Tuesday
Jul292003
Political involvement
Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 8:23AM
From the National Post:
On Thursday, the Vatican will release new instructions for Catholic politicians to oppose same-sex marriage, which has already been adopted in Belgium and the Netherlands... The document builds on the Pope's approved guidelines for politicians, issued last January, calling on them to oppose abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage.Interesting development. Seems to me that we (I) need a better understanding of appropriate political involvement for Christ-followers. We don't live in a Christian country, and it's not always appropriate to impose Christian beliefs on everyone. But is it ever appropriate? If not with this issue, what about with war? Euthanasia? What if I was a Christ-follower in Nazi Germany? I have more questions than answers.
Reader Comments (5)
They're good questions, though. I know 2 things: 1) I need to live my life according to what I understand God wants of me. 2) I can't force people to choose God.
We don't have to impose our Christian beliefs and its not about what the pope has to say on the issues, its what does God's Word have to say. Isn't that what its all about? Its so clear. I believe its not about imposing our views but it sure is a great time for Christians to be bold in proclaiming God's truths. Where's the boldness in the Christian community in standing up for God's truth? Where's the leadership? Do we just wring our hands of it all and say "Well, you know, its not a Christian country, what can we do?" I don't think so.
God's Word governs our lives as his followers, and we're to be salt and light in the world. But that's different from expecting God's Word to be accepted in a pagan world. Where in the NT did Paul or Jesus show a political agenda? Where did we get the idea that states should be Christian? From Constantine, I would think, but not from Christ. I don't have the answers, but I think it's probably a bit more complicated than expecting people with no Christian commitment to follow God's truth.
Jesus and Paul didn't show a political agenda but, they sure pointed people to the Truth didn't they? And as salt and light isn't that what we should be doing? That's the challenge isn't it? And to do so with grace, just like Jesus did. He's the only hope for this world. And we need to tell the world of this hope. We need to shout it out loud (so to speak). If we are so convinced and convicted of it, the Truth that is, that should flow from us naturally should it not? Worship Christ, walk with Christ, work for Christ.
Isn't the point a relationship with God through Christ, rather than living as moral unbelievers?