Soldiers Of Christ
I was reminded of an old song of mine as I was watching the last Republican debates. They spent a great deal of time on religion: who was the most hardcore and truest of the true believers.
Now, I don't care if Mike Huckabee takes every word of the Bible literally--that is his biz. If Romney is an Osmond-loving "Big Love" Mormon, more power to him--but should this play a part in who we decide is the next President?
Unless of course you are the Republican party and you, now more than ever, need the evangelical vote. The problem is, I hope, that the younger generation of Christian evangelicals are, little by little, not as concerned about partisan politics. Or their concerns extend beyond the traditional morality issues to more progressive matters of social justice. They are less of tweeked about, say, homosexual marriage then their elders.
Now admittedly, I am getting this info from a 60 Minutes that I saw a few weeks ago and some recent op-eds. I am wondering what the Christians that have written into this blog have to say about all this.
Side note: a boy came up to me on the street and told me that his mother, who was very religious, had heard this great song that her preacher had played for the congregation. She got a copy for her son, so as to maybe encourage him away from his evil ways. She believed that he could be gay, as he didn't like sports and preferred the cooking shows on cable--a sure sign of Satan. That song happened to be "Soldiers of Christ."
After meeting and talking to the sweet boy, who, by the way, was wearing a Scissor Sisters t-shirt, I believe the song probably didn't work--at least in the way his mom had hoped for.
By the way, this song was written with Robin Eaton
My logic is this:
It is said (in the Scriptures, though I cannot remember where precisely) that Christians are "pilgrims" and "ambassadors" -- we are in this world, but merely passing through. We should not take part in political affairs, but should pray for our leaders regardless.
The American ambassador to Haiti does not vote in Haitian affairs. If we belong to and are citizens of God's Kingdom, why should we vote in America's (or any other country's) affairs? It doesn't make sense to me. Hence, I don't vote and I don't complain.
As to the issues my forefathers were indignant about, the Bible says to love the sinner but hate the sin. I'm not going to fight against someone just because he or she is homosexual. I don't support what they do in their personal lives, but that's okay. I'm not here to judge. I am here to show love to everyone and serve as a witness.
Now I'm not saying that we have to associate with one party over another, and like Kolfinna said, we should pray about what decisions to make, and no matter who wins, pray for them. However, why just stop there? Why not pray also for guideance on who to vote for and make your voice to be heard? Even if you don't feel led to vote, at least be well informed.
He had the congregation singing choruses of it. I wish I had recorded that!
Marc-Anthony
Mark-Anthony--I so remember you. I loved the story.
A question for the few here that read the blog. I have been told that my numbers are not great on Yahoo blog. I guess it is more niche and not as popular than say, "Kanye vs 50 cent. To be featured on the home page they need something that more would be interested. Or else more people coming to the site and commenting.
I am open to suggestions and will try to be a better blogger.
Celine vs Fergie as most annoying?
The "right-wing Christian" stand on "welfare" is based on their belief that it is the individual's responsibility to take care of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, etc., not the government's. They do have a point, up to a point. There are some services which the government *might* be better suited to deliver than any individual or private organization.
In my opinion, a thoughful Christian will keep a close eye on both political parties, not trust either one too much, and be responsible for his or her own faithful keeping of the two great commandments (and not so concerned with how others are doing their part).
Thanks Jill - I love your blog!
As far as the Republicans go, at the same time that they are trying to "Out God" each other, they are also trying to "Out Tough" each other on a number of issues. On immigration, for instance, the candidates are taking a very tough stance and one which I frankly cannot square with my understanding and reading of Jesus (for the record, I'm an atheist). You've already noted the welfare example, but that's as old as Goldwater and Reagan. How about foreign policy, particularly where it concerns Iran? Here's an area where the Republicans are not the only ones rattling sabers. What is the proper Christian approach and, now that they are aware that the President was lying with regards to intelligence (or to be kind, "misinformed") does their approach change and why or why not?
Iraq War? Many of the Democratic candidates voted for it, but wasn't our approach antithetical to the teachings of Jesus?
Should someone's religion enter into a political debate? I'm generally pretty old school and would suggest that it shouldn't. I'm not naive enough to think that people aren't using religion to make certain judgments, however we can find out about their philosophies in other ways (and probably more accurate ways since many people tend to be hypocritical or at least lenient in their practice of their religious beliefs). It can offer some interesting insights. Rather than focus on the particular religious sect, perhaps asking which Jesus the person believes in would offer better insight. For instance, do you believe in the Pope's Jesus? Do you believe in the one portrayed in Last Temptation of Christ? The book or the movie? Or are you more of a Monty Python Jesus supporter? How about the one portrayed by Fred Phelps?
I guess the problem with many of these is that sects range across the spectrum. They are too general. The problem with the Jesus questions above is that while they may be more specific people are too liberal and less literal in following what they say that they believe. And that applies to voters as well as candidates as this election may prove once again.