“A new Pew Research Center poll on religion and public life showed that two-thirds of Americans think religion is losing its influence on American life.
“The poll’s results, released Aug. 19, showed a mixed view about how churches should be involved in politics. A slim majority — 52 percent — said churches should keep out of political matters while 43 percent said they should express their views on day-to-day social and political issues.” (http://www.thebostonpilot.com/article.asp?ID=12241)
Should we (the church) be involved in politics? I believe the answer is yes and no. Yes, we should be involved in politics because it is a way to express our faith to the greater society. When Christians take a stand in politics, the world can change. Christians have been active in equal voting rights for all Americans-no matter gender or race, the abolition of slavery, fair labor practices for children, adults, migrants…and many other things. American Christians can be the conscience of society.
However, we should not wait on politics to do what is right in the eyes of God. We should move forward with caring for the sick through the establishment of hospitals and clinics, feeding the hungry at food pantries and providing shelter for the homeless through programs like Interfaith Hospitality Network. When Christians get to work, we are often more efficient than secular or government groups. Prisons are asking for the Karios program because more criminals turned Christian means a less violent prison. There are lots of other examples of how the Church’s influence is greater than the government programs.
Should Christians be involved in politics? Yes and no. We should make a difference in where we can in society and proceed to care for the broken and wounded as if there is no one else to help. What do you think?
