A Day Full of Politics

I, like many in America, have a love/hate relationship with politics. On the one hand, politics leads to law and order (sometimes). Politics serves as the platform for public debate which shapes the ethos and attitudes of the diverse collection of people who call themselves Americans. It is an incredible privilege to participate in the political process on election day. However, there is a very real dark side (insert Darth Vader theme music here) of the process, which we have finally weathered for one more season...campaigning and the hollow promises and inflated rhetoric that accompany said events. It is one thing to bring to light one's own strengths and point out strategically the errors or weaknesses of one's opponent. It is quite another thing to have announcers with voices that would be well off to read obituaries for the Grim Reaper paint images of opponents that would make the dead spin in their grave.

In ancient times in Greece and Rome, politics served as the marketplace of ideas. It was the way in which philosophers and public representatives debated ideas instead of character. The Apostle Paul even took many swings at public debate, as well as writing in letters against the competing ideas of both Greeks and Romans, and competing camps within early Christianity.

A couple of weeks ago I attended a conversation between Sojourner's editor, Jim Wallis and evangelical pastor, Greg Boyd. This was an attempt at bringing dialogue and real conversation back into the realm of faith and politics. For the past several years, faith has been a pawn of the political process and those within the faith community are finally speaking out, shaping and defining an independent voice apart from the two ruling parties of partisan politics. Each of the gentlemen have a unique perspective and I invite anyone who is interested in both faith and politics to listen to the conversation. Jim Wallis and Greg Boyd Discussion at Bethel University

I tend to resonate with Jim Wallis' perspective that faith has an active, and prophetic role to play in the political landscape, however it must be both faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and prophetic in a way that the message is not co-opted by an individual political party. There are far too many important issues that are present in our current situation as a nation that neither party is addressing. As people of faith and people of hope in God's kingdom, I believe we are called to participate as created co-creators of a more just and righteous world. My hope does not ultimately rest in the hands of politicians, regardless of political affiliation. My hope, and the hope of the faithful is in the hands of God's grace and truth, it is found in communities that lift one another up in love and care for the widow and the orphan, it is found in honest conversation about what really is happening in wars, in economies, in schools, in places of worship.

My prayer tonight is that who ever is elected may be so bold as to represent the best interest of the area to which they have been called to serve, and not just the people who will elect them again. My prayer is that the voice of those without a voice may somehow be heard by those who have power to give them voice and that their lot in life may be improved. My prayer tonight is that those who legislate and lead our government may do it honestly and continually reach into their wellspring of hope and faith, whatever that may be, so that we are a more just and perfect union.

Peace to your house.