by Phil Liaboe

Created on: February 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 20, 2007

CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS
Should Faith Determine Political Leanings?

Jesus Christ was not a politician. He did not run for public office, nor did he speak with political leaders of his time. Instead, Christ approached the fire of social justice with a bucket of water he drew and prepared to fight the fire himself. Today, the situation is grim as Christians are looking to political leaders to put out the fire, instead of getting involved themselves.

With all the debates about social justice, Gay marriage, and spiritual versus religious people, it's no wonder that Christians are becoming more and more divided on political leanings. Those on the right advocate and believe in traditional Biblical doctrine, while the left advocate fighting for social justice, especially for the poor and oppressed.

But throughout all the debates, one thing has become certain; Christians are pushing for politicians to take action so they don't have too. Why should Politicians be pushing for tax raises to take care of the poor? Why should Politicians be passing legislation to protect against discrimination? Why would a Christian sit home and expect elected officials to carry out their Christian duties?

Jesus Christ spoke about personal actions to help the poor, the widowed, and the oppressed. Christ never went to the Roman Government and demanded legislation be passed to give money to the poor, or widows, or the oppressed.

Christ was much more personalized. He asked everyone to reach out and take care of the poor and the oppressed themselves, not give money to the Roman Government so they would.

The debates about political leanings amongst Christians have only served to divide a house that needs to stand strong. The right accuses the left of conforming to the world and taking the word out of context. The left accuses the right of being materialistic and taking the word too literally. The bickering is growing, while the problems continue to go unsolved.

So instead of spending the limited amount a person has on this Earth debating what elected officials should be doing, how about Christians take the initiative, and get out there themselves to take care of the poor, the oppressed, the widows, the orphans, and the rest of God's Children. If there is a dream every Christian should share, it's that one day Christians should stop saying "left" or "right" and instead say "what can I do to help?"

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