Politics Part 3
Sep 25, 2008 Uncategorized
Whenever I mention politics at Riv, I get emails that all ask pretty much the same thing.
Why do you/ Riverview not share your political views with the church?
I figured since I get this question so often, I should post my response here.
Let me say at the outset that I believe very strongly in our way of government and that each citizen (and each Christ follower) should vote their conscience. In fact, I have posted about this several times on my blog lately. I read this quote once and loved it:
“Religion should not be the exclusive possession of the Republican or Democratic Party, the right or the left, but must be able to critique and challenge both. And clearly, in this election, Christians will be voting both ways, because of their faith.”
Here are a few reasons I don’t make politics an issue:
1. People are all over the map politically at Riverview and many of them take the position they do because they believe “it is the most Christian position.” One side may see abortion as the main issue, the other may see human rights abuses at Guantanamo as a bigger issue. One may see stewardship of the environment as essential, the other may see freedom and liberty as essential. Each of these positions have faith in Jesus as their basis.
2. Because of this, I don’t believe either candidate has a monopoly on “morality” or on being “Jesus’ party.”
3. It is illegal for me to endorse a candidate as a pastor at Riverview and encourage people to vote for that candidate. We could lose our tax excempt status.
4. Focusing on politics has the potential to divide unneccesarily.
5. Focusing on politics runs to risk of us losing our focus on Jesus.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I’m a major political junkie. But I steer clear of all politics on my blog and in any conversation I have about God.
It’s hard enough presenting “hard truths” to people who are constantly bombarded by a world encouraging lust, greed, etc…
Perhaps some other, more talented or gifted writers, can blend politics and religion. But I can’t do it without sacrificing the focus on God.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
“3. It is illegal for me to endorse a candidate as a pastor at Riverview and encourage people to vote for that candidate. We could lose our tax excempt status.”
I see so many pastors in the news picking one side or the other. I wonder how they do that and keep their tax except status.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I bet after awhile it becomes very annoying refusing to comment.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Ironically, an organization is calling on churches to defy this particular law this Sunday. You can read all about it here.
September 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am
I dunno, for some reason whenever I hear people injecting religion into politics I start feeling the pharisaical vibe.
It seems to me the “religious” issues are used more to divide people then to actually solve anything.
Voting for a particular party doesn’t make you Christian, faith in Jesus does.
I think your position is wise and beneficial to the church, and I for one appreciate your open handedness.
September 28th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I especially appreciate a) point #2 b/c it is so easy to demonize and caricature those we don’t agree with and b) the tone I hear around Riv (set by the leaders) about politics. It just makes things safe…I’ve had so many positive talks that unify (even when there is disagreement) instead of divide.
Yet, if I could nuance point #5; I would argue that being focused on Jesus’ love, justice, mercy, wisdom and so on, might actually spur us towards our civic duty rather than depoliticize us. Also, like other many other things such as our careers, studies, and hobbies, politics must be viewed as means to serve God and not an end in and of itself.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am
This all sounds nice and grandiose, but this is a blog, dude. Either spill the beans or give the real reason: You don’t want Obama-supporters to argue with you.