I Am Not a Republican (and neither is Jesus)

Wow!  That one made you stop and think for a moment.  Don't worry, I am not a Democrat either.  Oh, wait, you weren't worried about me.  What am I saying about Jesus?

So many people in the evangelical church these days equate Christianity with being a Republican.  The two do not always go hand in hand.  Many of the politicians, once they get into office, are willing to compromise their ethics and their beliefs in order to make a deal.  I recently read a blog by someone trying to discredit a video poem that also said that Jesus is not a Republican.  The writer of the blog assumes that the writer of the poem was trying to lash out at the Republican party because he was from Seattle (and I suppose therefore a liberal).  Well, I am from the East Coast and from a conservative background and I say the same thing.  Along that same line, being a Republican does not make someone a Christian - check out the theology of the candidates.

When Ronald Reagan became president, a group of pastors met for a prayer breakfast in Washington D. C.  They were so excited and so thankful that a Christian  was in the White House - now change would come!  It didn't work.  Why?  Because the hearts of the nation must change before the laws of the nation will change.  People have it all turned around.  When you see true revival in this country, then you will see the morals of its people change.  You want to see abortion clinics close?  Work for Christ to change the hearts of the young people in this nation.  You want to see certain  movies gone? If the hearts of the people change, no one will buy the tickets to those movies.

God doesn't call us to vote on the right politician.  I  don't see that command, suggestion, or even hint anywhere in the Bible.  I do vote in every election.  I am so thankful for the grace of God that allows me to live in this country and in this time so that a woman can choose her representatives.  I do take that seriously.  I do not, however, believe that it is the sole responsibility of the person that I put into office to make this country whole again.  I do not even believe that it is the sole responsibility of our pastors.  We are living in the time of the New Covenant - we are called to get it done!

Going even further, I do not believe that we will be able to cut government spending significantly without the people in the church stepping up to take their responsibility.  Jesus tells us that it is  our responsibility to provide social welfare to those in need.  


Matthew 25: 35-36 (NIV) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

I hear so many of the Republican supporters call for stopping government programs and letting "those people" take care of themselves (actually heard behind closed doors of a mayor several years ago).  It is not God's plan for them to take care of themselves.  God knows that they are needy.  He does not call on us to judge them for the reason they are needy and without clothes and in prison.

I do believe that churches could spend less money on fountains and silk curtains (and matching Lexus for the pastor and his wife) and provide so much help in this area.  I also believe that we are individually responsible to give something to eat, give something to drink,  welcome the stranger (hmmm), provide clothes, take care of  the sick, and visit the prisoners (not just pay money to someone else to do it). 

So, no, I do not believe that the Republicans (or Democrats) can save us.  We need to rise up and do what we are called to do - share the gospel, change hearts, and provide for the social welfare needs of those who cannot take care of themselves.  

.... and one more thing..... Jesus is not an American either.... just saying.....
 

A Grief Observed

In his book, A Grief Observed, C. S. Lewis is not observing grief in general.  Rather, he is examining his own personal grief and the very  raw feelings that accompany it.  I recognize the sincerity of his writing, as I have now seen grief from a personal standpoint.  It is not something that anyone can truly understand without experiencing it, and each of us observe a grief that is different than any other.

In some ways, my grief is very different than Lewis' in that I did not feel the anger and questioning of God that Lewis did.  In fact, it amazes me that someone who taught us Aslan's character so well really thought that God was just plain mean.  Then again, just like King David, C.S. Lewis was able to fully express an understanding of God that many of us never have.  He was surprised by joy, just as he was saddened by grief; and he was able to talk to God openly about his feelings because he had that kind of relationship with God.  They understood each other. 

There are a couple of things that really stand out in Lewis' grief as being just like my own.  The first of these is the physical and mental feeling.  C. S. Lewis starts his observation, "No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.  I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid.  The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning.  I keep on swallowing."  I have felt that.  I know that feeling! 

Counselors say this is normal, but I find that I still do not understand it. Lewis suggests that it is caused by the loss of a point of reference. Even our subconscious mind travels to the thoughts, memories, and patterns that we have established in such a close relationship.   With the loss of our soulmate, we have lost a point of reference.  Our thoughts travel down a familiar road, only to be met with a road block.  It takes a moment to take a detour and learn a new road. 

The other thought that C. S. Lewis shares that is profound to me is the idea that the death of a spouse is just another step in the relationship.  Just like courtship, the honeymoon, and various phases over the years, at some point the relationship will be changed again when one spouse dies before the other.  It is unavoidable, and every relationship goes through this (unless both die at the same moment).  This is not something that God has done to me - it happens to everyone.  This is not unique - every relationship goes through it. 

I am grateful to Lewis for sharing his observation of his own grief so openly with us.  Now I too have "a grief" and understand this process much more intimately.  While we all go through grief differently, now I am also able to share openly with others that may need it in their time.  

A Different Kind of Tea Party

As we near another election, people everywhere are excited by the Tea Party movement. This grass roots effort of ordinary people has become something to talk about. People are devoting their time and money, not to mention their energy, on becoming involved and "making a difference". They are fed up with the politics in Washington and want to put new people into office. "Take us back to the way things were," they cry! "Politics have ruined our government and the very core of our Constitution is under attack!"

Like them, I am concerned with the way that our government has been run. I am an American! I love the Constitution! I want to see our country go forward as "One Nation Under God". I have sent my husband off to war for this country, and now am prepared to send my son. I, too, am concerned with the direction that the country is going.

However, I am a citizen of another kingdom! My King reigns eternal, not just four years. Jesus has the power to bring about real change, change of the heart, eternal change. This kingdom includes people from all nations and all backgrounds. It makes no distinction between rich or poor, black or white, Democrat or Republican. Jesus only calls for His Church to love Him with all of their heart, and all of their soul, and all of their mind.

The Church, though, has turned away from its foundation. It's people seek politicians to solve their problems. They cry to be fed, but do not feed others. They cry for riches, but do not share with the poor. They cry for someone to love them, but do not share their love with the orphans and widows. They have become religious, squabbling over the law and the holy days. This, too, is the wrong direction.

What if the people of the Church found the time, money, and even the energy, to spend on the Kingdom of God? What if a Tea Party were to form of people who really love Jesus? These people would be concerned that we have changed from "the way things were." They would see that religion has ruined our Church and threatens the very core of our Covenant with God. They would understand that by changing hearts, all other changes will fall into place.

We need a Tea Party in the Church - something that will matter in eternity!