Christianity After the Election

            The votes have been counted and the political landscape for our nation, state, and county have been laid out for at least the next two years. After what has likely been the most expensive and divisive election cycle in American history, a large question remains for American Christians: “Now what?”

            An informal analysis of Christians with whom I have personal contact reveals something very telling. As Christians, we are equally as divided over the outcome of the latest election as is our whole nation. This demands prayerful attention.

            Jesus said in Matthew 12:25 that when a nation divides against itself it is doomed to fail. Abraham Lincoln wisely and prophetically referenced these words of Christ before he ever ran for president. Tragically, the very issue he had in mind at the time would become the catalyst for the United State’s eventual bitter war under his presidency.

            Today we are truly a nation divided. The victory of President Obama was enough for him to remain in the Oval Office, but likely not enough for him to be able to garner the unquestioned support of the nation. In addition, a Republican-controlled House and Democrat-controlled Senate mean that the next few years could prove to be bitterly divisive on Capitol Hill. The fact is, after a bitter and expensive election cycle, the only thing we have changed is that we know who won and who lost. Tragically, we are still bitterly divided and we face large decisions amid this division. If ever there was a time for national prayer, it is now. There are some key things that Christians can, and must, do.

            First, we need to put an end to the divisive posturing. We may disagree on matters of policy, biblical interpretation, and the role of government. Thankfully, we live in a nation where such diversity of opinion is not only permitted, it is encouraged! Yet, we fail to serve Christ when derogatory terms are used to degrade the humanity of people with whom we disagree. Likewise, to pray for—or promote—the failure of governmental leaders is unhealthy for us all.

            Second, we need to put an end to the hatred. Hate is not a Biblical virtue. It is generally borne out of the insecurity of fear and distrust. Clearly, the latest election cycle has generated a tremendous level of fear, hatred, and distrust. It will take a lot of prayer to overcome these bitterly engrained emotions. If we are honest—and I think this is a time for us to be really honest with ourselves—most Americans are extremely distrustful and fearful of what the “other party” is going to do to our beloved nation. It is time that we all started talking with each other, rather than talking down to, and insulting each other.

            Third, Christians share in our humanity regardless of political affiliation and it is time to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in the faith. There is no reason for supporters of Obama to gloat in the midst of his win and there is no need for supporters of Romney to anticipate the end of the world as we know it. Neither response represents the faith of Christianity.

            Finally, we Christians need to seriously work together for the good of Jesus Christ. We may disagree on particular matters of theology, politics, or biblical interpretation. We may not always agree with one another’s expression of Christian faith and that is ok. It is still a nation where freedom of religion is vital. Pray for our nation and our elected leaders. Pray for our leaders to be guided in God’s Spirit and for our nation to be healed in God’s love. Pray that we can once again truly be one nation under God rather than one red and one blue nation.

Christian! Make Your Voice Heard in this Election!

It is time for Christians to REALLY get involved in the political process. We have moral, ethical, spiritual, and religious obligations that must be honored if our Christian integrity is to be upheld. The challenge is that, right now, Christianity does not have a voice in the election!

Christianity is not served when Christians demonize and ridicule other Christians for differences of beliefs. Who are we to authentically judge the genuine nature of Mitt Romney or Barack Obama when it comes to their personal relationship with God? That is for Jesus to sort out. As Christians, it is our obligation to pray for ALL leaders. Not necessarily that their outcome in the election fits our personal agendas, but that they may be guided by God’s wisdom and filled with God’s Holy Spirit. Christians! It is time to seriously pray for everyone in the election process.

Christianity believes in the truth; not propagandized lies, half-truths, and emotionalized distortions of reality. Those techniques are great at pushing up ratings, firing up large crowds, and garnering lots of attention on Twitter or Facebook. But when it comes to honoring Christ, they do only harm. Christians! It is time that we demanded truth in political claims and use our prayerful voice to say NO to the political propaganda.

Christianity places ultimate trust and hope in God. It is idolatrous to presume a political party, a politician, a program, or platform has the power to save us. Yet, given much of the spiritual and emotional energy expended in the political process it is evident that many believe salvation hinges on how Americans will cast votes come November. For many, it seems as if partisan politics is truly their religion. If that’s their chosen faith, so be it. But please do not confuse that with Christianity. Christians! It is time that we proclaim our faith in God who is above all political posturing and partisan allegiance.

Christianity is a large part of both major political parties. There are devout Christians whose belief systems range from liberal democrat to conservative republican. Likewise, both parties have activists and leaders who are not Christian. In some cases, they are even opposed to and outright hostile to Christianity. That is part of living in a nation that cherishes a Constitutional Separation of Church and State. Christians! It is time we embrace and affirm our brothers and sisters who are faithful to God even though they claim membership in the other political party.

Christianity is a religion of loving service, not power and control. Jesus Christ never commanded his followers to found a nation in his name and require everyone to follow his ways. The choice to follow Jesus is just that, a choice. Some will make it and some will not. Yet, when Christians try and use the political process to enforce our beliefs on everyone or to make others accountable to a faith covenant that is inconsistent with their personal beliefs, Jesus is not served. Christians! It is time we truly bowed in humble service rather than profess some arbitrary “right” to control how others think, believe, and live.

Christians! Our voice is needed in the politics of our modern society.  Compassionate wisdom, loving service, and prayerful action are largely absent from the discourse of the day. This is where the Christian presence is needed. Learn the truth, pray for guidance, love one another as Christ first loved us, place God first, and—by all means—VOTE! 

Why I Support the GLBT Community

Why I Support the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community!

Frequently I am asked why, as a Christian pastor and person of faith why I can be so open and public in my support of so-called “gay rights.”

The simple answer is that it is the right thing to do!

I can argue scripture to fully support my beliefs and those who disagree with my opinion will use scripture as well.

I can appeal to church tradition and history to demonstrate the importance of affirming gender equality and justice and those who understand the tradition differently will counter with their own historical justifications.

I can argue from my personal experience of having worked in Christian ministry for and with many people directly impacted by gender issues. Yet, for those whose experience of Christianity and gender issues is fundamentally different from mine, there will be few grounds for common understanding.

Supporting gay rights, defending the right of same sex couples to be legally married, empowering and supporting those who have endured hatred and scorn because of their gender identity,  and acting to end discriminatory practices that inhibit full gender equality in society are ways that I faithfully live out my Christian faith.  It is simply the right thing to do.

Other churches will disagree with me. Other Christians will not understand my beliefs. Other pastors will preach and teach theologies that absolutely refute my beliefs. I recognize and respect that there is not universal agreement on this highly volatile topic. We may simply have to agree to disagree.

Yet one vital reality remains unstated that I believe we must say out loud. Biblical interpretations, church teachings, and legislative actions regarding gender issues are important, but they must never become the focus of idolatrous worship. God is bigger than any political, religious, or social agenda. Let us serve the One God even when we disagree over matters regarding sexuality and forget the sinful practice of letting beliefs about sexuality define our legitimacy as Christians. There is vital ministry to be done so let’s get back to work!