Navigating the Intersection of Politcs and Faith

Nobody in his or her right mind would want to be a member of a socially acceptable religion. It's very dangerous for the soul. A nation is in the business of doing Caesar's work, not God's. There's a distinction we get from the New Testament between religion and politics. That's not to say, however, that one shouldn't vote according to one's personal beliefs. All of us do that. But it is to say that one should never expect the state to function in accord with passionate faith. It won't. It can't. It shouldn't. That would be a confusion of roles.
—Phyllis Tickle, interviewed by Becky Garrison in The Wittenburg Door, 11/28/2007

We all live at the intersection of politics and faith. It’s a busy intersection, so we have to be careful not to get run over! Perhaps the trick in standing at the crossroad between politics and faith is to decide if you’re there to dodge traffic or to help people cross the street.

Last night the Lynchburg City Schools shared the deep challenges faced by next year’s budget cuts. It was an event filled with political realities and passion, anguish and cold, hard facts. Students, faculty and parents spoke up in defense of their schools. Several from our church were there. Christina Maclay spoke on behalf of Perrymont Elementary, where she teaches. Tickle is right in principle that Caesar’s work and God’s work are separate, but many of us have to juggle both. There are places—like public education—where people of faith don’t set aside their compassion and commitment to justice just because Caesar signs their check. In one way or another, most of us live in this intersection.

What is our role as Christians in the public square? I believe that it is to be faithful to the compassionate claim Jesus makes on all his disciples. So we speak up for the marginalized. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,” the prophet Isaiah reminds us. Will you write a letter or make a phone call? Will you encourage a child to do his best? Will you show appreciation for a teacher who doesn’t know if she has a job next year? Advocacy is hard work, but all it means at its root is to speak up. Look around you today. Who needs to hear your voice speaking up, speaking out, speaking tenderly when needed? Who needs your help to cross the street?

Along the Way, I wish you God’s peace on today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.