Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I also disagree with the assumption that in order to be a Kingdom Christian, one must not vote. Although I support my church’s stand of non-participation, I do think there is a difference between casting a simple vote as a citizen, or trying to fight Kingdom battles with politics and through loyalty to political parties that all too often use religion as a tool.

Good point about the government. You’re right, I do owe them more respect and gratitude than that. Our government is there for a purpose, and they fill it well.

Right on.

One factual correction, hopefully without causing offense: You state that, “the government is not about morality; it’s about red tape.” This sounds both disrespectful of our government and unbiblical. In Romans 13, Paul tells us that the government is something God has appointed. Furthermore, he directly contradicts the notion that the government is “not about morality” when he says that they are a “terror…to bad conduct…” that if we do what is good, we will “receive (the government’s) approval, for he is God’s servant for your good.” Paul–and other Scriptures–make it clear that government is one tool in God’s sovereign hand to promote morality and punish evil.

My pastor likes to tell us about the times a “minister of God” pulled him over for various concerns, and encourages us, as Scripture does, to respect our government as much more than red tape factories.

God bless you!

I’d love to see you again, too. And talk. We’ll get the chance someday again, surely.

What an courageous post. I consider myself a minor political expert, but a neophyte when it comes to Old and New Testament insights and admonitions.

I do know that there are millions of Americans who must think Christians are a quasi – political organization. And as such, want to force their one sided beliefs on this fabulously mixed up diverse country. It’s too late. Its hurts the USA as well as the religious rights’s purported goal of “saving souls “. It incites backlash and loses gentle souls.

Once, not that long ago, religion seemed to stay in its proper sphere and it prospered. It should be a force for GOOD. That seems to be your argument. I agree.

Now, as you say, some have forgotten God ‘s word and turned Jesus into a policy wonk.

As an aside. As much as I support this President, even I don’t agree with the headline. I think everyone should respect him and when they choose, respectfully disagree. To me that is our obligation as citizens rather than tear a good and intelligent man to shreds because he differs from one groups narrow standards. Hate is not a good way to win converts. He was elected. Respect that.

What fundamentalists continue to do, is negative and most certainly does not teach the true message of Christ. Those people who think like you and I could change this country. For GOOD.

Thanks for this post.