I can’t recall who first added a wonderful challenge to the old adage about “two things we should never talk about…religion and politics.” The wise owl retorted something to the effect,

“Those are two of the most important subjects that shape our world. You’d better be talking about them!”

Oddly, growing up in my parents‘ home I don’t recall hearing any serious discussion on politics. There was plenty of chatter about “religion” as my father often held lay positions of engagement at churches we attended. It wasn’t difficult to know his views, but likely less talk on the deeper theological issues than on proper moral behavior.

That influence was handed down from a generation earlier on both sides of the family. These convictions went deep enough into my siblings and I that there was never any wavering from the Christian faith in our beliefs. No doubt we’ve had our share of hypocritical moments.

I attended a Lutheran Bible college for one year post high school when it had a two year curriculum. That was back in 1969-1970. Even then I could detect a slight shifting in the very doctrinally conservative views of some of the newer faculty. I guess we students thought it made them a little more “cool.”

In my four years of Air Force duty, I met a number of chaplains from various “religious” backgrounds. Slowly I would pick up on the distinctive differences between not just the Protestant and Catholic beliefs, but the points of disagreement among the various Protestant chaplains groomed by their own denomination.

This is all to say that I had no specific discipling or mentor that brought me to my more conservative spiritual views. Later that would change. My radio work would move from secular to Christian programming. This journey also brought me in contact with a few very insightful Christian evangelical men.

At this point, I must make my own observation on the connection of “religion and politics.” It has been my experience that, in most cases, the stronger the faith commitment and theology of both men and women in the evangelical community, the more likely their politics will lean conservatively.

For clarification, most are avidly pro-life. Most have a clear biblical perspective on human sexuality. Most believe that governments should have limited powers over its citizenry, and are advocates for freedom in our Constitution. Most resist increased taxation knowing there is never enough. I’m saying most, because certainly there are exceptions.

I’ve long heard the arguments that we mustn’t let our political views conflict with our primary spiritual allegiance to Jesus the Messiah. It’s commonly said this way,

“Jesus Christ brought about a spiritual revolution, not a political one!”

Or…

“Jesus did not come to set up a political party.”

True.

I recently read an article titled, “Yes, Jesus Christ cares about ‘politics’”. The writer made quite an astute observation in saying,

“Everything Jesus was about was political because that’s all politics is; it’s a material demonstration of one’s spiritual essence.”

Toss that one around in your mind for a while. It’s worth repeating.

“Everything Jesus was about was political because that’s all politics is; it’s a material demonstration of one’s spiritual essence.”

The writer continues by asking,

“What does it mean when the Bible says that the Word became flesh? More precisely, what was accomplished by the Word becoming flesh? The answer? Reconciliation.”

Jesus coming in the flesh brought the spiritual life into our physical world.

We are not here to stand by and watch the world die. We are neither to ignore the physical needs of our brothers and sisters around the world, or the wayward politics that a lost world promotes.

We engage because our calling is to redeem the time and “live in the world” but not be of the world.

My “political views” are shaped by my spiritual beliefs. Regardless of the choice of the political party with which you choose to affiliate, we are to bear witness to the truths of Scripture that will help people live fully and abundantly.

Living for Jesus offers us the opportunity to do that—with the Scriptures as our guide.

In both politics and religion, we will one day stand before the Judge for words spoken.

As well as those that are not.