I Hate Politics

There. I've said it. I hate politics.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I love the representational form of governing authority that politics allow, and I'm as patriotic as the next guy. I even love the idea of politics. But I hate the reality of what politics do to the hearts and minds of people.

From a civic perspective, politics bring out the very worst in people without them even realizing it. Condescending attitudes toward people who disagree with us run rampant (and, yes, I'm guilty of this). Complex issues are reduced to ridiculously simple and emotional talking points. Hypocrisy swells as politicians use ugly tactics to attack their opponents for using those same ugly tactics (and I sit there wondering if people are intelligent enough to notice... there's that condescending attitude again...). Empty promises drip from the lips of politicians; candidates from both major parties promise benefits that they'll never have the power to provide because of the way our government is set up, or they set goals that will be completed outside their terms of office so that if the goal fails it won't be their fault (ya gotta love when presidential candidates say they'll accomplish something in ten years when they can never hold the White House for more than eight).

I hate politics. Yet here we are in another election season, and I find myself drawn to conversations about politics (yeah, I know, it's a huge surprise to everyone that I'd be opinionated on political subjects and candidates... *grin*). I believe it is really important for Christians to be involved in the political process, and even to be persuasive with our perspectives. Yet it's equally important that we're wise enough to distinguish between political opinions and theological integrity. For instance, I have some strong opinions about economic models that will best serve the broadest majority of people and provide the most effective assistance to the poor in the long term. But I recognize that it's just my opinion. Great, intelligent, well-intentioned, God-honoring people will disagree with my thoughts, and it's important that I understand their reasoning and respect their opinion without "spiritualizing" the debate or thinking that they just don't "get it" because they disagree with me.

On the other hand, it's important that Christians recongize moral issues at stake in the political process. I am fully aware that it's impossible to legislate righteousness (hey, the Old Testament Law failed to make people righteous, and it was written by God himself!). Yet laws and policies exist in a society in order to maintain peace and promote the ethical treatment of others. So I can't dismiss the slaughter of unborn children as just another political issue for consideration right alongside the development of alternative fuel sources or various ideas for immigration policies. For me, moral mandates trump political opinions every time. (Supporting a candidate who

Yet, despite my passion for moral issues that have become part of the political discussion, I'm also keenly aware that Christians need to represent Christ to the world, and that means we conduct ourselves with grace and honor even as we express our zeal. How can I communicate a deep love for individuals pursuing what they see as the fair and equal treatment of homosexuals while also arguing for the preservation of the traditional (and divinely given!) definition of marriage? I want to express my opinion and even persuade others to join me in protecting something that I believe is sacred, but I also want to express genuine compassion and compelling grace to those who disagree with me. I find this so much easier to do in a non-political season, when people aren't caught up in the flurry of drawing lines, throwing around labels, repeating sound bites, and preparing for battle.

Oh, and don't get me started on how political ideas and methods have crept into the way so many churches do business. I'm just thankful I'm serving a church family that is focused on God's leading, common sense, and respectful relationships instead of the tools of personal power, boards, committees, parlimentary procedure, etc.

Okay. Enough ranting. I'm gonna go watch JibJab's latest cartoon again, chuckle a bit, and get back to building the Kingdom.