Is Jesus a Republican?

Have you ever felt guilty for holding a political view that is not widely embraced by the conservative evangelical community? Have you wrestled with a hint of shame when revealing the fact that you are not a member of a certain political party? Do you worry that they may question the state of your relationship with God? Well, let me offer a word of comfort. Scripture is politically neutral. Instead of serving as a political manifesto for any one party, the Bible provides universal principles that transcend the different political affiliations, To limit the Christian faith to one particular political persuasion is to do it a tremendous disservice. Unfortunately, this simple fact seems to be difficult for some to embrace. Let me provide a couple examples. Let's begin with one right out of the Book.

Jesus Refused to Play Politics

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 12, verses 13-17, Jesus was confronted by the religious leaders of the day who attempted to corner him with a complicated political question. They wanted to know if Jesus thought it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. At first, Jesus asks them "Why are you trying to trap me?" In other words, why are you attempting to bait me into a corner by endorsing a particular political persuasion. He knew that if He said "no", then they would have accused him of being anti-government. If he would have said "yes", then they would have accused him of favoring a corrupt government. They were trying to minimize His mission. Jesus did not take the bait. He asked them to bring over a coin, and upon identifying Caesars face on the coinage, according to Mark 12:17; "Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." They were amazed. He knew why He was here and Who He was to represent. Jesus refused to play politics.

Thinking In Political Terms First

I was listening to a Christian radio station while driving my car when a well-known, nationally syndicated political commentator came on with a pseudo-commercial that struck a chord of confusion in me. He spent a good portion of his comments reciting verses from the Bible, warning against the "left-wing" attack on "American values" like marriage and family. Without taking a breath, he then condemned the inaccuracy of "global warming", exhorting the faithful to "reclaim" America by signing a petition opposing recent legislation intended to curb man-made pollutants. Now, please understand, the commentator was not a preacher or religious leader. To be fair, he was a radio personality with a long, successful career in the radio business. Still, I hate to sound cynical, but he represents a very outspoken segment of the Christian community found in parts of this country. They seem to think in political terms first, and then wrap their religious views around their political presupposition.

Christian Responsibility

Is it appropriate for any believer to suggest that promoting environmentally sound practices is somehow abdicating one's "Christian responsibility"? Is Jesus really opposed to curbing possible sources of air pollution? Does the Bible truly promote the principles of free market economy at the expense of ethics and community responsibility? Some will argue that Global Warming is a "hoax", and that science disproves it. Does this matter? Regardless of whether the science surrounding global warming is valid or not; what is non-biblical about promoting cleaner air? Has any of these folk read Genesis chapter 1? As a matter of fact, I challenge any Christian reading this article to present me with a comprehensive Biblical theology that supports polluting the air, or using the excuse of free-market capitalism as justification for abdicating stewardship of the planet and those creatures who abide therein. My only question is why aren't there more Christians using this opportunity to promote the Biblical doctrines of creation and stewardship?

This is an example of where political affiliation seems to lead to blind adherence to viewpoints that may not find support in the Scripture.

Real-Life Example of Putting Politics over Bible

Over the years it has dawned on me just how easy it is to blur the lines between valid positions of faith and political agenda. I recall the emails that I received from some of my Christian friends during the presidential election warning me that Mr. Obama was the "anti-Christ", a "false prophet", an "undercover Muslim", and other choice things. I shrugged some of that stuff off as ignorance and borderline extremism, but I'm beginning to wonder if they represented a dangerous trend. When I pressed my friends for the reasons behind their beliefs, most of the time it came down to the abortion issue, socialism or a "pro-gay" agenda.

I couldn't help but wonder. Is this the sum of the Christian value system? Can we genuinely reduce essential Biblical views down to two or three political issues and consider that a genuine representation the faith? How could they on one hand consider it okay to violate one of Jesus' clear edicts by slandering a man who himself has professed to be a Christian, while on the other hand claim to speak for a faith that seems to resemble their political agenda with each passing day?

The Need for Balance

So I ask you; is the Christian faith really synonymous with the American Tea Party Movement, Republicanism, or the Democratic Party? I would suggest that the answer is a resounding NO! Frankly, I'm not even sure that the average Republican Christian can reconcile their theology with some of the basic tenants of capitalism and individualism that they so fiercely support; or how about the prevalent philosophy of Social Darwinism? And at the same time most believing Democrats cannot Biblically justify their support for abortion, gay marriage, and the privatization of faith. There is enough misunderstanding to go around! The bottom line is that Bible is so much more than a political handbook and it pains me to see it treated as such.

Much of what takes place is simple echo chamber parroting without any real, deep, soul searching and evaluation. It seems that for so many, politics frames religious conviction instead of the opposite. So here I am, wondering how we've arrived at this place. If the Christian faith continues to be hijacked by political agenda and defined in such narrow, shortsighted terms, then does it surprise any that an entire generation will never darken the doorpost of a church? Heaven help us.