***Originally posted October 31, 2008 prior to the last major election. Reposted as we have the mid-terms right around the corner as a reminder that no matter how much things change, things stay the same. You might as well replace Kay Hagan in this post with Christine O’Donnell and “godless” with “witchcraft“. Two years ago it was a “godless” Hagan, this year is the “witch” O’Donnell, I shudder to think who the target will be next year as some corners of the religious establishment continue to try to seize power politically. Personally, this isn’t about any particular political stripe, but we need to seriously examine the level our politics, and our religion, have stooped down to.***
The North Carolina Senate race is a tight one, and like most races this season no one wants to talk issues but everyone wants to sling mud. In this case it’s Liz Dole, who I just lost all respect for, putting out an ad against her opponent, Kay Hagan, accusing her of being “godless.” This article includes a link to the videos and hers is definitely over the line. If I didn’t know better (and most voters don’t) I’d think the voice that says repeatedly “there is no God” was hers. But then I read the article and find out that she’s an elder in her church and teaches Sunday school. Hagan responds with an add of her own calling out Dole for “bearing false witness” and follows that up with a lawsuit against Dole.
Have we sunk so low that this is the substance of our political debates? Do you base your vote on who is most religious, has the most faith, is the most righteous? If so, you might as well stay home because we are all sinners and Jesus reminds us that “no one is good but God alone.” (Mk 10:18) That’s not all we need to be reminded of.
If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers. (1 Cor 6:1-8)“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs…” (2 Tim 2:3-4)
They say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. In the same way political power corrupts politically and drives out whatever spirituality was there to begin with.
Brave words man. Glad you stood up to say this. So much of what supposed believers say makes me flinch. Check my blog for an article I wrote last night on Grace and Scandal…I actually mention "the witch" 🙂
Mo, thanks for the comments. I'm a political junkie, but I am able to separate my religion and my political party. For me Christ comes first, regardless. I admit that I am often embarrassed by those who call themselves Christians when it comes to politics. I'll be sure to check out your post.
Frankly (sorry I couldn't resist that) I am sick and tired of the whole…shall we say garbage…load. I am sick of seeing signs cluttering up the roadways and yards. I am sick of seeing and hearing the "stuff" on the tube. I am really really tired of the money being spent to mail stuff that I chuck without reading. I am really tired of the mud-slinging without confronting views and policies. But I am really sick of those who think political activism in the name of Christ is going to make changes. I refuse to endorse a candidate publicly. It is embarrassing to be put alongside other "Christians" who want to talk or preach politics. Leave me out of it. Let me just preach God's Word. sorry for the rant Frank. 🙂
Amen, Bill, rant away. I haven't answered the phone in over a week because it's been nothing but pre-recorded endorsements by people I've never heard of. A Christian organization got my name off some list and called me to support a specific issue. I don't think the operator was expecting to hear scriptures about our citizenship bring in heaven, not getting caught up in quarrels, etc. Shocking, but I don't vote the party line.