Christians: Are Some More Zealous About Politics Than Christianity?
As Christians are we more zealous (enthusiastic and diligent devotion) about politics than Christianity?
Novemeber 7th is less than two months away. You see political adds on televsion, radio, internet, and signs in yards. I put a sign in my yard for one a member of our church who is running for office. I didn't think anything about it. Just a little sign. Well, I got one of those letters. Anonymous letters with no return address. It was informing me that having a political yard sign in my yard (a parsonage) was illegal. Signed cercerned church of Christ members. It wasn't from my congregation because the way they addressed the preacher as pastor would definately not be something anyone in the church would call me. The letter was hateful, threatening and nit picky. It was evident that it was someone from the other politcal party. Since it was nit picky in nature I thought to myself I can play this game too so I moved it over into the city right of way. Well I found out I couldn't do that because the city has its own laws. So, we decided to just remove the sign. As a minister I don't want to cause any problems or division in the church. I love God and His Church more than I do politics.
I just like people to be up front and honest if they don't like something then being cowardly about it.
If I had put a sign of the right polotical party in my yard I would never have gotten this letter.
The letter and this nit pickiness has only made my determination to vote straight ticket (which I have never done) that much more solid.
In politics we see Christians saying that a certain political party is the party that is Christian or the party of Jesus. The right party. You have Christians listening to and reading more O'Riley, Rush, Hanity, than they do God and his word. You have Christians guilting other Christians into thinking they have to be a certain politcal affiliation to be Christain and their zealousness of it is sad. In politics they tend to forget who they are are as Christians and the other party has Christians in it. You have republican and democrat Christians. If only those Christians who were zealous about politics were that zealous for the Kingdom of God. If only they were that zealous in service. If only they were that zealous in their weekly giving and church attendance. Imagine what the kindgom of God could accomplish and become on earth, in their own communities.
I know not all Christians are this way. I know that not all Christians are zealous about polotics.
I undertand that you have Christians who aren't zealous about anything.
Why are some Chrisitans more zealous about politics than they are Christianity? Why do Christians seem to guilt, force or badger other Chrisitans to believing that they have to be a certain party polotically to be a Christian? Can you show me in scripture where Jesus was republican? or Democrat? What can be done so that Christians are zealous about Christianity more than thay are politics? Can you seperate the two? Is there a Christian way to approach political views that someone might have? Does the political views you have make you more Christian? Does politics and politcal views, politcal paties views make people feel self-righteous or tend to be more self-righteous than a Christian should be? Why are Christians nit picky about politics and their Christianity? How are Christians persecuted for the political beliefs? Have you? How have you seen Christians being more zealous about politics than Christianity?
Share your thoughts.
posted by preacherman @ 2:34:00 PM
45 Comments:
Right on brother! As far as a sign...I think I'll keep the real one.."Be aglow with the spirit" ! and remember it's only forbidden fruit that causes jams.
Thanks anonymous for your encouraging comments...I appreciate it.
Preacherman,
Great post.
I agree I see Christians been very zealous about their politics but when it comes to Christianity. They give the bare minimum. I think alot of Christians confuse politics with being godly.
I think alot of Christians forget to act like Christians when they talk politics. Christ wants us to treat others with love, respect, and in a godly way no matter the differing thoughts we may have concerning politics. I agree with David that many Christians confuse politics with godliness. I can't show you that Jesus was democrat or republican because Jesus wasn't either. We must remember like you said there are brothers and sisters who are a part of both parties and we must love them despite what we might think about the parties theologies and ideologies. Does it really matter in the end? Is it a salvation issue? Show me in scripture where it is. I do know that as a democrat I am going to love and show Christ to those who strongly oppose my ideas. I do feel like I have been oppressed and looked down on for my political beliefs with those in the church. It is hard to speak out or to express how you feel but I know that I have a God who loves and cares for me. God loves me just as much as my republican brothes and sisters.
David thanks for you comments. I believe it easy for some to confuse politics with godliness.
Anonymous thanks for your comments in reminding us that our behavior and how we treat each other is so important.
I believe that as a Christian I should be a Christian above being a democrat or republican. We are called to be Christians in name and deed. Christianity should be of first importance.
Ouch! You hit me where it hurts!
This election cycle I have restrained myself from being overly political. I do have strongly held views, based not on personalities, but on principals.
I agree with you Preacherman that we must not be over zealous in politics. I do believe however, that apathy is just a dangerous. Somehow we must strike a delicate balance. Moderation is a good word to know and to live by isn't it?
While I agree with the warning about being over zealous, I do believe that Christians should be the best citizens in their community. Voting, and even helping candidates who reflect our morality and worldview, I believe are acceptable.
Of course we should not be involved in rebellion or or any other activity that could cast doubt on who we are as believers.
Preacherman, politically I am very, very conservative and I have to work hard at restraint. Thanks for the post and for making us think.
Grace and Peace,
Royce Ogle
Wow..what a great post. I'm a firm believer that Christanity is not a democracy so why even involve the two.
I think praying for our government and our leaders is the best way that we can approach something such as this. Everyone is going to have an opinion on their views but...who are we to judge anyone based on their political party or their Christianity or even how they involve the two. Honestly, I'd just rather:
Vote for the candidate I believe in and not involve everyone else..
And leave the judging up to God.
He's much bigger than me and I beleive in the good book He says that's His job anyway. :o)
I don't believe a preacher should preach politics from the pulpit, but I don't believe a preacher should have to give up his citizenship and his opinions either,I believe the bible tells us to be both Christian and concerned citizen. and there is no reason to confuse the two.I hope I am a Christian first and all other things come after that, and always with Christ in mind.
Royce,
As always I appreciate your thoughts. I totally agree that apathy is dangerous. We should do our part to be good citizens and vote. Great thoughts and thank you for you comments.
Brenda,
Thank you for your comments. I ways welcome your thoughts and adding to the discussion on my blog. I think you analogy about Christianity not being a democracy is right on target. Alot of times we think that because we live in a democratic society the Kingdom is that way to...No. We serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and it isn't a democracy it is a kingdom which totally different. Thank you for your that insight into what Christians think that Christianity is and that God is the ultimate judge. Brenda thanks and comment anytime.
L.E.
Thank you for you comments as well brother.
You know that they are always welcome and I agree with you completely. As a minister I definately don't preach politics from the pulpit, not even on political issues that divide people. I don't think that the pulpit is the place. I agree with you that I should be a concerned citizen, which I am as you know. I also should have the right like any American to have the freedom of speech and expression. Even if I don't get to put up a sign in the yard I thank God that I have the right to vote for who I wanto to vote for in November. Thank you so much for your comments. They of course as you know are appreciated and welcomed.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Thank you for reminding us that there are godly Christians in both parties. It makes me feel better about the political views that I have.
Preacher, it saddens me that you received a threatening letter like that. The nerve of some people. One thing I've always found interesting about both parties concerning God:
1. Concerning the NAACP Democrats... Why is it not allowed for anyone to share their faith publically unless they're African Americans?
2. Concerning the "We are God's Party" Republicans... If Republicans really are God's Party, what does that say for the African American churches who voted 90% Democrat in the last 5 elections? Is their something wrong with their faith.
Good Post, preacher
The Prophet,
I won't say who you are...I will let it be a surprise for those who want to find out!
Where did you get my college photo? I thought I told the year book staff to get rid of it.
:-)
I apprecaite your comments. Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and others are doing a great job being clergy for the Democratic party but I do believe that other clergy should be more out front in the media and would love to see that in the future. Very well put about to the Rupublicans who think they are God's party...As you mentioned..what does that say about others faith. We have not right to judge others faithfulness based on politics. I enjoy you adding to the discussion.
I had placed this on the "Church" sign and got threatening phone calls, the sign damaged, and a personal visit after Sunday PM services from two people who kept shouting "hate monger" and "thou shalt not judge is one of the 10 Commandments".
What was the evil sign?
MARRIAGE: ONE MAN ONE WOMAN
I'm not sure which cable news show they watched or who they read. I have actually heard those on the LEFT claim they have the corner on RIGHT. Can you believe that liberals could be so narrow-minded? ...just don't know what this world is coming to.
------to the prophet
that is some of that "liberal bigotry" that says only ignorant superstitious people can be Christian/religious. But a HEADS-UP to you for noticing the hypocrisy. It also the same mind-set that thinks 'black' needs 'white' to succeed. It just shows what one side REALLY thinks about the black vote and that bigotry (just like hate-politics) knows no single political party either.
AW
Great post.
I think that politics and Christianity cannot be seperate. You can't go into the voting booth and leave your Christianity outside. We should vote with our conscience and vote what we think in our hearts is moral. I appreciate this kind of forum to discuss these topics. I know that I love my dad who is a democrat and I love my mom who is a republican just like I love my brother and sister's in Christ who don't agree politically than I do.
AW,
Thanks for your comments as always.
I am sorry to here that your "Church" sign has so much negative reaction. The world hates it when Christians stand up and make a statement of what is right.
Churches should be allowed to stand up for what is right.
Thanks for your comments and adding to the discussion. I appreicate it.
Paul G,
Thank you for your comments.
I agree that we shouldn't leave our Christianity outside the voting booth. I am thankful that godly republicans and democrats do just that.
I think anyone should be able to have a sign in their yard. It shouldn't matter if you are a preacher or not. You are an American. Here we are seeing a definate persecution among Christians when it comes to politics.
When talking politics w/religion, I've always reverted to the passage of Christ asking for the coin with Caesar on it.
If Jesus kept himself separate from politics, especially the biggest political topic of his day (Roman occupation of Judea) then those who preach in his name should refrain as well.
Let Christians of good faith use their God-given intellects and scripture to figure things out for themselves.
But for clarification, putting a political sign of your church member in your yard is completely harmless.
actually fellows.... speaking as a conservative i will tell you....you're wrong
under the Patriot Act... some political signs are now illegal....
i hate that as much as everyone else
AW
Preacherman,
I spent 7 years in Iowa and every four years I had a front row seat for politics.
It was there that I decided I was just getting used.
I am glad that there are Christians in both parties can you imagine what they would be like without godly Christians.
"How have you seen Christians being more zealous about politics than Christianity?"
Oh definitely. Sometimes I am in this category.
I guess the question concering politics is "what is the proper role of government?" You have many Republicans focusing on individual morality, and using government to encourage that. Christian Democrats see God's command to feed the poor and hungry, and to use government for that. Then there are those who are very small government, and think God's commands should be left up to the church.
Many people can come from the same faith, yet have different ideas about what exactly gov't is supposed to do.
For me, at the very least, government is supposed to protect innocent life. It doesn't matter what else you think about government, at the very least, government should protect people. I am adamantly pro-life because I believe unborn babies fall into this category. Some do not think the unborn are human. anyway, I don't want this to become an abortion post, I just wanted to stress at the very least, we should have the police, military, courts, etc... so that the weak can be guarded against the strong.
Paul,
Thanks for your comments.
Chance,
As always thanks for your comments.
I understand your point of view.
I don't want this to become a post on abortion either. We must understand that their are differeing views from Christians.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and addding to the discussion.
Preacherman,
I guess I would have to ask...do you have a religious sign in your front yard right now? Have you ever had a "Christian" sign in your yard?
The answer to that question pretty much answers your question.
AW
Yes, I do.
I also have an American flag in my yard.
Preacherman,
I want to thank you for this post and know that it is wonderful that there really is no party of Jesus and no party that is really "Jesus's party". It is a wonderful, fresh reminder that there are Christian men and women in both parties. I know that as a Christian woman I can vote knowing that it doesn't change who I am in Christ.
I have a notion why people are more zealous about politics than religion (or better, Jesus):
It is much easier, neater, and cleaner to subscribe to the way of Democrats or Republicans than it is to subscribe to the way of Jesus Christ.
Political subscription requires periodic voting, occasional arguing for what you think is "right", and a general disgregard for the party that is not yours.
Jesus subscription requires daily voting, constant standing up for what is right, and a total regard for all parties, especially those not like you.
Chris,
Excellent thoughts.
I agree it is harder being a Christian than a Democrat or Republican that maybe why so many are more zealous about politics. I love your comments and feel free to always add to the discussion. I totally agree. Great thoughts about voting daily, standing up for what is right, and totally regard for all parties espcailly those you don't like. AMEN!
Stacie,
Thank you for stopping by my blog and adding your thoughts. I appreciate it.
I am a democrat christian who love the Lord with all my heart, soul, strength and mind and I love my republican neighbors as myself.
Preacherman,
Well then...there you have it.
I have crab grass in mine.
AW
AW,
You are so lucky, I have to have something in my yard and or the American flag to keep the attention off the grass. I do have coverage in my yard. :-)
I beleive a lot of Christians listen more to Bill O'Riley, Rush, Hanity than they do God. Some even confuse the two alot of times and think that O'Riley, Rush and Hanity, Fox News are preaching Jesus.
I think it is sad when Christians can't get along because of political views.
I think that some think that the political party that they choose is going to make them more holy or godly.
That is sad.
May we be Christians and remember that politics doesn't make us holy but only Jesus.
I am going to try to be more zealous about my Christianity more now instead of my political views. It is going to take work as Chance said, it is easier talking polotics than really living the Chrisitan life because politics is physical and Christianity is spiritual. Politics you don't have to change or doesn't change you but Christianity calls you to change and to action.
Thanks preacherman for this post.
Yea to the OP, how would zealousness show itself? Maybe through a post that has nothing to do with scripture or Christ or christianity but soley devoted to project his political beliefs as superior and do the very thing he speaks out against.
Politically it comes down to 2 main issues abortion and marriage. Where do the canditates line up and you will see my vote. I never could understand how someone could preach against such acts as abortion and then stand right beside its supporters. How many children die at the altar of worldview and politics?
There are Democrats and Republicans who are pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. There are some Republicans and Democrats who are pro-life and not for gay marriages. Not everyone believe the same. We tend to forget that a lot. Shouldn't we just be "independant" like Jesus?
Whatever eases your mind when you cast the vote in the ballot box on abortion.
I think its quite obvious which party stands for pro-choice and which stands for pro-life. Are there individual politicians that cross the political isle on the issue of course and I wouldn't vote for them either. But what policy, what economic, or government policy is so important that we trade the rights of the unborn child just to have it?
The Democtaric party didn't use to support abortion and doesn't have to if people of the party would stand up against it and vote in their primaries against it and withold their contributions against and take a stand for life and tell the canditate I won't sacrifice life for the sake of ideology even if I agree with the other 98% of the positions you hold. Instead so we can get the policies that hit the pocket the best in our view, or shape the world in what we think it should be shaped in we turn a blind eye.
Again when it comes down to it, if there is an R beside the name or a D and they are pro-gay marriage and most especially if they stand for the right of abortion they don't get my vote plain and simple.
if it was such to warant a mill-stone around the neck to offend a small child what exactly would God think of championing the complete destruction of a small child?
Honestly, I probably would have left the sign in my yard, just to prove a point. (just for a few more days though, and then I would have taken it down.)
I believe that Christians should be sold out for the kingdom of God. I also believe that they should stand for what is right and speak out when it is time to. If we sit back and don't do anything or say anything, then, it can be more harm than good. I know that things are going to get worse as time goes on, but that doesn't mean that we don't just sit back and not do anything.
Before we vote or speak, we should pray and stay focused on the leading of the Holy Spirit concerning these issues that we face. Instead of bashing whoever is in office, we should be on our knees praying for them. Remembering that God is in ultimate control of everything.
Thank you for reminding us that we are Christ first.
I think Christians are zealous in Politics because they think that THEIR ways and THEIR beliefs are the one right way (it's what they're taught) .
so to force others to live by THEIR beliefs is natural to them. They've been forced to live by someones beliefs(god's) their whole life.
but that is UnAmerican. The Constitution gives everyone the right to believe in whatever they want. or NOT believe (Atheism).
You can't legislate MORALITY. because what is moral to one may not be to another. And Christians have no moral authority over ANYONE in this country. the problem is, they think they do because of the bible.
religion is a dangerous thing.
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