If I had more time, I'd probably devote a whole post to pacifism and the common practice of Christian politics, but I don't so I won't... (kind of)
I will say, though, that Christians have always had a difficult time figuring who it was they could murder and who deserved to live. If you believe that local law enforcement is okay, then going to war is okay because both involve murder. Buh? War is okay, as long as its just, so let's talk about what makes war just. Buh? I can understand that line of reasoning, except in my experience, most Christians are not educated in those academic arguments and prefer instead to pull a Toucan Sam (follow their nose, or gut). I also know that some of the most significant changes in recent history have come through non-violent resistance, and I think a lot of Christians are probably not as educated as they should be about that. Dr. King, Ghandi, Desmond Tutu - these are men we should all know more about. All this to say, we would do well to think more critically about the role of peace in God's Kingdom.
I started out by stating my idealistic practice of non-participation in politics. I have been challenged by the clarifying questions of a few, and probably ignored by others. This has been a good process for me, at the least, to be able to articulate my streams of thought and then to find out where they lead. I've gone through two major case studies for significant issues that Christians often associate with the importance of voting. So, following these streams of thought, where are we now?
To be honest, I'm not really sure. It's not like I am going to declare myself and my position a success. I wouldn't say it's been a failure either. I haven't reached a point where I feel like my stance is indefensible. And, I find I'm not alone although in the minority - which is fine.
So, here is the heart of my thoughts on this matter:
I am tired of Christians who feel so strongly about politics that hatred, discord, and acceptable ignorance have entered their hearts and public discourse with regularity. This should not be. No Christian should hate another person just because they think differently about a very complex, sometimes purely secular issue.
I spoke with a Christian yesterday who wants to move to Canada because "they've already figured out this whole socialism thing." You know what, that's ignorant. Obama is not "half a step from Communism," as this Christian told me. Why do people feel good about ignorance? If we discredit people who think differently from us, is it really security? What control do we really maintain if caricature the "other side" without listening to what their saying?
As an aside, because those comments made me mad, read your Bible people. Read your Old Testament. Read about the Year of Jubilee. And then shudder because your God is more socialist than you. And when you start to say, "But that was the Old Testament...," go read the New Testament. If you are a part of my movement, go read our "capstone chapter" (Acts 2) and then shudder because you realize that the church you are trying to replicate was more socialist than you.
And even then, I have this feeling like maybe Obama is not a communist. Probably not a socialist, either. All that to say, accepted ignorance is not okay. Either Christians should educate themselves, or be quiet. It's not okay to think un-critically about anything.
I am also tired of Christians who think that God wants them to change the world through politics. I don't believe that He does. I believe that God wants to change the world through His church. Here's something we can all agree on: not all politicians have the Spirit of God. So why would we argue that politics has fundamental role to play in carrying out God's agenda in the world? That doesn't make sense. I have witnessed many Christian Republicans who are scared about the next four years in America. Why? Because we have democratic legislative and executive branches in our government? Like, there's nothing for these Christians to do for the next four years? That's crazy! I believe the earlier case studies have shown that there is so much Christians can do in regards to abortion, regardless of what a democratic government legistlates, and the same is true for homosexual marriages. Our task as Christians on this earth has not been put on hold until 2012.
If then, a person can accept that regardless of politics, the Christian duty to be bearers of the Kingdom of God remains the same, of what importance is voting? I refuse to believe that God's agenda has been thwarted by the election of Barack Obama. Sadly, there are those in our churches that would disagree with that statement. None of them read my blog. So for the rest of us, can we all agree that we may need to rethink the importance of the vote? Please?
In case this is not clear enough, let me try again.
God gave the world His church, He did not give the world America.
God expects change to occur in the world as a result of the work of His church, not as a result of the voting majority in a specific country on His planet.
I'm afraid that too many Christians forget this. I'm afraid that more Christians intellectually promote these ideas, but practically ignore them.
So why vote? I say, only vote if you are committed to the idea that your purpose and goal in life as a Christian will not change regardless of who wins what election or regardless of what everbill gets passed. If you are voting as if the Kingdom depends on it, don't vote. Well, can voting be a branch of your faith? Sure it can. Absolutely. I'd even be comfortable with saying it's an extension of your faith. Maybe even an expression. But it is not THE expression or THE extension or THE stump from which all other things branch. Please don't let it be that. There are, quite simply, too many other agendas involved in the political process for me to endorse it as a primary way for God's change to take place. As a secondary way? Sure. But may we never say that God's people need American politics to change the world. We don't.
And with my last gasping breaths, let me say this (on a personal level): this experience has been very, very good for me. I have really appreciated the insights and clarifying questions and challenges I received from several close friends. I also appreciated the support of a certain Rogue. My convictions on these matters have not changed, nor do I anticipate that they will. I have decided, however, that my practice can change. I cannot defend the idea that voting itself is wrong. I can only defend that the motivations which drive Christians to vote are often/sometimes wrong. Which is why I will be reading more intentionally about why my favorite non-participator (David Lipscomb) and others chose not to participate in human governments of any kind. And, why upon finishing my research, I think it is likely that I'll be rocking it along with everyone else in 2012. But, if I do, I can guarantee it won't be in support of Sarah Palin. Ha!
(and with that final gasp of laughter, Mr. Faris finally shut up)
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