The Kid Has Something to Say

Handling Moral Issues in Church

What should you do when a pastor or a reverend in church says, "We have a serious issue"? Let's address a hotbed issue: one candidate is pro-abortion, and another is against it. The pastor might argue this is not political but a moral problem, stating that abortion is reprehensible and encouraging support for the political leader against this moral issue.

A Young Voice in Politics

We were going to name Volume Four of Christian AnarchySomeone who follows Christ as their only authority—rejecting institutional control over their spiritual life. as "Christians Who Don't Go to Church Part Three." However, I received a text this morning from young Ethan. Steve doesn't know this. Ethan asked, "Are we still talking about how Christians should handle the election today?" Those who know me understand this is not a topic I'd easily approach on my own, but our young voice here loves politics. He seems eager to speak about how Christians should manage the election. I replied, "You're free to say whatever you'd like, my friend, but be very prepared for whatever comes as a result of your choice."

The Kid Opens the Door

Ethan wrote back, saying, "Oh, I have lots of things to say." So, we retitled the show tonight to "The Kid Has Something to Say." I've warned him about potential fallout. He thinks it will come from people's comments. Little does he realize, Ethan opened the door. So, how should Christians vote? Ethan explained he meant handling voting, not dictating who to vote for.

Voting as a Civic Duty

In Ethan's view, voting is a civic duty. He encourages everyone to vote based on their conscience. While it's a civic duty, Ethan feels it's not specifically a Christian duty because participating in the governmental structures is essential in a democracy. He encourages those who live in democracies to vote and be educated on their choices rather than aligning strictly with political parties like Democrats or Republicans.

Mixing Politics and Religion

Ethan observed trends depending on church types. For example, evangelical churches might lean Republican, while black Pentecostal churches might favor Democrats based on what preachers say. He noted the concerning blend of politics and religion rather than keeping them separate. Ethan insists on voting based on personal conscience and beliefs, emphasizing that Christianity doesn't dictate support for big or small governments but centers on belief in Jesus Christ.

The Importance of Separation Between Church and State

Introduction

I think today is a perfect time to talk about the separation of church and state, especially with the election taking place just two days from now. By the time this is released on Friday, the election will be over, but the discussion remains relevant. Steve, who is wearing a fantastic Minnesota Wild jersey—a basketball team that apparently scores touchdowns—is here with me. Steve is a great hockey fan, and today, we're diving into the intersection of religion and politics.

The Separation of Church and State

Personal Views

I want to start by discussing the importance of maintaining a separation between church and state. Jesus himself wasn't a political leader—he said as much to Pontius Pilate when asked if he was the King of the Jews. He replied that his kingdom was not of this world; otherwise, his servants would be fighting. I was talking to a group of Christian anarchists recently who believe in a stateless Christian world. It's amusing because this seems to contradict the idea that faith and government should remain separate.

Voting and Personal Beliefs

You should vote according to your beliefs, but it's crucial not to lump everything together. Issues arise when churches claim that a Christian must either support or oppose a particular candidate, such as Trump. I've seen it go both ways, and I believe both perspectives are flawed. I firmly support the separation of church and state but also believe we should freely express our religious beliefs.

Freedom of Expression

In this country, participating publicly in religious activities—whether Christian, Mormon, Muslim, or any other—is a right. As long as I can express my views, I'm happy for others to do the same. It's a beautiful aspect of our society that we must preserve. However, many of us notice today how ideological boundaries can trap us. We're often raised in environments with specific leanings: conservative in Provo, Utah, or liberal in Salt Lake City. This upbringing influences our assumptions about others, often negatively.

Challenges and Misunderstandings

Personal Experience

I own a political Instagram account. At one point, it didn't feature my profile picture, so people didn't know my ethnicity. During an argument with a liberal girl, she labeled me a white supremacist—despite the fact that I'm African-American. Interestingly, white liberals have called me racist on multiple occasions. It's amusing but highlights how preconceived notions shape our interactions.

The Need for Open Discussions

People can support any political candidate without endorsing every idea they promote. We must engage in open discussions and welcome new ideas for our society to function effectively.

Conclusion

Steve and I agree that if churches fostered a spirit of freedom in their congregations, many issues would dissolve. Everyone should feel free to vote as they choose without proclamations dictating political allegiance based on religious beliefs. It's vital to nurture an environment where the separation of church and state is respected, allowing our society to thrive with diverse voices and perspectives.

Dividing Our Society

Dividing people into specific groups causes significant issues. For example, when a non-Christian liberal sees something posted online stating that if you are a Christian, you have to vote Republican, it exacerbates existing prejudices. They might already dislike Christianity and that particular political party, and now, these resentments are combined, further damaging perceptions. It's a very unwise approach.

Politicians and Faith

The Concern with Religious Pandering

When politicians incorporate their faith into their political agendas, the reaction can vary. If a politician says, "All of you Christians should vote for me because I'm a Christian too," it is annoying and disingenuous. However, if they are merely expressing their beliefs honestly without expecting it to be a voting requirement, there is no issue. Politicians aim for the Christian vote because it's a significant demographic. Is this morally right? Not necessarily.

When Donald Trump, for instance, holds up a Bible during a rally and refers to "Two Corinthians"—a misnomer for "Second Corinthians"—it becomes clear that this is political pandering. Biden does similar things; people shouldn't vote based on these pretenses. Votes should focus on individual matters and issues that personally impact you.

The Real Issue

The real issue stems from churches that interpret political pandering as validation for instructing their congregation to vote a certain way. The problem isn't on the political side but within the Christian community itself.

Separation of Church and State

Both of you agree there should be a separation of church and state. Some individuals supporting the ministry might disagree, sending messages praising those who speak against government figures like Biden and for Trump, claiming this is the Christian way. However, both of you see the separation as a critical principle.

Why Separation is Important

History has shown that when the church and government merge, it often results in negative consequences for church members. It simply doesn't work well. Further, in a free country, respecting other people's beliefs and giving them the freedom to express them is vital. Understanding why others believe what they do and engaging in healthy discourse is incredibly beneficial.

The Perils of Merging Religion and State

The historical merging of religion and state, as seen in England's past during King Henry VIII's reign, still sparks debate today. Many people look to the Middle East as an example of the challenges that arise when religion and governance intertwine. Despite the consensus that such a union is problematic, some propose replicating it elsewhere.

Bringing Jesus to the Political Stage

A common evangelical viewpoint suggests incorporating Jesus into politics, with churches uniting to have Jesus lead government leaders. This perspective risks conflating church and state, especially in countries like America, where separation is a foundational principle. While having Jesus in one's life is personally fulfilling, enforcing religious doctrine through law poses serious challenges, given the existing disagreements over doctrines.

The Consequences of Religious Legislation

Incorporating religion into law risks alienating and judging individuals, echoing issues within church dynamics. Legislation based on religious principles can lead to societal harm, as history has shown with cases of persecution and suffering. The merging of state and church historically led to the suffering of the faithful, highlighting the adverse effects of such union.

Navigating Moral and Political Issues

When discussing contentious issues like abortion in religious settings, the conversation often shifts from purely moral to political. A religious leader might argue for voting against a pro-abortion candidate based on moral grounds. However, defining such matters as solely moral ignores their political dimensions.

Balancing Personal Belief and Political Influence

For those who are pro-life, like Brother Ethan, navigating the political implications of moral beliefs can be challenging. While church leaders might discuss pro-life views, they should empower their congregation to make independent political decisions. It is essential to respect members' ability to discern and choose according to their beliefs.

The Role of Pastors in Political Discourse

If a pastor focuses solely on abortion as a moral atrocity in a sermon, without delving into the political implications, congregants might still feel pressured. The manner of delivery, whether in a specific dialect or tone, can impact perception. While expressing personal opinions is acceptable, using the pulpit to sway political choices risks manipulation. The issue centers on the balance between sharing personal views and respecting congregants' autonomy in their political choices.

Christianity and Politics: Navigating Complex Relationships

The Role of the Bible in Modern Issues

Many people interpret religious texts differently, leading to various opinions on contemporary issues like abortion and homosexuality. Some individuals use the Bible to support their views, citing specific scriptures as evidence. However, interpretations can vary, as exemplified by a verse from Revelation that suggests "let the sinners be sinners and let the holy be holy." This reflects the Bible's stance on free will and personal choices, which is a strong argument for pro-choice advocates within the church.

Politics and Personal Beliefs

It is crucial for church leaders to address significant issues while allowing individual members to make their own decisions, especially regarding voting. The decision of whom to vote for is private and personal. The real concern arises when religious teachings are manipulated to endorse specific candidates, which can be offensive to many.

Honest Discussions and Respectful Debate

Pastors should avoid manipulative tactics and instead foster open discussions about controversial topics like abortion. For example, if a religious leader uses the Bible as a tool for honest discourse rather than manipulation, it can lead to a more constructive dialogue.

Many churches do not offer a question-and-answer session to facilitate such conversations, but adopting such practices could reduce manipulative tactics and allow for varied perspectives.

Christianity Beyond Political Affiliation

A common question arises: Can one be a non-Republican, a Democrat, or an anarchist, and still be a Christian? The answer is yes. Political affiliation does not determine one's faith. For instance, while some argue that Joe Biden's support for Roe v. Wade contradicts Christian values, one could equally point to Donald Trump's moral failings. It is unfair to selectively apply standards to candidates based on political bias.

The Greater Sin Debate

Some argue that issues like abortion represent greater sins, and while this view is respected, it must be balanced by holding all candidates accountable for their actions. Failing to do so reduces the issue to mere political gameplay, which is unproductive and disgraceful.

The Intersection of Faith and Politics

One important perspective to consider is that of Christian anarchy. This viewpoint emphasizes that while Americans have the right to vote as they wish, politics should not influence the relationship between God and an individual. Christians should vote according to their conscience and personal communion with God, without imposing these beliefs on others.

In conclusion, navigating the complex relationship between Christianity and politics requires honesty, openness, and respect for individual choices. Christians are encouraged to act according to their faith while respecting diverse viewpoints without resorting to manipulation or political bias.

Accountability and Political Choices

Are candidates held morally accountable? This question often arises when discussing our responsibilities as voters. When we evaluate political candidates, it’s crucial to consider how they should be held accountable.

Moral Accountability vs. Political Issues

When you're an undecided voter examining different political positions, it’s easy to get tangled in allegations and controversies. For instance, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have faced numerous accusations of sexual assault and corruption. Rather than debating which candidate is more moral, focus instead on the political issues that directly impact you.

The Evangelical Perspective

Many evangelicals, especially in my circles, express admiration for Donald Trump. I hear statements like "Donald is such a good man" and "Melania is such a wonderful woman." However, we must approach these assertions realistically. While Trump indeed possesses a sense of humor that many find appealing, his personality and marriage should not overshadow political discourse.

Manipulation or Delusion?

Sometimes, it’s challenging to differentiate between manipulation and genuine belief. When personal biases toward a candidate cloud judgment, they can lead to irrational decisions. This phenomenon becomes evident when people are so determined to see someone elected that they overlook significant issues.

The Burning Question

Now the question that lingers: who will win the upcoming election? This topic stirs intense emotions and diverse opinions. Unfortunately, we must pause this discussion here. Join us next week to hear the perspectives of younger voters.