Jesus Politics...It's Not What You Think!

So, this past Tuesday was Election Day, and it got me thinking about the church and politics.  Now, I know several people who believe that the church and politics should stay separate entities.  These people commonly use the phrase, “after all, Jesus wasn’t a politician.”  However, there are also several people who think that the church’s “morals” and beliefs should guide any politician’s agenda.  So, which one should the church follow?  Should the church stay out of politics or guide political agendas?

Well, before I answer these questions, I want to make one thing clear.  Following Jesus is a political statement!  To be a follower of Jesus is to live a certain way and act a certain way towards others.  This is why we consider Christianity to be a lifestyle.  But, by claiming Jesus as Lord, you are also saying that Jesus is the one you’re loyal to and who you are willing to follow.  Jesus is your ruler!  When claiming to be a follower of Jesus, you are claiming that, above all else, you will follow Jesus and not any other government.

Now, I realize that my last sentence is a loaded one.  I also realize that people could misinterpret that statement to mean that Christianity trumps government, which could open up a whole can of nasty worms.  For example, it is this kind of thinking that has caused the whole Kim Davis controversy.  It is this kind of thinking that has caused some politicians to try and use Christianity as a means to oppress others.  They state that they are “following Jesus,” but, really, they are just oppressing others and casting fear to gain power.

To be a true political follower of Jesus is to act exactly like Jesus acted when he roamed the earth.  To be a true political follower of Jesus is to sit and eat with those society has cast aside—prison inmates, the poor, the mentally ill, the LGTBQ community, black people, the woman who had an abortion, people who have gone through divorce, and all those who are oppressed or stripped of power.  It is to love every single person (including our enemies!).  The be a political follower of Jesus is to speak out against oppressive systems that take advantage of other people; to work for peace instead of violence; to value all life above everything else. 

There are conservative politicians out there that talk about making America a Christian nation once again, founded on Christian morals.  Firstly, America was never a Christian nation.  Yes, it was founded by Christian puritans who felt the Church of England had become too Catholic; but, it was made clear in the development of our constitution that our forefathers wanted a land where anyone was free to practice their religion without consequences or punishment.  Secondly, when these politicians talk about Christian morals, they aren’t actually talking about following Jesus.  If they were, then they would have political platforms that dealt more with destroying financial systems that make the rich richer and everyone else poorer; they would be for finding alternatives to mass incarceration; they would be for equal rights for LGTBQ families; they would fight of systems of racism; and they would do everything to promote life for all of creation. 

 Most conservative politicians out there who claim to be Christian and that their faith guides their political agenda are actually using Christianity in a wrongful and hurtful way.  They aren’t living by true Christian politics, but by their own agendas and then using them under the guise of Christianity in order to gain votes and power.  I believe, back in Jesus’ time, he referred to these people as “vipers.” 

 So, as you continue to decide on which candidates to vote for in 2016, just remember, unless candidates are trying to fight systems of oppression; doing what they can to help the poor; supporting the rights of all people; working for peace; and promoting life for all of creation (including all of the earth!); they are not being followers of Jesus, and therefore are not truly using Christianity to guide their political agendas.

*THIS MESSAGE WAS BROUGHT YOU BY THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS POLITICAL CAMPAIGN!*

See you in the conversation,

Pastor Zach