Faith and Political Obsessions: Don't Fret about the Left or Right, Worry about God

This column received so many comments from Christians, I thought it important to include on our blog:

Recently, Senator John McCain inspired an explosion of campaign controversy when he said: "The Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation. But I say that in the broadest sense. The lady that lifts her lamp beside the golden door doesn't say, 'I only welcome Christians... But when they come here they know that they are in a nation founded on Christian principals.'"

That is an accurate answer filled with a critical tension. The founding fathers resisted establishing a national religion but knew the value of maintaining a society whose citizens remained religious. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, reminded Americans: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Bob Briner's Seven Deadly Detours, is now out of print, but his deadly detours are as relevant today for Christians struggling with how to keep their faith relevant and remain an active and engaged citizen. To Briner, Jesus wasn't a "right winger." He called on Christians to pray instead of demanding prayer in public schools. They should be sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers instead of shutting down abortion clinics or mandating family values. Christians should be serving and loving instead of leading the fight against the "homosexual agenda."

The same could be said about deadly distractions from the left. Jesus wasn't a liberal either. Christians should be sharing the Good News of salvation rather than promoting sanctuary for illegal immigrants or leading the fight against global warming. Christians should be serving and loving rather leading the fight for the "homosexual agenda." They should be taking a stand for faith in Jesus Christ instead of promoting multiculturalism. 

The Christian author, C. S. Lewis said: "He who converts his neighbor has performed the most practical Christian-political act of all." Billy Graham agreed: "Evangelism is when the Gospel, which is good news, is preached or presented to all people. If I took sides in all these different divisive areas, I would cut off a great part of the people who I really want to reach. So I've felt that the Lord would have me just present the Gospel and stay out of politics." 

The Great Commission, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, has been central to Christian outreach. Jesus said to his disciples: "…Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus wasn't talking about making nations "Christian;" Jesus was challenging believers to make disciples in every nation! Jesus didn't come to overthrow or change Rome. As he told the Roman Governor Pontius Pilot, "My kingdom is not of this world." He came to live and die on the cross so that he might bring believers into a relationship with God that would change their lives. That changes a nation one life at a time. Jesus would want nothing to do with a Christian version of Sharia Law to impose on nonbelievers.

Political obsessions can keep Christians arguing instead of witnessing to their unity in Christ. Recently, Focus on the Family President James Dobson wrote in a New York Times op-ed that he and 50 other pro-family leaders had unanimously voted on a resolution that read: "If neither of the two major political parties nominates an individual who pledges himself or herself to the sanctity of human life, we will join others in voting for a minor-party candidate."

Perfect candidates don't exist; neither do perfect churches! How would our churches and Christian leaders stand up if we scrutinized them the way we do candidates? Do we warmly welcome and serve all people? Do we sling mud at those who oppose us or our views? Are we known as an anti- or pro- (you add the issue) church or a church of Christ? Ken Satterfield wrote on a Baptist site, "My fear is to one day find myself before the throne of God, having fought for and against political issues, and have Him ask, 'But, what did you do for Me?'"

A new Fox News Poll found that Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to have prayed for the President: That isn't surprising, but what is gratifying is that 37 percent of Democrats include the president in their prayers even when only 11% approved of his performance. Anyone can pray for people you support; the true Christian challenge is to pray for one's "enemies."

Christians need not be concerned about the judgment of liberals or conservatives. It's God's judgment that counts. Let our faith inform our political choices, but we should do so with a little more humility and realize that heaven isn't a red or blue state!

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PoliticalTalk Blog. Contact him at www.politicalassessment.com or at terry@terrypaulson.com. This first appeared in Ventura County Star, October 29, 2007, B6.