Still a Christian . . . and Republican
So here’s my take (since you asked…): if an evangelical thoughtfully changes parties because he really thinks that the Republican party does not line up with his beliefs, I disagree, but ok.
Andrew Faris, over at Christians in Context, gives advice for people to be thinkers, not trendy when it comes to politics.
“But it appears to me that going more liberal is thoughtlessly trendy. Thus the constant invocations of phrases like, “Would Jesus have been a Republican?” and the like. Maybe he would’ve, maybe not, but it’s really not that good of a question because of how limited his mission was.
. . . .
It’s edgy and hip to be an evangelical who challenges the Republican party. The fact that Obama is so compelling and McCain is sometimes so senile doesn’t hurt this. So do promises for universal health care and the end of an unpopular war.
But these are exactly the kinds of things that we have to think critically about, rather than just make moves on. Is the Iraq War really that bad? Don’t just say “yes” without giving me some good reasons why, and read some folks who think it isn’t. Is universal health care really that good of an idea? Tell me how it won’t sink the economy and end up backfiring in the process. Should we really give up on fighting abortion? Is Bush really not doing anything about Africa? Is the economy really in a recession, or just in a normal cycle? Is it really the government’s fault that gas is getting so expensive?
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Eric S. Mueller on 13 May 2008 at 7:01 pm #
Good point, Michael. I cringe when I see people cram themselves into narrow issues and narrow parties. Although I’ve always mostly been Republican leaning, I tend to descibe myself as “none of the above” when asked about politics. I try to look at the issues and projections. Believe it or not, I’ve actually seen the Democrats come out right on an issue once or twice
.
Alden on 13 May 2008 at 8:07 pm #
Faris seems to assume that moving to the left is being “trendy” as opposed to thinking issues through (or at least wants us to think this is the case). However, is a departure from the “Radical Right” trendy, or merely a trend for genuine reasons? Idealogical politicos have piggybacked on American Christianity for many years, on both the right and on the left. In reality, conservative Christianity is not the same as the Republican agenda, and neither is liberal Christianity the Democratic agenda (although the politicians would like you to think so).
Perhaps what we’re seeing is merely a “correction;” taking a step back from the conservative trend of the past 20 years. “Trendy” could merely be a matter of perspective (old trends vs new ones). In fact, I have a hunch that both extremes are heavily populated with non-thinkers, who find security in the party line.
The real question should be, “How do you vote ‘Christian’?” Where is the Kingdom agenda in either party?
For the Christian, I see politics as more a matter of stewardship rather than advancing the Kingdom of Heaven. Some choices are obvious (do we change the oil in our car, or run it into the ground?), some are not as obvious (buy American, or buy a Honda?). Christians obviously see stewardship differently, and also see the mission of the Church differently.
I think that’s why democracy seems to work. To clap our hands, we actually strike one part of the body against the other. Perhaps our differing points of view actually serve a higher purpose?
Obviously, I have more questions than answers.
Daniel Eaton on 13 May 2008 at 8:51 pm #
Aren’t “Republican” and “Christian” the same thing? LOL Just kidding! But I do think there is a correlation between a conservative view of the Bible/politics and a liberal view of both. I don’t see many theologically conservative people who are politically liberal. I think it all comes from the same worldview. I think that as our denominations become more liberal and “fundamentalists” are see as more and more extreme, the politics will go hand in hand with that.
D.
Derek on 14 May 2008 at 8:17 am #
I am theologically conservative. One could label me “Reformed,” although I hate labels- I just believe the Bible, why do I need a label?
Politically, I used to be a Republican, but am now a registered Independent. I agree with some things the Democrats are for, and I support some things Republicans are for.
I personally just think that once you align yourself with a political party, you must agree and go along with all or most of what the party pushes. My allegiance is to Christ, and I feel like loyalty to a particular party will compromise my dedication to Christ through Scripture about half of the time.
as far as health care, gas, etc. Those are merely choices of political preference, and not really an issue of “faith”, so to use those as examples of why Christians should or should not be a Republican is kind of off base.
Billy on 14 May 2008 at 10:07 am #
I think it is irresponsible to align yourself with on particular party. Jesus nor the apostles got involved in political sectarianism. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. If all the political Bible thumpers spent as much energy on witnessing of the Gospel of Christ - I wonder how much of these problems we would really have today. Its just a thought.
Bruce on 14 May 2008 at 12:29 pm #
Of course Jesus aligned himself with a political party and got involved in political sectarianism…..he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey! Isn’t that proof right there?
Billy on 14 May 2008 at 3:23 pm #
Bruce, I recant!!! However you might should have used the Authorized Version’s translation of that passage for clarity sake.