I wonder if it would make most sense for those who choose to follow Jesus, who choose to let him narrate their lives, to avoid aligning with any political party? To be engaged in political discourse and voting, but simply as an independent, avoiding political parties? Would it be easier to keep my affections properly ordered—kingdom of God first, civic and governmental implications second, but informed by the first? Maybe this is naive, but it’s been my practice since I first voted in the 60’s.
I’m with Scott B. Perhaps political parties are like denominations — fragmenting what is supposed to be a unified whole. People want to believe their associations are the best, the right ones. But then demonize others. Us/them is equated with good/evil. There’s so much anger and hatred now, on both sides. We need leaders who can lower the temperature. I give my allegiance to the US, but not to a party. I give my allegiance to Jesus, but not to a denomination — and pray with Jesus “that they may be one”.
I tell people I am evangelical theologically but not politically. But even so that term has become so distasteful in the ways that it is used, that I am reluctant. Easier (and perhaps better) to say that I am a follower of Jesus.
Sobering. I have also noticed this trend for a couple of decades. I tend to avoid political discussions but have recently spoken out about the mistreatment of immigrant friends in my community.
The UK drift is similar though behind (I pray it doesn’t catch up). The word “evangelical” is used much less by the right here, but “Christian” is used increasingly and with an aggression towards those that the speaker would take to be not Christian. “Kingdom” is perhaps more acceptable here as it has traditional echoes of “Britishness” - I generally translate as “empire” when it used by the right. (Right is our term for those who seek to align power with wealth and keep the country for those they perceive to have a right to it).
I wonder if it would make most sense for those who choose to follow Jesus, who choose to let him narrate their lives, to avoid aligning with any political party? To be engaged in political discourse and voting, but simply as an independent, avoiding political parties? Would it be easier to keep my affections properly ordered—kingdom of God first, civic and governmental implications second, but informed by the first? Maybe this is naive, but it’s been my practice since I first voted in the 60’s.
Yes
Thank you Scott.
Thank you for standing tall even at great personal cost, Scot. Your perspective is really appreciated.
I’m with Scott B. Perhaps political parties are like denominations — fragmenting what is supposed to be a unified whole. People want to believe their associations are the best, the right ones. But then demonize others. Us/them is equated with good/evil. There’s so much anger and hatred now, on both sides. We need leaders who can lower the temperature. I give my allegiance to the US, but not to a party. I give my allegiance to Jesus, but not to a denomination — and pray with Jesus “that they may be one”.
Yes
I tell people I am evangelical theologically but not politically. But even so that term has become so distasteful in the ways that it is used, that I am reluctant. Easier (and perhaps better) to say that I am a follower of Jesus.
Sobering. I have also noticed this trend for a couple of decades. I tend to avoid political discussions but have recently spoken out about the mistreatment of immigrant friends in my community.
100%.
Excellent. May I please share this?
Yes you can. Please do.
The UK drift is similar though behind (I pray it doesn’t catch up). The word “evangelical” is used much less by the right here, but “Christian” is used increasingly and with an aggression towards those that the speaker would take to be not Christian. “Kingdom” is perhaps more acceptable here as it has traditional echoes of “Britishness” - I generally translate as “empire” when it used by the right. (Right is our term for those who seek to align power with wealth and keep the country for those they perceive to have a right to it).