Here are two major issues that make my position difficult. I'm not saying I think have an air-tight position here, but what follows is my current response to these issues. This post represents my public wrestling with some serious issues.
1. People fought and died so that I could have the right to vote or not vote.
2. The notion of civic duty.
In response to number one...
...
Okay, actually, I don't really know. Part of me feels very strongly about recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of those who have fought/fight in defense of our country. What those men and women have done is not something considered lightly or easily ignored. And I'm not ignoring it. At the same time, another part feels quite strongly that violence is never an acceptable solution (more on pacifism and politics later). I don't want to glorify violence, so it's very difficult to know exactly how to react to the sacrifices of previous generations. At the very least, they fought so that American people could have a choice as to how they respond. And, as I noted in the previous post, I am not apathetic. Apathy probably does neglect their sacrifice; I'm not willing to say that my choice not to vote because of my religious convictions does.
As an aside, the idea that I wouldn't be able to state my views if it weren't for those generations that worked and fought to make this happen is interesting. Yes, I suppose so. But if they had worked and fought and failed, and we were living in a country where we didn't enjoy certain "freedoms," wouldn't most people hold a view of governments and politics similar to mine (ie, the church moves regardless of governments and politics)? Yes, those people made it possible for me to hold these convictions publicly, but it's not like I wouldn't hold them otherwise.
In response to the second issue of civic duty, I say this. What exactly is civic duty? I'm going to need a clear definition before being able to respond in full. To work from generalities, though, I do not think that rend unto Caesar means Christians should vote. Let's not load our guns with only half the bullet, go ahead and shoot the whole verse!
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matt. 22:21)
I think you can go a couple of different directions with this one. First, it's not wrong to vote. I'm not saying Christians should not vote. I'm saying I don't vote because of certain convictions that I have. Voting is fine. My wife votes, my family votes, you probably vote. As I said in the previous post, I'm an idealist on this issue. I also like to challenge conventional thinking. So, for one, voting is not wrong.
At the same time, let's think about what Jesus truly intends to say in this passage. Once again, the Pharisees have come out to trap him with a tricky question. It seems that some things never change. The teachers of the Law knew that if they wanted a tricky question, they could pick from one of many in the political realm. I'll save the details for someone else, but Rome and Israel were not real tight in any way except geographically. So this is a question of significant political ramifications. Answer pro-Rome and the Jews will stop listening; answer pro-Jews and the Romans have a potential political revolutionary who they would be very interested in silencing.
So how does his answer get him off the hook. He basically goes pro-everyone. If it belongs to the government, give it to the government. That is follows its laws, pay its taxes, etc. Some would say vote. If it belongs to God, give it to Him.
And this why I don't see voting as a civic duty that must be done. I'm much more interested (and quite frankly, much more scared) of the second part of that classic civic duty Scripture. What should I be giving to God? The answer of course, is everything. Everything I do, everything I say, everything I have... it ALL goes to God.
So, if I were to vote, I guess I'm not really concerned with civic duty. Being a good citizen (see Romans 13) is just a part of being a good Christian (as well as avoiding getting kicked out of Rome again). Being a good citizen doesn't happen for its own sake or for the sake of "civic duty." No, in all things, I have one goal, one purpose, and one duty in this life: to glorify God in everything. (I have written before about the American farce of "certain unalienable rights," but let me just say that I believe that there are probably fewer rights in God's kingdom than there are in America. Right to bear arms? Uh.... Right to the pursuit of happiness? Uh....)
All that to say this, if I were to vote, it wouldn't be because of civic duty. It would only be because I felt that voting would somehow help me carry out my objective of "rendering unto God." And therein lies the real problem.
Up next: Destroying The Christian Platform
*Just a reminder: I'm not posting any comments. Comment wars are probably inevitable with what I am writing, and I don't want support wars of any kind. Ha. No really. If you want a response from me, put your email address in the comment that you post. I will see the comment and respond, but your comment will not appear here (I love talking about this, so please engage me in conversation). If you don't want a response, but just want to speak your mind, don't leave your email address or post something on your blog. Thanks.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Problem with Politics
For the record, I considered doing this inductively.
I don't vote. I'm not lazy about it, though. It's a conscious decision. I had a government teacher in college that used to say, "America is not a democracy; it's an apathocracy!" Nice. But that's not me. I'm not apathetic. I am however an idealist about many things. When it comes to politics - I'm not an idealist. When it comes to my faith, I am.
So, I don't vote. I am not one of those Christian Americans you see covering their yards, their cars, and themselves with presidential paraphernalia. I am, in the homiletical turn of phrase, an American Christian. That is, I'm a Christian who happens to live in America. The America thing is just, well, the America thing.
Already, I can sense some people squirming.
"But America is God's gift to the world! Democracy is a blessing. People have died so that you can have the right to vote!"
It is important to start with these basic presuppositions. God bless America becomes America is God's blessing. Sure, but then again, so is France. Or Canada. Or any country where God's people are not persecuted. No persecution is a blessing, sure. Is America really that much better than any other country? Some people might think, well it's better than China! Is it? One could at least argue, and legitimately so, that persecution has always been good for the church. It's grown the most and the strongest through times of persecution. Maybe China has been better for the church than America? Maybe? Uncomfortable yet? Might America be the new Constantine? Quite simply, America could be a blessing but America can also be a curse. It's most accurate to say that America is America.
Well, what about government. Surely democracy is a blessing? I'd say that it's probably about the same as our nation. Democracy can be, but then, I imagine there are good things about living under a monarchy. I do think it is better than living in a communist country, or in a country ruled by a tyrant, etc. But I'd say anyone who has tried and even just wanted to see something happen through government know the frustrations of democracy. Democracy
can be a blessing, but I'm not willing to say that it is God's government. We'll just leave it at that.
These two major presuppositions are the foundation for much of the politics that I hear supported by those in Christian circles. Quite frankly, I'm not coming to the table with the same presuppositions. America is not God's country and democracy is not God's government.
How do I know this? I know this because there are Christians in China. I know this because there were Christians in Soviet Russia. Christianity has never needed or required the support of any country or any government. Christianity exists in spite of it. It is theologically myopic, not politically, to assume that other countries need democracy. It is theologically myopic to get so caught up in the issues that weigh down our country in such a way that we neglect or forget God's agenda for our own. It lacks a certain global perspective.
So, I don't vote. I don't vote because I don't think that God intended to give His creation a country or a government. I think God intended to give His creation a church. I don't think He cares about politics as much, or at least not in the same way as many of us.
More to come...
I don't vote. I'm not lazy about it, though. It's a conscious decision. I had a government teacher in college that used to say, "America is not a democracy; it's an apathocracy!" Nice. But that's not me. I'm not apathetic. I am however an idealist about many things. When it comes to politics - I'm not an idealist. When it comes to my faith, I am.
So, I don't vote. I am not one of those Christian Americans you see covering their yards, their cars, and themselves with presidential paraphernalia. I am, in the homiletical turn of phrase, an American Christian. That is, I'm a Christian who happens to live in America. The America thing is just, well, the America thing.
Already, I can sense some people squirming.
"But America is God's gift to the world! Democracy is a blessing. People have died so that you can have the right to vote!"
It is important to start with these basic presuppositions. God bless America becomes America is God's blessing. Sure, but then again, so is France. Or Canada. Or any country where God's people are not persecuted. No persecution is a blessing, sure. Is America really that much better than any other country? Some people might think, well it's better than China! Is it? One could at least argue, and legitimately so, that persecution has always been good for the church. It's grown the most and the strongest through times of persecution. Maybe China has been better for the church than America? Maybe? Uncomfortable yet? Might America be the new Constantine? Quite simply, America could be a blessing but America can also be a curse. It's most accurate to say that America is America.
Well, what about government. Surely democracy is a blessing? I'd say that it's probably about the same as our nation. Democracy can be, but then, I imagine there are good things about living under a monarchy. I do think it is better than living in a communist country, or in a country ruled by a tyrant, etc. But I'd say anyone who has tried and even just wanted to see something happen through government know the frustrations of democracy. Democracy
can be a blessing, but I'm not willing to say that it is God's government. We'll just leave it at that.
These two major presuppositions are the foundation for much of the politics that I hear supported by those in Christian circles. Quite frankly, I'm not coming to the table with the same presuppositions. America is not God's country and democracy is not God's government.
How do I know this? I know this because there are Christians in China. I know this because there were Christians in Soviet Russia. Christianity has never needed or required the support of any country or any government. Christianity exists in spite of it. It is theologically myopic, not politically, to assume that other countries need democracy. It is theologically myopic to get so caught up in the issues that weigh down our country in such a way that we neglect or forget God's agenda for our own. It lacks a certain global perspective.
So, I don't vote. I don't vote because I don't think that God intended to give His creation a country or a government. I think God intended to give His creation a church. I don't think He cares about politics as much, or at least not in the same way as many of us.
More to come...
Mr Faris Avoids Washington Like The Plague...
but that doesn't mean that I won't engage in a rousing filibuster as the need arises. In plain English, that means that I am about to start blogging politics. 'Tis the season.... It's a filibuster because I am not going to publish any comments that are left on any political post. This is MY blog. If you have something to say about this, get your own blog and say whatever you want. I'll not be hosting any comment wars - I'm a pacifist, after all. That being said, go ahead and post a comment. I'd love to read what you think and then make fun of it behind your e-back. No seriously, if you have something about which you would like to speak your mind to me, put your email address in the comment and I will correspond with you that way if you feel so inclined to engage in an e-discussion with me. But expect a discussion, because it is highly unlikely that you will convince me to change my mind (so please don't try). Just don't expect to see your comment show up on the blog, because it's not a filibuster if someone else is talking...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
No News
Yesterday, I got a little giggle from something we received in the mail and thought it was worth sharing. Jesse and I both received mailings from Harding in Searcy. Mine was addressed to Mr. Nick Faris, hers to Ms. Jesse Maddox. So, I learned two things yesterday. One, Harding thinks we're living in sin. Two, they hope to see us in Searcy for Homecoming.
In other news, the "I'm a PC" commercial is pretty good. It's also really late, like by about three years. And this is my problem with institutions. By the time they get a response together, even if it is good, it's too late. Give me grassroots, give me a quick response, give me a Mac.
In a related story, I also like the American Express commercial montage. Two good commercials there.
In other news, the "I'm a PC" commercial is pretty good. It's also really late, like by about three years. And this is my problem with institutions. By the time they get a response together, even if it is good, it's too late. Give me grassroots, give me a quick response, give me a Mac.
In a related story, I also like the American Express commercial montage. Two good commercials there.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
The Seven Again
Failing to keep my word to Brother Bob, I have decided to post my seven here, in shame. Said Brother called on Sunday, but didn't leave a message. I'm guessing he didn't feel it was appropriate to let me go with a voicemail. These things are better done in person. Without furth...
1. USC - more proof that you can recruit speed. I think this team is very good, but I also think they lose at least one. I don't think that one will be this week, but something more along the lines of the usual Pac-10 upset. UCLA maybe? Again?
2. Ohio State - more proof of what happens when you don't recruit speed. Okay, seriously. I LOVE this team's depth and maturity. They have a lot of upper classman talent. They would have been my #1 going into Week 2, but then they almost lost to Ohio. They'll gain credibility by hanging tough this week, but not tough enough to get the win when it counts. Again.
3. Florida - I think this team beats Georgia and probably ends up playing for a National Championship. Again.
4. Oklahoma - I saw a good stat the other day about the impact of an offensive line with over 100-something starts in their college career. Look it up. I think it was Ivan Maisel. They're coming out of the Big 12 and losing their BCS bowl. Again.
5. LSU - I think they come out of the west and finish the year looking better than they really are. Again. Les Miles questionable coaching finally catches up to him.
6. East Carolina - These two early wins were huge. They give ECU credibility, which they'll need at the end of the season when they are undefeated. Look for them to be the controversial team that screw up the BCS. Hmmmm, BCS screwed up? Again?
7. Missou - not sure if they're really as good as advertised again, the October game against UT should answer that question. Until then, who else belongs at seven?
1. USC - more proof that you can recruit speed. I think this team is very good, but I also think they lose at least one. I don't think that one will be this week, but something more along the lines of the usual Pac-10 upset. UCLA maybe? Again?
2. Ohio State - more proof of what happens when you don't recruit speed. Okay, seriously. I LOVE this team's depth and maturity. They have a lot of upper classman talent. They would have been my #1 going into Week 2, but then they almost lost to Ohio. They'll gain credibility by hanging tough this week, but not tough enough to get the win when it counts. Again.
3. Florida - I think this team beats Georgia and probably ends up playing for a National Championship. Again.
4. Oklahoma - I saw a good stat the other day about the impact of an offensive line with over 100-something starts in their college career. Look it up. I think it was Ivan Maisel. They're coming out of the Big 12 and losing their BCS bowl. Again.
5. LSU - I think they come out of the west and finish the year looking better than they really are. Again. Les Miles questionable coaching finally catches up to him.
6. East Carolina - These two early wins were huge. They give ECU credibility, which they'll need at the end of the season when they are undefeated. Look for them to be the controversial team that screw up the BCS. Hmmmm, BCS screwed up? Again?
7. Missou - not sure if they're really as good as advertised again, the October game against UT should answer that question. Until then, who else belongs at seven?
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