What Jesus cares most about are the abortion and gay marriage issues. That is the linchpin upon which the whole election should be decided?!?!
Well, not really! What if we just took some time to listen to what Jesus said? Actually read the Bible for once. Focused on what the Bible emphasizes and what God stresses, and not what the religious pundits assert.
To think that being "Conservative" equals being faithful to Christ is a form of religious/anti-gospel delusion. It's an expression of legalistic moralism in the public sphere.
Remember that a "Christian" Nation is a dangerous thing. Not
only for the world, but for the Church as well. Power corrupts the
gospel because we are called to be the meek. This is why a clear
separation of Church and State is good for both. I think in
the same vein a "Christian" candidate is just as dangerous. This, of
course, is very different than a candidate who happens to be Christian.
(Read my blog for more)
Here are some links to stimulate our theological-political minds:
Tony Campolo calls for a political movement of 'Red-Letter Christians', people who simply take Jesus' words seriously:
"
Believing that Jesus is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, we want to
unite Christians who are concerned about what is happening in America.
We are evangelicals who are troubled by what is happening to poor
people in America; who are disturbed over environmental policies that
are contributing to global warming; who are dismayed over the
increasing arrogance of power shown in our country’s militarism; who
are outraged because government funding is being reduced for school where students,
often from impoverished and dysfunctional homes, are testing poorly;
who are upset with the fact that of the 22 industrialized nations
America is next to last in the proportion of its national budget (less
than two-tenths of 1 percent) that is designated to help the poor of
third-world countries; and who are broken-hearted over discrimination
against women, people of color, and those who suffer because of their
sexual orientation."
(What is a 'Red-Letter Christian'? by Tony Campolo)Also, here is a great article in Christianity Today about how
"Single-issue politics is neither necessary nor wise."Here is a thought provoking speech by Barack Obama on the role of faith in politics:
"Call to Renewal Keynote Address"
Comments (5)
It's kind of sad how being "conservative" somehow equates to being "Christian"... wouldn't Jesus care more about inequality and injustice than homosexuality? Even funnier how the Crusades were some bloody times, not in the 'ha ha' way but in the 'gee, this is pretty sad' way.
Thanks Daniel, for always posting such relevant entries. I agree whole-heartedly with this one, and when I find some time today, I will respond at length.
Also, would it be okay for me to transplant this onto my own blog?
Hope you're well my friend! And we still want you to speak at our church!
I guess since Jesus is Christian, he would vote Republican.
Hmmmmmm. But then again, he was a Jew so he might vote Democrat.
Oh, wait a minute, he was a Messianic Jew, so he would definitely be a Republican. But then again, he seemed pretty radical with all that Kingdom of God talk.... maybe a Libertarian?
hahaha. oh the silliness.
http://www.xanga.com/Polymath/685427868/more-from-the-web--thrift--obama/
http://www.xanga.com/Polymath/690865886/imago---a-chrysalis-of-eternal-disappointment/
Funny, I haven't read your site in like a year, and when I visit again, I realise that I'm behind you, by a year. :)