Thursday, November 06, 2008
Post-election reflections
This week's U.S. elections marked the culmination of an exhausting time of political focus and polarization. Obviously, Americans are desiring change. Status quo is not an option in a time of turmoil, but there have been two major political visions for how things could be different.
Much has been said and written elsewhere about the role of religion within U.S. politics. The Christian right, in particular, has tried hard to influence the political process; but the religious left has had its own political agenda. The close relationship between religion and politics has left many people frustrated and disillusioned. Christians are divided over the election results, with the religious right severely disappointed that their agenda was largely rejected and is slipping in the country's psyche. People outside the church welcome this rejection, and if anything, wish for Christians to return to their private corner and stay out of the public conversation.
This is not really a post about the relationship between religion and politics. And, I do not believe that faith is merely privatistic - the faith of citizens does and should impact their involvement with society. But, I believe this is a time for people who call themselves Christian to seriously reflect on what it means to impact the world.
This is a time to be reminded that Jesus did not promote a political agenda, nor did he teach that we are to be seeking after power as means to better the world. Likewise, Jesus did not promote a religious agenda. Religion has misconstrued the radical message of Jesus, and the world has looked at the church with disdain. We must dismantle these power yearnings and restore spiritually-powerful living and communities that truly transform people through loving relationships.
Technorati Tags: election, religion, politics, endreligion
Much has been said and written elsewhere about the role of religion within U.S. politics. The Christian right, in particular, has tried hard to influence the political process; but the religious left has had its own political agenda. The close relationship between religion and politics has left many people frustrated and disillusioned. Christians are divided over the election results, with the religious right severely disappointed that their agenda was largely rejected and is slipping in the country's psyche. People outside the church welcome this rejection, and if anything, wish for Christians to return to their private corner and stay out of the public conversation.
This is not really a post about the relationship between religion and politics. And, I do not believe that faith is merely privatistic - the faith of citizens does and should impact their involvement with society. But, I believe this is a time for people who call themselves Christian to seriously reflect on what it means to impact the world.
This is a time to be reminded that Jesus did not promote a political agenda, nor did he teach that we are to be seeking after power as means to better the world. Likewise, Jesus did not promote a religious agenda. Religion has misconstrued the radical message of Jesus, and the world has looked at the church with disdain. We must dismantle these power yearnings and restore spiritually-powerful living and communities that truly transform people through loving relationships.
Technorati Tags: election, religion, politics, endreligion
