What do Republicans, Democrats, and those who disdain politics have to do with Proverbs, the Prophets, and Paul?
In the United States Christians believe that their political views are congruent with their faith. It is not uncommon for a Democrat be puzzled as to how a Christian could be a Republican. And likewise many passionate Republicans just don't see how a true believer could vote Democrat. And then there are those who don't see how a Christian with integrity could associate themselves with either party. How can this be if we are all Christians? Shouldn't our common faith determine that we have common politics?
Republicans believe that the government's role is to provide a structure so that each individual has the ability to create a productive, happy life. It is not the role of the government to save people from their own mistakes or foolishness. Individual responsibility and accountability are cherished. Poverty is a part of life and impossible for government to remove. When Republicans see generational poverty, they believe that individual irresponsibility is being taught father to son. The answer is for the individual to take responsibility for her or his own life.
Democrats believe that society needs to take care of the weak and vulnerable. It is a high priority of the government to provide solutions to long-term poverty. When Democrats see generational poverty, they believe that injustice is keeping the people poor. The rich and powerful are oppressing the weak. The answer is for the government to step in and restore the society to one of fairness. Then the poor will be able to improve their lives.
Others who we can call "separatists" don't get involved in politics because they don't see either party bringing God's rule to this country. They believe that current society is so amoral and unjust that Christians need to separate themselves from it. In this view government is always corrupt. Christians need to depend on each other and stay away from the evil influences of our American society.
I am interested in how you think each position is backed by the Bible. Why don't you reply with how you understand your faith informs your politics? It would be fun for us to listen to each other. We'd all learn something! Let's do it in our comments to this post of mine. Then I'll write how I believe each position comes out of Biblical themes.
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So what would Jesus say about Republicans, Democrats and Separatists in America?
First, for Separatists, Jesus might remind them that the world is not a perfect place, never has been and won't be till he comes back to make it so. He didn't wave a magic wand and make everyone perfect. He just asked that we love each other and follow his example. He didn't remove himself from the world, but served as an example as how to live in it with all its faults.(Yeah, it's a pain!) But his admonition was to "be in the world, but not of it". That means to stay plugged in.
To Republicans he might be thinking. "Hmm. These guys are thinking Proverbially. And that's okay up to a point. Common sense and all that, bu-----t, God doesn't necessarily cotton to man's "common sense". Remember 'the first shall be last and the last shall be first' and 'God pays the same wage to the vineyard worker who works all day as he does the guy who came in an hour before quitting time.'"
Jesus was an advocate for the weak and vulnerable. He didn't see the world in terms of "isms" but rather as a world of people and relationships. And those in power have a special duty to protect those who are weak and vulnerable.
I can just imagine Jesus trying to run for office today. "He hung out with that radical John the Baptist! We want to know more about that relationship!" "Where does he get his money for his campaign? He has no visible means of income." "What about all those years between his twelfth year and his thirtieth? What was he doing all that time? What does he have to hide?" "And why does he hang out with taxpayers and prostitutes? Is this where his campaign funds are coming from?""The Jewish people have a right to know!" He'd never make it through the primaries.
And to the Democrats? Jesus might remind them that they have the responsibility to live up to their promises and not give in to Big Money back in Washington. And maybe there's the rub. While our influence as voters culminates on Election Day, Big Money has access to them 24/7/365. Who can compete against that?
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