Liberal Christianity

Lesson 8: Social and Political Activism

Politics and Religion

Is the very heart of our Christian way of life an understanding that Jesus, from the unseen world of spirit, is a commanding presence? Or is Jesus a presence commanding Christians what to think, when to think it and who to support?

A commanding presence is one of influence. Jesus is our commanding presence whose mortal pattern we as Christians consciously seek to model. That is not a pattern of blind obedience to ecclesiastical authority. His most ardent criticisms were directed toward the priestly class. Nor was the pattern one of blind obedience to secular authority. When challenged about it, he spoke wisely, Render unto Caesar that which is Caesars.

Jesus does not live in our spiritual lives as a kind, gentle and loving but forceful and demanding equivalent of a divine Julius Caesar. The Lord does not authorize religious leaders to speak to us for Him. Nor does he reveal to any religious leader more than to us individually His will as to our decisions concerning our religion or politics.

We as a spiritual people must not ignore our own internal promptings if they are based in Christ in our own lives. We do not have some Christian duty to blindly consent when someone in prominence announces that the Almighty has chosen or inspired him to lead American Christians to specific actions that impact communities, a people and a nation.

As Jim Wallis at Sojourners pointed out, Mr. Bush somehow turned the light of Christ - which evangelicals desire fervently to enlighten the world - into the light of America and America's definition of freedom. Are we to then with a jerking of our knees fall in line behind such a messianic declaration?

Exercises:

1. Recently watched the Frontline program about George Bush and his spiritual experience, focus and outlook. I was impressed and found myself thinking, "What’s wrong with having leaders more openly unashamed of their spiritual beliefs?”

a. How should a political leader blend his religious beliefs with his political beliefs?

b. Personal piety does not automatically equate to possession of the highest wisdom. What do you think should comprise all aspects of our social and political wisdom?

c. Can we consciously separate our definitions of Good along the lines of our political, economic and social beliefs and find or ignore its consistency with the teachings of Jesus? Elaborate.

2. If we are to ask, "How would Jesus Vote?” we are to do so with a comprehensive consideration of the values He has given us. We must reconcile our political, economic and social beliefs with how we personally understand Jesus' teachings.

a. How do we incorporate Lazarus and the Rich Man, The Eye of the Needle metaphor, The Widows Mites and other similar Christ concepts in order to make an informed spiritual/political decision regarding how we as a people deal with our poor, our unemployed and our inadequately-insured sick?

b. Should we support a political leader or party based on a single issue such as gay marriage? Why or why not?

c. Do you think a nation is served well when national political leaders worry more about morality than economics? Morality over citizen health? Morality over ethics and ethical government behavior? Elaborate.

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