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The Church and Partisan Politics

Mike and Tony Hall standing in front of the Dome of the Rock

Did you watch President Obama’s State of the Union message last week? The divided aisle and animated reactions from the Congress are painful reminders of American’s very partisan politics. I am not naïve enough to believe that it hasn’t always been this way, but it appears that the majority of our public servants are more concerned with defeating the opposition than finding ways to work together to lead the country forward in a time of global economic crisis, escalation of poverty in the U.S. and the lingering threat of terrorist attack.

Some in the church would seek out places of worship that tend to embrace their personal political persuasion, excluding from “true” fellowship anyone who doesn’t see eye to eye. Too many allow their political ideology to determine their theology rather than a careful study of biblical theology informing their politic. This partisan spirit of disdain and exclusion prevents many outsiders from experiencing the resurrected Christ and drives seekers from the church. Jesus pointed out a critical deficiency in the biblical interpretation of the religious leaders of his day that continues to threaten the church today: “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human tradition” (Mark 7:8). Each of us brings a blend of political ideology, personal prejudice and folk religion together and then mix in some biblical truth to form a personalized system of life doctrines. We must repent of our worldly ways of thinking and seek the mind of Christ. A commitment to follow Jesus is a commitment to a higher politic that places one’s allegiance above party platform.

My good friend Tony Hall (D) served for more than 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and recently served as Ambassador to the U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture. Tony is the only person that I publicly acknowledge voting for as a write-in candidate for President. Tony has stood courageously against his party’s platform on the abortion issue while continuing to be more liberal on public policy for the widow and orphan. I was privileged to get to travel with Tony to the Middle East last year as part of his Middle East peace initiative team. Tony has a way of gathering folks who are both Republicans and Democrats to work together for issues that strike at the heart of biblical justice. Each morning a group of political leaders from both sides of the aisle gathered with us in Tony’s hotel room for prayer and Bible study.

You want to know what I really love about the church? The church is the one place where people from both sides of the aisle come together and partake from The One Loaf. We worship and serve side by side!

God bless…

Note from Ginghamsburg Staff: Pastor Mike’s new book, Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, is now available for purchase at www.amazon.com. Chapter 2: Inclusive vs. Exclusive explores this blog topic in more depth.

Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Feb 04, 2010 11:00AM Add Comment

Bingo on this one, Mike.
At one time or another I have believed in every political party out there (Republican, Democratic, Socialist, Communist, Libertarian, [did I leave any out?]).
They have all failed me.
With the possible exception of the Libertarian party (good ideas, but they are OUT there), it seems as if it's all about money in their pockets and winning the fight.
"You made the deficit."
"No, YOU made the deficit."
"I know you are,but what am I?"
"I'm rubber and you're glue."
It becomes very tiresome, but I continue to vote for the best person (in my opinion) regardless of which side they say they are on.
Gee, what a sad statement that is.
Shouldn't we all be on the same side?

Posted By: Barry Hall on Feb 04, 2010 09:59PM

Mike,

It's refreshing to hear a pastor...or anyone person of influence, for that matter encourage readers to think theologically and critically about politics and social issues. It's so easy to just line up with either side of the divided masses rather than seeking truth and biblical justice. My hat is off to any politician, pastor, and neighbor who makes critical and theological judgments when it comes to their politics.

"my first allegiance is not to a country or a man. my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood. it's to a King and a Kingdom." - King & a Kingdom from Derek Webb's album Mocking Bird

Posted By: Rusty Eshlleman on Feb 09, 2010 02:34PM

I remember seeing the same animated responses when Bush was in office. The Democratic party was formed because there were issues that the Republic simply didn't address or find plausible. They (Democratic Party)came into being shortly after the U.S gained independence from Britain. So, I would say that it has probably always gone on even though both parties looked a lot different back then. There's so much political confusion now. Many of us are probably seeing a greater need for unity especially with the technological advances available to terrorist groups. The persuasion being ethos in nature is more important that ever, but a logos position is very necessary also because the tendency is to make a pathos appeal, and it's too emotional for the situation (hence the animated gestures).

We definitely need unity in the church, and the fact of us thinking we can achieve that in the world without first achieving it in-house is absurd. The world seeks a unity of its own, but the hope is to influence to any degree. I personally experience great fear in my attempts to walk by faith. What is it the experts say,"There is nothing to fear, but fear itself."?

Posted By: Helen Combs on Feb 09, 2010 08:26PM

Hi, I just had to respond to this one, we have to get out of the way and let GOD perform his miracles. I saw a very intelligent and Blessed doctor yesterday at OSU Medical Center and the doctor gave me a devastating blow, I need inspiration and I mostly get that from God, we still need the kindness of our fellow humans. In my opinion we all need that love that He has put in our heart to shine through. Let's all give love, accept love and keep in prayer for our Leaders of the Government. Blessings, Mikki

Posted By: Mikki on Feb 19, 2010 03:23PM

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