Right, Left, or down the middle...

I think that the conservative religious movement in today's society, has been deeply corrupted by political forces. This corruption of religion for the sake of political power is not something that I want to be a part of, which goes back to something I mentioned in a previous post about not involving myself in politics. I don't choose to be a part of it, however, it is hard to be involved in someone else's life without hearing their worldview (which, most of the time, involves who is running for president). The views of both right and left are narrowed in my opinion. I want my faith and life to count for something, and I hope and try everyday to connect with others in changing our world; to express the love of Jesus in the world, and in my relationship with those other people. The "privatized" faith that says that it's just between "me and Jesus", is really not good enough to build the faith of the next generation as far as I am concerned. People want to see faith in action, but not on the basis of political gain. There is a new hunger for revival, and a new hunger to participate in the efforts to change the world. People have been destroying the earth for a long time, using it's natural resources, polluting, etc. and I find it funny how in the last year, the trend to "go green" has become so popular. It is our responsibility as stewards, to take care of the earth and the people in it, and to try to replenish what we take. But the issues on restoring the environment have come to the forefront of politics as well.

In the past, the things that have changed society and politics have been based on social need and spiritual foundations. With his Bible in one hand, and the constitution in the other, Martin Luther King Jr. changed the the wind in our nation, inspiring a whole generation to engage in the struggle for civil rights. The politicians came around last, as they often do. One reason why young people are so disgusted with the role of religion in politics is because we teach our own political traditions instead of the ways of Christ. We have become judge and jury towards the sinful lives of others and forget that we are sinners saved by grace. Scripture says that we wrestle not against the flesh and blood of our fellow man who sins. A loving, compassionate God gave His Son as a substitute to redeem our sins instead of legislating hell and giving us what we deserved. If we would put aside our own way of doing things and begin to stand for kingdom agendas in the political arena, then I believe God's purposes would be revealed more clearly to those outside of the church. As far as my own involvement in said arena, this is the first year that I have struggled with my decision to vote and who to vote for.

note: The "we" in this post, is referring to Christian leaders in current political arenas.