This is another post on the subject of politics, as it relates to Believers. I usually detest talking about the subject of politics, and I loathe the subject of politics when that discussion is framed as to which party is more in line with the things of God. Here is why.
God is the full embodiment of holiness and righteousness. We know that He is eternal (Was not created); He is omnipotent (Not confined by any time or space continuum); He is omniscience (All knowing); He is holy (completely set apart and perfect in every way); and He is immutable (He does not change with evolution of the cultures and is consistent in His application of righteousness).
In short, He is not confined by any of the limitations of understanding, intellect, purity, or consistency (although we humans are capable and often succeed at being consistently sinful) that plagues humans. And it is these qualities, among others such as His grace and mercy, which allows us to have an honest and open relationship with Him. A relationship in which He seeks to “prosper us, not harm us”. (Jeremiah 29:11).
Now, politics, political parties, and politicians seek to do what they deem as good for their fellow man. But this intent is subjective and is often subject to every conceivable human frailty. Man’s intent apart from God’s wisdom is what makes that whole "intent" thing discomforting, assuming the politician in question even has a personal relationship with God. But here is where God and the concept of politics completely diverge. God is completely truthful. He is incapable of telling a lie, or even stretching the truth to be malleable to different circumstances. He cannot be bought and one can’t barter with Him to allow wrong to occur in exchange for some benefit. Furthermore, He is not just honest. His character is the full embodiment of TRUTH and INTEGRITY. He “delights in those who are truthful and detests lying lips”. (Proverbs 22). But where is the divergence between the attributes of God, and the dynamics within the political culture.
Firstly, politics, while seeking to do good to some degree, is rooted in misinformation, lies, half-truths, and distortion.Some would say the "the means justifies the end", but others may argue "that the ends are insignificant when considering the costs to attain them". But the chaos, disorder, and lack of honesty that is part of the political process, is accepted (and encouraged) as the cost of doing business in that particular environment. It’s what political junkies call “Spin”. And an entire cottage industry is built on this concept. Political discourse in the public forum is often based on a set of bullet point concepts where one denies any culpability or accountability for a problem, and places all of the blame on an opponent or opposing party… even when the politician or political operative knows this is false or not accurate. In short, it is a lie. This process is used to shape the minds of the electorate, who in turn support a candidate or issue through the campaign financing and voting process.
Another example of where there is a divergence between God and politics is the corruption that occurs due to the fact the political culture is built on the practice of bibery. While there are often cases of politicians accepting actual bribes as in the case of Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham, or as suspected in the case of Democratic Congressman William Jefferson, there are other more subtle forms of bribery. Lobby groups who favor a particular issue donate money to politicians, employ family members of politicians, lend luxury aircraft to politicians, and pay for junkets to exotic places for them. And as seen in the case of Halliburton’s dubious involvement in the Iraq War, and the political involvement in the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac housing institutions, the misconduct spans the political spectrum. It is not confined to one political party, and the followers of the political parties excuse the misconduct of their own party, by pointing to the misdeeds of the other party. It is this poisonous culture within the political system that often leads to two possible results: Either the voters entrench themselves in the poison of the culture (exchanging righteousness for partisan loyalty... even mistaking the two as being the same), or they become disillusioned and wonder where is the God of order and righteousness in our political process?
The truth of the matter is, in our country, both political parties are corrupt and ungodly. They use clever marketing schemes to incite the passions a voter may feel on a particular issue. But, while they may be seeking to feed the poor or uphold marriage between a man a woman, or protect a the rights of a fetus or provide social spending programs to the country, they are lining their pockets with bribe money... I mean political contributions and PAC money. They are either encouraging the growth of the billion dollar taxpayer funded military industrial complex, or they are encouraging the growth of the billion dollar abortion industry. They are completely mishandling and mismanaging the public's money. They are voting one way on legislation for an issue, and misrepresenting their prior statements and stances on on the same issue.They are involved in sexual misconduct, power grabs, awarding friends and family members lucraative government contracts, and actively seeking ways to create disunity among the electorate. And these are some of the more "honest" politicians. While regular citizens are on the verge of killing each other, based on the representations of their particular party's politicians, the very same opposing politicians are smoking cigars and sipping martinis with one another in exclusive DC clubs..
If one is to profess faith and trust in God, then we must be honest about who we are, and we what we encourage (or allow) to happen. Can an outsider look at the conduct of a Believer and the conduct of an unbeliever in the politicaal realm and see a difference in conduct? Or would they see everyone foaming at the mouth, in the midst of all of the chaos? Furthermore, what options does a Christian have in making a difference in our society, yet alone the world? I don't have the answer, but God's perspective on these issues may shed some light.
Until next time,
your brother in Christ
No comments:
Post a Comment