The Political Blindness of Christianity

A few days ago, I was engaged in a conversation with some Conservative Christians (whom I appreciate and respect mind you), and they were voicing their opinions on health-care, Obama's administration, and the current State of the Union.

The dialogue was amicable, even delightful, as we exchanged perspectives and ideas. I happen to have a more liberal stance than this couple did, but nonetheless we journeyed into the subjects with mutual friendliness.

Although I continue to respect these individuals, the woman said something that struck me. It was something to the effect of; "the reason I appreciate George W. Bush so much more than Obama is not because of his policies or actions, but because he never missed an opportunity to acknowledge God and the Lord's authority over his presidency and this country." This woman was also upset by Obama's impassivity in addressing the National Day of Prayer, and then she went on to site that Muslims prayed together outside of Congress recently.

Stop there. At the time, I thought to myself "Is George W. Bush a good international symbol for the Christian faith?" The obvious answer I arrived at was "no." However, after contemplating this statement in the following few days, I realized it stands for a much larger and more profound sentiment than she intended. Namely, this:

When did it become a necessity or even a comfort to have a national leader affirm a Christian belief? This is the epitome of the minimization of the Christian message and action. We have arrived at a place where Christian duty and narrative is enhanced by a political leader supporting it, and this is wrong. Christians DO NOT need the bolstering efforts of a political leader, and when we believe that we do, we have sold ourselves out to a lesser and weaker road; one where our Christian duty becomes nothing more than a specific voting record or arguing for a political perspective because it is "more Christian." In this position, we can rest assured that the political parties have successfully co-opted our narrative, and used it for their own ends.

We have been blinded into believing that Obama's endorsement or ignorance of the National Day of Prayer somehow affects our spiritual lives, when in reality the power of prayer rests in none of these external forces. Indeed, if the potency of prayer depended upon such things, then it would not be a spiritual force of any importance.

I believe that Christians should act politically and should stand up for what they believe, whether it is a campaign, a certain political leader, or a specific public policy. However, do not make the mistake in thinking that you support these things BECAUSE of your Christian faith. Do not make the mistake that picketing against certain legislation qualifies as Christian action. These things are as lame as writing your thoughts on a blog. Remember that Christ holds us to higher standard of action, one of compassion, forgiveness and social providence. No one is clothed by George W. Bush never missing the opportunity to say "God Bless America." No one is fed by Obama disregarding the National Day of Prayer. The actions of the Body of Christ don't happen at those levels, they happen at the level in which you and I live. Do not confuse these to a degree in which you are paralyzed and blinded by your political perspective, missing the larger action and purpose of Christ.