Christians and Political Parties
When the city of Detroit, Michigan, made the news a few days ago, it was not good news. The city declared bankruptcy on a very large debt load. While Detroit is not the first city to do this, it is the most well-recognized. Because of the auto industry, there is also a certain American “romance” connected with Detroit.
As the news began to make the rounds, however, I began to see something…again…that really bothered me. Christians began to put articles and comments on Facebook and Twitter about how Detroit is a city that has a long history of Democratic leaders, and that this bankruptcy was no surprise.
Now, there is no disputing that Detroit’s political history is strongly with the Democratic Party, but that isn’t my point. A lot of Christians just seemed to find joy in pointing out that Democrats ran this city, financially, into the ground. Then, as comments snowballed, the conversations seemed to turn to the evils of this party or that party and the amazing good done by the opposite party.
Can I just say, I’m sick of it.
I am not a Republican; nor am I a Democrat.
I am a Christian.
Where did we get the idea that one party was the “Christian” party? When did we decide that, as God’s people, attacking others is the best method of reaching them?
And when did we decide that, if you aren’t part of “this” party, you aren’t really faithful to God?
I enjoy politics. I really do. When it is election season, I am all over the coverage. But I don’t care if a person has a donkey or an elephant by his or her name. I don’t care if they are red or blue (or neither).
I care…
- that they support marriages and families the way God prescribes, and not everyone in either party does that.
- that they will fight for the right of each sweet baby to be born into this world, and neither party has 100% participation there.
- that they will decide that individuals, Churches, non-profits, and groups can solve problems with the help of God, and not that government is the answer to everything. Obviously, a lot of politicians in both parties need help here.
- that they give more than lip service to the reality of God blessing nations.
- that they are concerned with purity in all areas of life, both public and private, and realize that who we are in private does affect how we serve in public.
- that they see themselves as servants of God first and foremost, as we all should see ourselves.
Now, that narrows down the field in each political party, doesn’t it?
I know that, in writing something like this, I am going to raise the ire of a lot of people. Some will suggest that I am calling for some type of anarchy, but that isn’t true. Christians should vote and be involved, so long as the system allows it. Some will suggest that I am really for one party or another. I have voted in the past for members of both parties, for an independent, and I have abstained from one vote when I didn’t feel like I could trust either candidate on the grounds listed above.
Still others will suggest that this post is pointless, because you should never mix religion and politics.
With them I wholeheartedly agree. Religion and politics should never mix. Religion should drive my politics.
QUESTION: What are your thoughts on this matter of Christians and political parties?
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6 Comments
Ben Wiles
Good article. As a historical note, within Churches of Christ the idea that one party is the “Christian” party can be traced to George Benson and the National Education Program at Harding University in the late 1940’s. Benson, who was President of Harding, was in many ways responsible for laying the groundwork that allowed Richard Nixon to turn many of the “red states” red in the 60’s & 70’s.
This idea was pretty much the exact opposite of what many in Churches of Christ believed and taught for most of our history pre-World War II. David Lipscomb petitioned both sides of the Civil War to exempt our young men from the draft as conscientious objectors. A similar petition was made on behalf of Churches of Christ during World War I.
Whether this change was a positive development is a question I’ll leave to other readers.
James Hayes
I have no problem with any comment made about the collapse of Detroit as long as it is respectful and civil. People support their political parties and candidates like they support Wal-Mart over Target, Ford over Chevy, or the Titans over the Colts. I don’t know why it is okay to express support or disapproval for those things and compare and contrast them, but we shouldn’t do the same for political parties or candidates because we’re Christians. This tension is created, I think, because we’ve attached faith to every aspect of politics. While there are some issues that are directly connected to Scripture like abortion, marriage issues, etc., most issues are not remotely faith-based. There is not a Christian way to fill a pothole. The Detroit situation is a prime example. I feel like Detroit collapsed because the Democrat-controlled city spent themselves into oblivion, and if the city had elected Republicans over the last 25 years, the city wouldn’t have gone bankrupt. I feel like I can state that view without having to declare my primary allegiance to Christ. Also, I do not feel that I need to have a diverse voting record in order to show that I am objective. My objectivity led me to a conservative political viewpoint, and I will strongly support the candidates who have that same perspective. I absolutely agree that we shouldn’t demonize those who have a different perspective, but we also shouldn’t judge those who actively and overtly engage in the discussion and attach themselves to a particular party. Good article. Interesting discussion.
Adam Faughn
Ben, Good historical notes to add to the thoughts!
I’m glad that you brought up the change from preWW2 to now. It is a fascinating thing to study and see over the years.
Adam Faughn
James,
Very well said (as you always write well). I will add to the discussion, though, that we cannot assume that one party or the other would not have “spent” a city “into oblivion.” The problem of using debt to run nearly every level of government has run rampant. Personally, I think that is a discussion that needs to be had from a Biblical view, as well. While the Bible does not say debt is a sin, it clearly talks about how unwise it is. It could be that governmental leaders (and those in the general public in our own budgets, too) are showing a lack of respect for God’s wisdom when we overspend, no matter the item on the budget.
Great thoughts, brother!
Adam
Donna Dublin Drake
thanks for writing this . as christians we need to realize God is the answer to Americas problems.
James Hayes
It is true that each party overspends, but since Detroit has been so dominated by Democrats for so long it is easy to show the results of their policies and suggest that Republicans–who consistently call for lower spending and lower taxes–would’ve handled things differently. If Oklahoma suddenly goes into financial collapse, I assure you that Democrats will say, “Look, there are hardly any elected Democrats in the state. The Repubicans ruined it!” If you’re in control of everything, you have to take the heat when things go wrong. Back to the theme of your post…if someone asked me, “Are you a Buckeye?” I’d say yes because I’m an Ohio State fan. I wouldn’t say, “No, I’m a Christian.” My brother was in Omega Nu at Lipscomb. He was in that club without having to denounce his faith. I see it the same way when someone asks if I’m a Republican or Democrat. I say, “Republican.” I’ve never said, “No, I’m a Christian.” I think it’s a both/and situation, not an either/or situation. Of course, everything I endorse politically should represent my faith where faith issues are called into question. The political debates become tedious and, like you, I feel “negativity fatigue” quite often, but even though the discussion is often tiresome, I still feel that I have the right–and sometimes the obligation–to express my political views, even if they are at times negative. I don’t have anything else to say on this matter, and please don’t take this as a point/counterpoint. Just adding a few thoughts.