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.

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Comments

Remember the WWJD? What would Jesus do? He actually was very bold politically because He addressed authority. After all, He is the Supreme Authority over all including government (politics). A few examples: He called Herod “that fox”. He never reprimanded John the Baptist’s capital offense of speaking out against Herod’s illegal marriage. He continually confronted scribes and pharisees about local “law” pertaining to Sabbath regulations among other things. When Jewish leaders attempted to trap Him with the woman caught in adultery He put them to shame partly because Israel lost the right to perform capital punishment to the Romans due to their own corporate sin of not enforcing Moses’ law.

Jesus showed hatred. Yes, hatred of sin. The love He has for us, a willingness to die for us is just as much a measure of his hatred for sin. If I truly love my family I must equally hate those principalities and powers which are out to steal, kill and destroy my family.

Last, Christians are not perfect. We must be willing to swallow our pride; admit when our political positions are shown to be anti-biblical and get on board with Him who promised His will done on earth as it is in heaven.

Posted by on May 12, 2008.