Politics in the Church

My pastor wrote a letter to our church asking our feedback on a letter he sent us fromRich Nathan, pastor at Vineyard, Colombus. I thought I'd share my response with you. Thanks for your kind comments Jim.

Jim, As you know, I'm in an interesting position as a preacher's kid and in my recent job at a Christian political organization. The Republican revolution in the eighties and the rise of the religious right shaped me dramatically growing up. Personally I came to the realization that conservative, moderate and liberal are not overarching because one may be fiscally conservative but morally liberal. On the other hand, one may be morally conservative, but politically liberal. Ergo, it was apparent that there is a discrepancy. I was refreshed whe I read "God's Politics". In fact, the author makes several points Rich makes in his commentary. I felt strangely like a traitor, but at the same time liberated. It is amazing that Jerry Fallwell and Desmond Tutu, and even Jesse Jackson claim to serve the same God. I've learned to appreciate the Billy Graham model of focusing on the gospel and recognizing the troubling waves under the political issues. I'm disgusted how Christians have been manipulated -- even from the pulpits -- by the rising "religious right", who have these Faustian deals in which they promote a "pro-family" agenda while ignoring abhorrent behavior. It is sad when we become partners in the system. The author of "God's Politics" put it best when he described the church's role as prophetic: someone who can be for protection of life and humane treatment of the less fortunate. Like Rich said, our gospel is a political one. Our allegiance is foremost to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Mike

Interesting links:

Vineyard church Columbus

Sojourners Magazine : more on the book "God's Politics"

Christianity Today article on Billy Graham and desegregation

Christianity Today article on Billy Graham and evangelism