Our political platforms reflect many of the pillars of our Christian faith, because Christians are taught to seek first the kingdom of God.
Yet what boundary have we crossed when a Christian judges the strength of another’s faith because of differing political ideologies?
“How can you claim to be a Christian and a Democrat?” An arrogant tone asked me while I was passing through the library.
Late for a morning class I wore a t-shirt because I didn’t have time to iron the button down blouse I intended to wear. The white tee featured the words “Christian Democrat” and underneath “Taking Jesus at His word.”
Many students on this fairly conservative campus may not agree with some of my more liberal views, but only one had the audacity to insult the relationship I share with my Savior by asking such a question.
That sparked a conversation that made me late for class – well, later.
Maybe she didn’t know the level of my political awareness and that I’ve never voted straight party in any election. Maybe she didn’t realize that not everyone in a party agrees on all pieces of legislation. Or, maybe she just didn’t take the time to realize that her question was an accusation.
While church and state are rightly separated by the Constitution, all too often we find ourselves graying the lines between the two, especially as Christians. Quarrels regarding matters of the state are insignificant to an eternal charge.
Paul dealt with a similar problem when he wrote to the Corinthians, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”
Christians have a higher calling of maturity.
I’m often disheartened to learn of the perception of the Church from those outside the body of Christ. They say we are hypocritical, judgmental and over-political, to name a few. I want to support the notion that we’re merely misunderstood, but that becomes harder to uphold on the opposite end of the spectrum.
I can recall girls in my freshman dorm crying about the outcome of the 2008 election. Others changed their facebook status’ to let the world know they would move to Canada – which operates on a nationalized healthcare system they are so adamantly against. But I most vividly remember when a white hallmate patted my cheek and said “I’ll pray for your people.”
Christians must be mature enough in our faith to comprehend what boundaries must and mustn’t be crossed. Non-believers alike generalize that today’s political climate correlates with corruption. At least we agree on one thing.
In preparing for upcoming presidential primaries and a general election next year, I urge students to be vigilant that their political mission never overshadow the mission of Christ.
Many of the pillars of our faith are reflected in our political platforms, because Christians are taught to seek first the kingdom of God.
Yet what boundary have we crossed when a Christian judges the strength of another’s faith because of differing political ideologies?
“How can you claim to be a Christian and a democrat?” I was asked in an arrogant tone while passing through the library.
Late for an a.m. class I wore a t-shirt because I didn’t have time to iron the button down blouse I intended to wear. The white tee featured the words “Christian Democrat” and underneath “Taking Jesus at His word.”
Many students on this wonderful conservative campus may not agree with some of my more liberal views, but only one had the audacity to insult the relationship I share with my Savior by asking such a question.
That sparked a conversation that made me late for class – well, later.
Maybe she didn’t know the level of my political awareness, and that I’ve never voted straight party in any election. Maybe she didn’t realize that not everyone in a party agrees on all pieces of legislation. Or, maybe she just didn’t take the time to realize that her question was an accusation.
While church and state are rightly separated by the Constitution, all too often we find ourselves graying the lines between the two, especially as Christians. Quarrels regarding matters of the state are insignificant to an eternal charge.
Paul dealt with a similar problem when he wrote to the Corinthians, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”
Christians have a higher calling of maturity.
I’m often disheartened to learn of the perception of the Church from those outside the body of Christ. They say we are hypocritical, judgmental and over political, to name a few. I want to support the notion that we’re merely misunderstood, but that becomes harder to uphold on the opposite end of the spectrum.
I can recall girls in my freshman dorm crying about the outcome of the 2008 election. Others changed their facebook status’ to let the world know they would move to Canada – which operates on a nationalized healthcare system they are so adamantly against. But I most vividly remember when a white hallmate patted my cheek and said “I’ll pray for your people.”
Christians must be mature enough in our faith to comprehend what boundaries must and mustn’t be crossed. Non-believers alike generalize that today’s political climate correlates with corruption. At least we agree on one thing.
In preparing for upcoming presidential primaries and a general election next year, I urge students to be vigilant that their political mission never overshadow the mission of Christ.
May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.
