ight-wing commentator Ann Coulter uses a nasty slur to describe Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards.  Left-wing television comic Bill Maher muses on the benefits of an assassination of Vice President Dick Cheney. Radio hosts on both sides of the political spectrum pile on, using the latest imbroglio to whip up their ratings.  While our nation struggles with serious social, economic, military, and moral issues, American politics looks more and more like professional wrestling. And, with the ’08 presidential campaign starting earlier than ever, we will all be subjected this year to even more nastiness than usual.

When the political parties finally settle on their candidates, the mudslinging will escalate exponentially and the potential for polarization will increase.  Both the Democrats and the Republicans plan to mount major efforts in the months ahead to win the support of religious people. This might therefore be an opportune time for the following reflections and reminders:

1. Jesus viewed political leaders with a realistic skepticism (cf. Luke 13:31-32) and so should we.  The polls are driving this year’s candidates to “get religion,” but not everyone who uses church language is a Christian (Matthew 7:22), and not everyone who makes pious promises will actually follow through.  The advice of Jesus is still hard to beat:  “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16).  Look for a consistent faith, demonstrated character, and personal competence, not pre-election pandering. 
    
2. The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom.  One of the major themes of Jesus’ ministry is that he did not come to set up an earthly kingdom (John 18:36-37);  he refused to be crowned king (John 6:15);  and he made a clear distinction between the political and religious realms (Matthew 22:15-21).  There is ultimately no political solution for the major problems facing human beings, and a million years from now it won’t matter whether you voted red or blue – it will matter whether you make Jesus your Lord! 
   
   It is no secret that many fundamentalist denominations are heavily involved in promoting Republican candidates, just as many mainline denominations have historically backed Democrats.  Our goal in the churches of Christ has always been to create an undenominational fellowship focused on Jesus, and I am gratified that in our brotherhood we have a long history of holding partisan politics at arm’s length.  While I definitely have my own personal opinions, I want my congregation to come to worship confident that I will not be endorsing candidates – distributing leaflets – or promoting a political agenda.
    
3. Pray for our nation and its leaders, that we might be able to practice our faith freely (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  And, if you want your voice heard on Election Day, get involved, become informed, and then participate knowledgeably.  The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once observed:  “The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself.” In a democracy your influence does matter! 

–Dan Williams
El Dorado, Arkansas