Part 59. Faith or politics or both?

Should Christians avoid involvement in politics? Should we embrace and be part of the political process?  The latter of course.  We can hardly campaign for radical change in society unless we engage,  not in party politics, but in arguing for changes to the social and economic policies of national, regional and local governments.  We need to be bolder and more forthright in campaigning for change. The commandment to love our neighbour demands action on our part if we are to follow Jesus.

How often does your Christian community discuss issues concerning  the marginalised in our society, the changes that are needed and what you are going to do?  It is no good simply to discuss problems: there has to be a move from talking to doing.  

Over the years I have attended many bible study groups and mulled over the meaning of Old Testament texts and the intricacies of Pauline theology.  We are good at looking over our shoulder at history, but we are not so enthusiastic when it comes to considering what Jesus tells us to do for the future.   The Kingdom of God is not advanced by ploughing through Deuteronomy in earnest discussions. We should be considering how we can follow Jesus, we should be looking forward.

We need to engage with those who control the levers of power, maybe even to the extent of direct action.  No tut tutting, Jesus engaged in direct action:  

Matthew 21:12-14

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written", he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer' , but you are making it 'a den of robbers'".

When was the last time your faith community collectively engaged with your local government councillors or officers or with officials or elected members of national parliaments?  Have you engaged as an individual?

Is Jesus calling you to follow him?