Political Discourse: Introduction

Politics are becoming increasingly divisive within the United States. Politically differences are one the biggest reasons over ended friendships. Sadly, this division has drifted into sanctuaries and church congregations. The name calling and tribalism that occurs within the political arena has been disgustingly adopted among some Christians.

One of the most difficult questions that I am working on trying to answer is what a Christian's role should be in government. I am still unsure of how Christians should approach political involvement. From what I can see by reviewing scripture is that God's followers have spanned the political spectrum. Even Jesus's disciples represented diverse views. This leads me to think that there is no "Christian" political viewpoint. Yet I do think that all Christians should pray about how they vote, if they should vote, and how God wants to use politics to further His kingdom. I do believe that your political views can give you the opportunity to be a Christian witness to those who share those views. Therefore, I believe that God will Christians from all political walks to further the eternal kingdom.

I do believe that Christians have the opportunity to show friendship and unity can span a political divide. This means refusing to believe political stereotypes which are used to dehumanize individuals with an opposing views or to create a straw man argument. It also mean being honest about the stances different parties take as well as being kind when someone is struggling with determining how to vote when every candidate running means the voter will have to compromise on something.

This is the beginning a series of writing pieces that will address false accusations that I hear in Christian circles about different political views. The purpose of this is to encourage more honest discussion. I believe Christians from all political views can worship together and find unity in Christ and can be civil in disagreements on economic policies. I will try to remain politically neutral in my writing. I am registered with a political party, but it is not one of the primary parties, so I am writing as an outsider. I will alternate between accusations from the Christian political left and the Christian political right. I am writing with the assumption that my audience is comprised of Christians. This allows me to assume a shared morality and devotion to truth as well as a desire to live a Christ-like life. I have had the privilege of attending both primarily politically liberal churches as well as politically conservative churches, I will be bringing in my experience of both.

Christian Culture Shock

Since my graduation from Bethel College until now, I have lived in an increasingly secular environment. During that time I obtained two degrees at a secular university in the United States. I then went on to live in the post-Christian United Kingdom. As a physicist, the majority of colleagues have long rejected the existence of God or the hope of Salvation. I have learned to adapt to the culture. To relish the thoughts and friendships of those I work with and to navigate differences with love. I am very honest about who I am, including my flaws, struggles and shortcoming. Those who choose to live without God have met too many of His followers that hide their struggles. I also had to discern the fine line between living in the world and being not of the world.

Now I am back in Christian in little town in the Bible Belt. Everyone I meet is guarded. I can feel weight of secrets and the fear of judgement. I am no longer accustomed to this way of life and I no longer find it palatable. I do harsh on those who live around me. It is merely a survival method in a community for which there is little privacy. The cost of discovery would be too great. I too, am receding into myself. I am struggling to remember the the "rules" within Christian subculture. What clothes can wear? What words am I allowed to use? What songs can I listen to? What hobbies do I hide?

It does not have to be this way. We can hold each other accountable, but it has to be done in love and truth. It has to be done in relationship. I am coward and I do not think I encourage these changes without putting my comfort in jeopardy. Everything still feels so foreign.