To the editor:
In his June 29 editorial, “Why the Christian Church Should Steer Clear of Politics,” Chris Herbolsheimer provided some very reasoned, and in my opinion, Biblical counsel. By contrast, it seems that a great many preachers of electronic fame are now urging the church to get involved in politics in a most direct and partisan way. While I agree that the Christian path has obvious political implications, I sincerely doubt that these are best realized by direct involvement in the system.
Consider the example of Jesus. There were four prominent political systems (parties) open to Him in His day. First, the Pharisees. Contrary to popular thinking they were not wealthy aristocrats, but rather members of the common people. Theologically, while being extremely legalistic, the Pharisees believed in both the resurrection and the afterlife, which the liberal Sadducees did not. Second, the Sadducees. They were the aristocrats and would be classed among the liberals of that day. Third the Essenes who withdrew from involvement in both politics and the world. Lastly were the Zealots, revolutionaries who advocated a violent overthrow of the Roman oppressors.
It is important to note that Jesus identified with none of the above. He never registered as a member of one of their parties. Ironically, His major squabbles were with the party He had the most in common with. Contrast this to the many polarizing coffee shop “conversations” we overhear today in which the opposing side is mercilessly berated. Perhaps a good place to begin a real conversation would be for each of us to critically examine his or her own ironclad assumptions rather than those of our opponents. After all, scripture tells us that Judgment will begin with the household of God (I Peter 4:17).
