The Bible says that we are “in the world, but not of the world.”  What does that mean?  Are we just “passing through” like the old gospel song proclaims?  Or should we get involved?  If so, just how involved should we get?

There is a growing fear with some in our country that many who have conservative values are fanning the flames of fanaticism.  Neal Gabler with the Los Angeles Times thinks that there is something terrifying happening in the nation (see Politics As Religion In America).  He writes:

Perhaps the single most profound change in our political culture over the last 30 years has been the transformation of conservatism from a political movement, with all the limitations, hedges and forbearances of politics, into a kind of fundamentalist religious movement, with the absolute certainty of religious belief.

Now, I really don’t care to write about politics, but, as a Christian, I have to ask myself, “What is my role as a citizen within the context of being a believer?”

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An Evangelical Manifesto

A couple of weeks ago several Christian leaders put forth a document that attempts to right the wrongs of Christians using their faith for political ends. The link above is a summary of the much larger 7,400 word document that can be found at EvangelicalManifesto.com. I’m not sure that I quite follow it because it seems to prohibit mixing religion and politics, yet encourages Christians to get involved in politics.

Of course I take immediate issue with some of their beliefs in their opening Statement of Faith. A line item veto would be helpful here.

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Religion issue hurting Obama with Indiana cafe patrons.

“Obama has great ideas but his background scares me,” said Chris Leighton, 60, a secretary having lunch at the Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, in southeast Indiana. “Everyone talks about him being a Muslim and having ties to terrorism, but how do people really find out?”

Where do these people come from?  Don’t they watch the news?  Can’t they trust the news? (he-he)  Or are they afraid Obama may switch religions after he gets in the White House?

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Our government (especially the IRS) is questioning the church’s role in presidential elections.  Many prominent Christian figures see it as imperative that we help God put the right man (or woman) in office.  The candidates have such dubious spiritual advisors:  McCain has Hagee and Parsley; Obama has Wright; Hillary has Bill.  Do religious beliefs have that big of a play in who occupies the White House?  Would you rather have someone that believes as you do, or someone who will lead fairly, no matter your brand of faith?  We’re looking for the Chosen One to possess the same, decent qualities that have been documented in religious writings for thousands of years.   The Bible says that man looks on outward appearances, but God looks at the heart.  A person can give all of the right answers on faith, but still make a lousy leader.  Let’s look deeper.
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Faith Debate?
Church and Politics

Actually, it would look kind of odd to see a mega-store plopped down in the middle of 200 synagogues and 28,000 residents.  But the Orthodox Jewish leaders of Monsey, New York would not allow “outside influences” to pollute their town.  I still wonder if it’s right for organized religions to throw their weight around, even for a good cause.  Jews and Christians alike should certainly focus on raising their families in the knowledge of Yahweh’s love and the gentle teachings of Jesus.  But it seems to me that God wants us to “be in the world,” not shutting it out.  It also should be noted that the good Rabbi teamed with a local politician in order to send Wal-Mart packing.  And we all know what a dangerous potion religion and politics can brew.
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Orthodox Judaism
Wal-Mart Watch

It’s bad enough to have to kiss babies and cuss reporters, but what do you do with these Bible-thumping, dogmatic preachers who think that your presidential bid is heavenly ordained?  Every time John Hagee opens his mouth, John McCain winces and prepares his disclaimer.  Well, politics does make for strange bedfellows.  The future head of the free world (whoever that may be) has to try to please everyone.  Their supporters can be more picky.  The wealthy supporters can be downright demanding.  But the voters have the toughest job of all.  They must determine by ballot who is the most genuine, who will make us feel secure and proud, and who will likely follow through on campaign promises.  God, help us all!
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John McCain
John Hagee

I’m not really afraid of the Islamic religion (although this terrorist stuff is pretty creepy), but I sit up and take notice when outspoken, militant, “spiritual” leaders throw in with a candidate — even when he’s not asking for the help.  To be sure, we Christians had a pretty shameful history of brutality in the name of Christ.  Various religions throughout the ages have thrust themselves upon others, with the help of their gods.  But tolerance is much needed in today’s strife-torn cultures.  It’s time to beat our swords into plowshares, to show love, not superiority.  I personally don’t want Louis Farrakhan, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or John McCain as my Messiah.  But it would be nice if they could all just get along.
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Louis Farrakhan
Tolerance

Which is more important: what a president can do for the country, or what he/she believes? I’ve read that our founding fathers were Deists. There’s something to be said about using your God-given noodle to reason him out. But since he tends to reveal himself through people and their words, I would favor using many resources in order to sift out the truth about life. But, back to the presidents, it seems that what one firmly believes can significantly impact how that same person directs the affairs of our nation. And don’t forget — solid belief is reflected in character. And we could use a president with exemplary character.