” “evangelical,” or “fundamentalist” expressed the highest level of disagreement (72%) with the assertion that “at times Christians are too involved in politics” with only 27% telling pollsters they agreed (“strongly” or “somewhat”) with the statement.
These results do not surprise me at all. They underscore and reinforce the feedback I receive on a consistent basis from grassroots Christians of all perspectives, particularly conservative Christians – Catholic and Protestant.
The survey’s findings are particularly dramatic given the fact that LifeWay Research and the ERLC worded the poll’s question in a way that would elicit the most negative response possible, by using the word “politics” as opposed to “social issues” or “public policy.” “Politics” has a negative connotation and is often perceived as partisan, rancorous, and something that many Christians feel is too “worldly.”
If we had posed the question, “I’m concerned that at times Christians are too involved in social issues or public policy,” I am quite confident the level of disagreement with the statement would have been even higher.
These polling results suggest that those pundits, analysts, and religious leaders that tell us that people of faith are disillusioned with politics and public policy need to get out more and talk with the people who actually go to churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples. If they did, they would find that the people who most often attended religious services disagree with their assessment by an almost two to one margin, 65 percent to 31 percent. On a more personal note, among Southern Baptist pastors who were asked the question of whether “at times, Christians are too involved in politics”, two thirds of them either “strongly disagreed” (41%) or “somewhat disagreed” (26%).
When people of faith enter the political process they should always understand that their ultimate allegiance is to the Almighty, not any ideology or party. People of faith have an obligation to be involved as “salt” and “light” in the world, and that includes “politics.” They should be voting their values, beliefs, and convictions, based on their understanding of the imperatives of their faith.
This column was originally published at Casting Stones, a blog hosted by Beliefnet.com.
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The Next Generation of Leaders
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 27, 2008 Hot Issues •
This month, the Associated Press published a story about a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Oklahoma who was elected mayor of Muskogee, Oklahoma—a city of 38,000.
John Tyler Hammons said, “The public placing their trust in me is the greatest, humbling and most awesome experience I’ve ever had in my life.”
Hammons plans to continue his college education and will transfer to a school closer to Muskogee. He said, “Being elected does not change my desire to continue my education. We will schedule our time in an appropriate fashion so that I can be mayor and stay in school.”
When I first read this story, I began to think of all the other young people around this age who are doing something, like John Tyler Hammons, to impact and change our country and world.
It seems to be a growing phenomenon among young people today to do great things. What is it about this generation that wants to step into leadership positions and change the world at such a young age?
Today, more young people are being encouraged from elementary school to high school to get involved in what is going on in our communities, country, and world. I’m encouraged to see this generation of young people stepping up to the plate and doing something about their culture.
Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a young man is known by his actions—by whether his behavior is pure and upright.”
I think this—being just one of many passages on this topic—should be an encouragement to the youth of our culture. Their votes count. Their opinions matter. Their godly leadership is needed. It’s true—they’re going to be the ones leading our country in the years to come. Now is the time to start investing in them and moving them to making a change in our society.
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As the Wind Blows
Posted by: K.D. Hastings on May 19, 2008 Hot Issues •
I work downtown but there is a flagpole on top of a building in midtown—a mile or so to the west—that I can see from my office window. I use the American flag on that pole as a rudimentary weather predictor in the spring and the fall.
When the flag is blowing to the south, I know it is more likely to be cooler outside. When the flag is flying toward the north, warm temps are on the way. If the flag is fully extended, flapping heartily, I know the change in temperature will be dramatic—or that stormy weather is at hand. When the flag ‘changes direction’ during the day, I know change is on the way. I have to admit my spirits are buoyed on a cool spring day when I see the flag turn northward. I know warmer weather is on the way as the breezes come out of the south.
My method of forecasting by flag, what a farmer calls a wind vane, is a more refined version of the wetting a finger and sticking it in the air to see which way the wind is blowing. I don’t have to put my hands in my mouth to determine the wind direction.
Politicians are notorious for checking to see which way the wind is blowing and testing the waters. And it’s not for meteorological purposes. They sample public opinion to ascertain the best way to package their policy presentations. In order to ruffle the fewest feathers, particularly in an election year, politicians prefer to know the mood of the voters before they go too far out on a limb. The same candidate in three different venues can present the same idea three different ways—to suit each crowd. It’s not automatically disingenuous, in fact it can be very wise campaign tactic.
The problem comes when a politician tells one group one thing and another group something markedly different. In an attempt to gain support (aka “votes”) he is tickling ears with a message that may omit critical details, but that appeal to those he is addressing at the moment.
We can appreciate the value of discernment when it comes to spiritual matters, but it is also invaluable in evaluating the policy positions of public figures. Whether in spiritual or civic matters, it is critical that we look below the surface to make a proper judgment on the issue at hand (John 7:24).
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A History of Prayer
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •
I love history. In school, I always aced history and English. It’s no wonder I still love to read stories and articles on historical events—from yesterday, last year, and even 2,000 years ago. Everyone and everything has a story and history to tell.
Just the other day, I read how the National Day of Prayer first began, and how and why the tradition was continued throughout history. Days of prayer were declared by:
• President George Washington after the Whiskey Rebellion. • President John Adams when France threatened to make war with America. • President Madison during the War of 1812. • President Tyler when President Harrison died. • President Taylor during a cholera epidemic. • President Buchanan to avert civil strife. • President Lincoln during the Civil War. • President Andrew Johnson when President Lincoln was shot. • President Wilson during World War I.
Finally, in 1952, President Truman made the National Day of Prayer an annual event, saying: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace…we stand in special need of Divine support.”
And President Ronald Reagan declared the National Day of Prayer to take place each year on the first Thursday in May.
Praise God that our country has not thrown this sacred national holiday out of the books like we have so many other holy things. In light of how important this event is, we must also realize the importance of daily prayer for our country, its leaders, our government, schools, media, and other influential figures.
You’ve probably heard this Scripture used over and over again, but it’s good to know that God’s Word is unchanging and His promises are true. The Bible says, “My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, HCSB).
Do you believe God will do what He says if we obey His commands? Do you make time each day to pray for our government, our troops serving overseas, our President, and other political leaders? Are you praying every day for the Presidential candidates campaigning across the U.S.?
As believers and Americans, it is our responsibility to be faithful in praying for our country—not just in times of crisis, but always.
Source of historical facts: American Minute with Bill Federer (www.amerisearch.net)
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Responding to a culture in transition
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •
Growing up in a small town, I was naive to much of what the world was really about until I moved away from that airtight bubble and into the big city. My eyes were opened to a whole new way of thinking, living, and being.
Where I had once been sheltered in a loving Christian home, I was thrown into the “real” world when I joined the “worldly” masses. My faith didn’t change in a bad way—but it was certainly tested and challenged more than once. My move forced me to own my faith and back up what I believed—on more than one occasion.
That was over five years ago. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to evaluate how my generation of believers—myself included—has responded to the changing culture, and the issues of God, politics, and world events.
For some, life still only revolves around them and their worldview is extremely self-central. But for others, life and faith has become about making change happen and speaking out for what they believe in a materialistic, self-consumed culture. There are certainly other categories of people that have come to my attention, but it seems that these two are the ones I’ve encountered most of the past few years.
I remember MTV making a big push several years ago about getting out and voting. I noticed that a lot of people my age didn’t really care as much then. But it seems something has changed over the past few years. More and more I’m seeing people—especially Christians—involved in causing change in our culture by going out into the world and making sure that it happens.
I’m curious to see how this affects our country in the years to come. The world is coming to us in droves each and every day. And American Christians—especially people my age (20s-30s)—are beginning to realize the impact we could have right here in our own back yards.
How are you responding to this movement? Is there a way you can impact your culture and bring about a revolutionary change that will move people toward salvation in Jesus? What are you doing to change the world? Are you voting in a way that will honor God and set people up to find Truth and freedom in Him?
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Please Step Aside, Ma’am
Posted by: Brent James on May 10, 2008 Hot Issues •
Is it over? Howard Dean hopes so. Rush clearly doesn’t. Whatever your take, George McGovern, speaking aloud what many democrats would only whisper quietly, has urged Hillary Clinton to step aside by declaring that Barak had won the nomination.
The Clinton campaign, despite numerous suggestions and pleas for a white flag, has given no signs they intend to shut down. George Stephanopoulos encouraged Hillary to accept the vice presidential role.
Speaking with John Gibson on radio last week, Geraldine Ferraro, who has been working with Clinton from a distance, advised that there is still a chance for a Clinton victory. The thinking is this: If Hillary could win 80% of these remaining Democrat primaries, she would tie Barak H. Obama for delegates, but not the popular vote. That’s a big “if”.
May 13 - West Virginia
May 20 - Kentucky, Oregon
June 3 - South Dakota, Montana
There is another possibility that in recent days has gathered optimism based on comments from Howard Dean. That is, whether or not the Florida and Michigan delegations will be seated. Dean told CNN “I think the delegates are eventually going to be seated in Florida and Michigan as soon as we get an agreement between the candidates on how to do that.” Then last week, he followed that statement on the Daily Show, by confirming that both state’s delegations would definitely be seated.
One issue remains for Clinton and Obama, how this is going to be worked out.
For Barak Obama, including the full delegation would complicate his winning the nomination, which for many, is a done deal. The full inclusion of both delegations would cut his lead and mean that Clinton would be ahead in the popular vote.
But the superdelegate count may be the deal breaker. Clinton once led 169-63. By March 2008, her lead was a scant 35. As of May, the New York Times has Clinton leading by only one. ABC shows Obama leading by two.
Howard Dean, Chairman of the DNC, announced last week that one of the candidates must step down by June so the primaries can be wrapped up.
However things seem to be evaporating, remember Clinton is a pro, and as such is not easily deterred. She has Bill in her corner as well as a host of brilliant political strategists probing each and every contingency as they search for daylight. Don’t count her out. All she needs is a little breathing room and sometimes, that can come suddenly out of thin air.
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How much is too much: Faith and Politics?
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 5, 2008 Biblical Values •
“Evangelicals say faith is now too political.” This is the headline that the Dallas Morning News published in an article just recently. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Conservative Christian leaders who believe the word “evangelical” has lost its religious meaning plan to release a starkly self-critical document saying the movement has become too political and has diminished the Gospel through its approach to the culture wars.
The statement, called “An Evangelical Manifesto,” condemns Christians on the right and left for “using faith” to express political views without regard to the truth of the Bible, according to a draft of the document obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
“That way faith loses its independence, Christians become `useful idiots’ for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology,” according to the draft.
The declaration, scheduled to be released Wednesday in Washington, encourages Christians to be politically engaged and uphold teachings such as traditional marriage. But the drafters say evangelicals have often expressed “truth without love,” helping create a backlash against religion during a “generation of culture warring.”
“All too often we have attacked the evils and injustices of others,” they wrote, “while we have condoned our own sins.” They argue, “we must reform our own behavior.”
The document is the latest chapter in the debate among conservative Christians about their role in public life. Most veteran leaders believe the focus should remain on abortion and marriage, while other evangelicals—especially in the younger generation—are pushing for a broader agenda. The manifesto sides with those seeking a wide-range of concerns beyond “single-issue politics.”
The article states that more than 80 evangelicals including Os Guiness and Richard Mouw are among the supporters. And Phil Burress, an Ohio activist, said that if high-profile Christian leaders such as James Dobson and Richard Land don’t endorse the document, then it would not be successful.
I don’t intend for this blog to have a devotional format—with an overindulgence of wisdom and truth from God’s Word. Instead, I’d like for this blog to be a motivation to readers to think this issue through, do some research, pray about it, and figure out what the Holy Spirit may be telling you.
Your thoughts and feedback are welcome.
Source: © 2008 The Associated Press.
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Celebrity Influence
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 1, 2008 Biblical Values •
Celebrities have a magical power over society that has literally grown out of control of the past hundred years.
I’m not talking about the heroes that have risked their lives for our freedom or the founding fathers of our country. I’m referring to the icons in pop culture—on the radio, the big screen, and in the gossip magazines—that have mesmerized our culture.
Lately, I’ve heard more high profile celebrities offer their thoughts and opinions about certain social and political issues than at any other time in my life. When they issue even one simple statement regarding their thoughts on same-sex “marriage,” the war overseas, taxes, or anything else, they capture the attention and unquestioning approval of thousands.
I can see where their voices would be an incredible influence on America—especially young people who often worship the ground they walk on in an all too ungodly way. Likewise, their endorsements of political candidates are extremely advantageous to the ones running for office.
According to Forbes.com article written by David Andelman: “The six [celebrities] who would have the most positive impact on the image of a candidate with whom they associated were Oprah, on top, followed by Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show, Angelina Jolie and Tiger Woods.”
In addition, pollsters at E-Poll Market Research showed that “the younger the voter, the more positive the perception of a candidate endorsed by a celebrity they admire.”
If you don’t keep up with what celebrities believe and endorse, you may be surprised to find where some of your favorites place their loyalty. It’s amazing to me how many people, even Christians, place their stock in the lifestyles, actions, and words of celebrities—imperfect people who are oftentimes far from knowing any kind of Truth.
As followers of Jesus, we know One who is more famous than anyone in the entire world. Do you believe what He has spoken? Do you follow Him where He goes? Do you strive to mimic the lifestyle He had?
What values and beliefs would Jesus endorse? Maybe it’s time we shift our attention and decide to follow in the footsteps of Jesus—the most holy Famous One.
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