Christians and Politics part 1
March 2nd 2007 13:42
I suppose that after having referred to Mr Rudd's ruminations I think it perhaps fair that I put down a few things about what I think about christian politics. First things first, I want to point out that I vote for christians with perfectly impeccable sexual backgrounds that believe completely in both the victory and prosperity doctrines and completely support George Bush all the way.
If you believe that then let me tell you about a bridge I have for sale.....
I apologise for my perhaps pretty pathetic attempt at humour. But hopefully by now you would have recognised that not all christians vote the same way. Some of us like to have a good long think.
I have done abit of reading about politics and the terrible things that happen when christians get involved. I'll say now that I don't think it is always a bad thing. Some christians have done great things while in office. But that is a digression. Perhaps this post (again, the first in a series) would be best if I gave a brief summary of what I think about christians in politics.
For the first thing I do not think that there is such a thing as a christian government. Or at least, a correct christian political system. None of them end up working particularly well. I won't bother to list the reasons why they fall apart (most of them are quite obvious) but I, like Chesterton (sorry Dave, I know, I couldn't go a single post without quoting him somehow) believe that the scariest governments ever seen in history were those that resounded with "Thus Saith The Lord." with every law that they produce. I do not simply mean a theocracy based on christianity, but any kind of theocracy. Whether the form be deity be either a deity, or a philosophy made god (nazism, communism) men are crushed when they are deprived of the right to be men and are made simply to be numbers.
For the second thing, while I do agree with christians being statesmen (and women) and being involved in politics, for a large part it is sometimes irritating to see christians dragging christianity into politics. The crux of christian living is the personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and from this comes all other parts of who that person is. But the part here I would like to nail down is that it is personal. Some of the standards that I live by I would not press upon others because they are not me. Not always is such an ideal adhered to. And when christians attempt to press personal standards on others, christianiy raises an ugly face, which happens to hide the face of Christ Himself. A christian truly wishing to be a responsible politician or leader of a nation ought practise the virtues shown by Jesus in the Bible. Justice for all, fair treatment for all and compassion for all. And these are but the basics.
Well, as a first part, this will have to do.
Tell me what you think.....
JZ
If you believe that then let me tell you about a bridge I have for sale.....
I apologise for my perhaps pretty pathetic attempt at humour. But hopefully by now you would have recognised that not all christians vote the same way. Some of us like to have a good long think.
I have done abit of reading about politics and the terrible things that happen when christians get involved. I'll say now that I don't think it is always a bad thing. Some christians have done great things while in office. But that is a digression. Perhaps this post (again, the first in a series) would be best if I gave a brief summary of what I think about christians in politics.
For the first thing I do not think that there is such a thing as a christian government. Or at least, a correct christian political system. None of them end up working particularly well. I won't bother to list the reasons why they fall apart (most of them are quite obvious) but I, like Chesterton (sorry Dave, I know, I couldn't go a single post without quoting him somehow) believe that the scariest governments ever seen in history were those that resounded with "Thus Saith The Lord." with every law that they produce. I do not simply mean a theocracy based on christianity, but any kind of theocracy. Whether the form be deity be either a deity, or a philosophy made god (nazism, communism) men are crushed when they are deprived of the right to be men and are made simply to be numbers.
For the second thing, while I do agree with christians being statesmen (and women) and being involved in politics, for a large part it is sometimes irritating to see christians dragging christianity into politics. The crux of christian living is the personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and from this comes all other parts of who that person is. But the part here I would like to nail down is that it is personal. Some of the standards that I live by I would not press upon others because they are not me. Not always is such an ideal adhered to. And when christians attempt to press personal standards on others, christianiy raises an ugly face, which happens to hide the face of Christ Himself. A christian truly wishing to be a responsible politician or leader of a nation ought practise the virtues shown by Jesus in the Bible. Justice for all, fair treatment for all and compassion for all. And these are but the basics.
Well, as a first part, this will have to do.
Tell me what you think.....
JZ
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Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
In politics religion is both a ball to kick and a baby to kiss as the correct time.
The problem with politics is it sometimes becomes the religion where everything is secondary to its survival.
The question of seperating church and state was never meant as a form of excluding religious reference in public debate.
Put all the religions to gether and you would have the vast majority of the population. Religios people are seen by some pundits as pools of predictable voters that only need to be told what they want to get the vote.
That is why we sometimes get people trying use Christianity as a selling point in the west.
In Sri Lanka Buddhism is the selling point and they have two Buddhist Monks in the parliament.
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Put very well. As I was reading I was reminded of how the Church has been used as a tool of propaganda throughout history...just look at the art that was commissioned by the Church to coerce the illiterate masses into their way of thinking....if you don`t do what we say you will burn for the rest of your days....God is to be feared or else suffer the consequences...the Church basically laid down the law...through fear...
I have never really agreed with the Church being involved in Politics...you would have so many faiths involved if you took each persons beliefs individually that it all becomes too confusing and resentment starts from the average Joe who does not share the same belief system. Stand up for what you believe in and be proud of your religion yes, but bring it into the Political arena? I think it can bring about more bad than good really.
Ash
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
religion is a scary beast when given power, and doubly so when that power is political.
Here is something to consider. The word politics comes from the old word polis, the greek word for city. It is also where we get the words policeman (man of the city), polite (correct behaviour for when you are in a city) and politics, which is how we run a city. Those greeks, pretty smart weren't they?
As for using religion to get votes I think that is cheap marketting and irresponible.
Glad you liked it, maybe next part I will write something to say what I think SHOULD happen.....
JZ
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I think we should bring the fruits of our religions into the political arena. In this case of christianity, this is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
And yes, the church given power is not necessarily a good thing. I have a quote somewhere, which when I chase down I will send to you.
JZ
Comment by hewhocutsdown
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
You got my email dude.
JZ
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Seems I posted and the reply comment was set on NO for some reason I never got it!
Yep I agree with that 100% ....as well as being the 'fruits' of most religions I would like to think that it is also a part of every human being....innate....although it seems that many who walk in the Political arena seem to have forgotten these virtues.
ash