Theology Blog

It might be impossible to say this word in any context (at least in North America) without eliciting a response. Generally the response is not positive as many seem to hate politics. There are probably many reasons for this, most of them having to do with personal pain of some sort. The root word of politics is polite and in most cases, especially the church, politics can be anything but polite. One of the frustrating realities of church life are the politics of the church. No matter where you go, when there is a group of people, there are politics. Schools, churches, work places, government, even families.

So, what are we to think, do or be theologically when it comes to politics. Here are some of my thoughts and suggestions, its a list that is a work in progress…

1. Understand that politics are a reality that probably will not go away.
2. Remind yourself that the root word of politics is polite. Set the example
3. Remember that while you may have to deal with politics and be political, you do not have to allow politics to rule your life. In fact, don’t ever do that.
4. Jesus is bigger than any politics, and can and will redeem all things.
5. Jesus calls us to a new way, a third way in many ways. See to bring about the way that Jesus has called us do while recognizing the reality of politics and honoring people.
6. We are all wrong, we are all imperfect and our world is flawed.
7. Some problems are too big to have a perfect solution.
8. Things are not as they should be, but we can work to embrace God’s Kingdom as it is happening in this world and help to point others to that Kingdom.
9. We should separate government politics from our faith, for the sake of our faith, Christianity, the church and the government.
10. Politics were far worse for Jesus than they are for us.