Politics and me

America is now officially in the Presidential selection process. Iowans caucus tonight, followed by primaries across these United States in coming weeks. You know that, right? Unless you're living without electricity, somewhere in a wilderness cabin, you cannot avoid seeing Obama, Clinton, Edwards, Huckabee, McCain, Giuliani, and Romney. I hope that you will see the process as an opportunity for more than just casting a vote. This is a time for conversations about which way our country will turn in the next year. Believer, I urge you to engage your mind and integrate the Truth to which you lay claim into the dialogue. Anyone who thinks that politics and faith do not intersect has not read much of the Old Testament prophets. Those men fearless called on their kings to lead the people with justice and in righteousness.

Know this, too. There is more to the conversation than abortion and/or same sex marriage! Yes, I am concerned about protection for the unborn child and believe that our government policies should defend the defenseless one in the womb. I am troubled by the trend to extend the same recognition to homosexual households that are enjoyed by heterosexual couples. Marriage is sacred and foundational to a secure social structure. However, I am also deeply concerned about government policies that insure economic opportunities for everyone, that our policies encourage care for the Creation for which God has made us responsible, and that justice for all become more than rhetoric. We need to talk about our willingness to go to war and what the concept of 'just war' means in the world today. Believer, we cannot allow ourselves to be drawn in by politics as usual that appeals to our self interest. I encourage you to think of the interest of others, including those who are not American, in your politics.

During this election I am going to try to think less as a Republican or a Democrat and more as a Christian! I hope that you will, too. We may not find ourselves in one big block of votes, supporting a single candidate that takes positions we find in keeping with our convictions. But we can raise a witness and have a powerful effect on the political process when we intelligently bring our faith to the process on every issue, not just the ones that are easy or traditionally of concern to Believers. Let's not become predictably 'left' or 'right' or 'conservative' or 'liberal' or PBS or FoxNews!

Let's become prophetic! Let's adopt the courage and conviction of men like Amos who shouts - "let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24, NIV); and Micah who cries out "O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NLT) "How can I tolerate your merchants who use dishonest scales and weights? The rich among you have become wealthy through extortion and violence. Your citizens are so used to lying that their tongues can no longer tell the truth." (Micah 6:11-12, NLT)

And do not forget the powerful effect of the prayers of those who fear God. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior." (1 Timothy 2:1-3, NIV)