Incomplete Christianity – JP

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Doral, Florida – Many Christian pastors preach against the false god Mammon, and rightly so. We must not worship money, but use money as a tool to serve Jesus. This preaching is particularly common around this time of the year, when many congregations are preparing their budgets for the coming year.

At the same time, however, those pastors often shirk from preaching against other false gods that are loose in our secular culture, especially Caesar, the god of state power. This theology of avoiding politics may be called (as C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton and Dietrich Bonhoeffer did not call it): “Incomplete Christianity.” The foundation is Christian, and so is most of the message, but a few details are missing.

Some pastors say that: “Our hope is not in any politician, our hope is in Jesus. Politics does not change hearts, revival does” Indeed, the Bible warns us not to put our faith in politicians. Psalms 146:3. Politics, however, can stop Christians from worshipping as we see fit, and even force us to pay for pagan rituals, like infanticide.

Progressives are hostile to Christianity. For example, at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in the campus of UWisconsin, LaCrosse, two students called out: “Jesus is Lord” and “Christ is King.” In response, Kamala told them that they do not belong in her rally. We have seen the same sentiments in the current administration funding Iran, the world’s leading state-sponsor of Jihadist terrorism, and opposition to letting Israel defend itself adequately.

Some Christians say that they hate politics, and that is as it should be. We live in a fallen world, and we should hate its broken practices, like politics. Beware of anyone who loves politics. Nevertheless, we are called by our Creator to live in this world, according to his commandments. We are also called to spread His Word and make disciples of all nations. Politics, however, can interfere with our living in accordance with God’s commandments and preaching His Word. Our faith must impact the culture in which we live, or our children will live under tyranny.

For example, many young Christian couples are saving to buy a house for their families. However, under the current presidential administration, interest rates for residential mortgages have about doubled. Other examples include the persecution of Christian protesters against abortion mills.

The church in the world is essential, but the world in the church is a disaster. The separation of church and state is to keep the state out of the church, for the protection of the church, but not to keep the church out of the state and its politics.

Pastors are free to talk about political issues, and to allow voter registration and political education to take place in their churches. The Internal Revenue Service requires that organizations under Section 501(c)(3) may not endorse or donate money to political candidates, but that is all. The constitutionality of this restriction has not been tested and is questionable.

Christian practice cannot thrive where Christians are persecuted. Christianity has not survived in countries where there is no freedom of religion. See countries like Cuba, now plunged into not only spiritual, but also electrical darkness. Or Haiti, wrecked by lawlessness. Or the Muslim countries of the Middle East and North Africa, once the heartland of Christianity.

Paul the Apostle tells us to honor the governing authorities. Romans 13:1. Peter says: Fear God; honor Caesar. 1 Peter 2:17. After all, Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36. Christians are pilgrims in our own land. Nevertheless, we have an obligation to participate in our worldly republic, educate ourselves on political issues, and vote in elections.

The Old Testament tells the Jewish exiles in Babylon to: “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you.” Jeremiah 29:7. Augustine wrote in his book “The City of God” that Christians should work for the peace and prosperity of the City of Man where we live, while preparing for the heavenly city where our true citizenship resides.

In particular, Florida is facing an attempt right now to remove reasonable protection for the lives of unborn people. Progressives have placed on the ballot Amerndment no. 4 to the Florida Constitution, which uses vague and deceptive language to undermine protection for unborn citizens.

The very least Christians should do is vote on Tuesday, November 5, or better yet vote in person during early voting. Take others to the polling places, and vote your conscience.