This blog entry is really inspired by Tammy's request on the prayer chain email. She asked that church members refrain from speaking about politics in church because of the potential of hurting one another. I wholeheartedly agree that we not allow our politics to divide us. We are called to love, respect, and serve one another despite our many differences. Most of us have been in the church for many years are very aware of broad levels of diversity that we encompass. We have people from every generation, almost all continents, strong leaders in both genders, and very diverse political views. We've often said that this is something we celebrate as a church, using phrases like "this is what it will be like in heaven". Obviously Scriptures supports the claim that God loves people of all classifications equally. The goal, when we find disagreements and hurtful things is to grasp them and allow them to be windows into each other's God-inspired souls. When we agree and disagree, we can see the face of God in each other.
That said (and I hope you'll at least partially agree), the question remains about whether talking politics in church is ok. I would recommend a few ground rules: 1) Be sensitive to the differences we know exist 2) Be respectful of each other opinions 3) Never use someone's political views to 'cut them off' from fellowship/community. Maybe there are more that others can suggest.
To say a bit more, politics do greatly affect our church lives. Scripture commands us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick/imprisoned - essentially, care for the least, and seemingly insignificant people in society. Yes, we have a food table and have done lots of clothes rolling, but these are bandaids (which we should continue) to true evil systems that cripple the people who have no money to buy the right votes in Congress. Some of us are painfully aware that we might even be included in that helpless place, but it also stems to our responsibilities around the world. The hungry bellies of children, lack of healthcare for elderly, and unlive-able minimum wage for laborers will not change unless Christians use church as a safe place to be real, honestly thinking through their political decisions. There are some leaders these days who say that the continued extremes on poverty are the result of Christians who have not voted all their values for the past 30 years. I say that because I believe Christians do truly care about the most vulnerable among us but they've sheltered themselves from the range of critical issues of our faith. All said, church should be a safe place to discuss politics.
So these are my thoughts, actually, my passions. In sum, I do wholeheartedly ask that people hear the request for respectful dialogue surrounding political matters. Please comment. Don't let me be the only person with a big mouth, ok?
