Why So Political?
This post was inspired by the work of David Hayward AKA The Naked Pastor when I saw this mug, I knew I wanted it to be a part of my morning coffee routine. I think you should pick one up Jesus Overturning Mug
"Why did he have to get so political?" said one of the temple workers to his friend, the merchant, as they picked up tables tossed around the room the day before. Jesus had walked into the temple and drove out all the merchants working that day, and caused a commotion.
"We're just here to focus on God. We don't get into politics; frankly, our community doesn't need this right now." he continued as he swept the floor.
"I know, right? There was so much unity in the temple until he showed up. Why is he so focused on the negative?"
You may have heard church leaders say, "We don't get into politics. These issues are too divisive. We're here to focus on Jesus." I can appreciate the desire to maintain an atmosphere of peace. I think that comes from a good place. If you don't have to cause stress, then don't...I get it. Pastors are shepherds, and caring for sheep involves reducing stress management.
But the statement, "We don't get into politics," can also be a deflection of responsibility to deal with real-life, present-day issues. I'm no political science expert, but I define politics as managing our life together. Going with this definition, you can't live your life without politics. The water that comes through your tap, the electricity you use to power the device you're using to read this, and the road or sidewalk you take to work. These have all come about from politics.
Does your faith care about everyday life? Does it have something to say about the food you eat? Does your religion have anything to say about how our justice system works? Does your faith community have a response to issues around equality? I think we can all agree that the answer is that it should.
So my response to church leaders who will say something to the effect of, "we don't get into politics", I would argue that they've made a political decision. Of course, you're into politics.
In a worst-case scenario, It's the politics of a version of Moses who preaches to the enslaved Israelites and then tells them to get back to work. Or the politics of a version of Jesus who walks through a temple that is only accessible to the rich...and keeps walking.
In both cases, the choice to not engage in the day's critical issues keeps things comfortable in a faith community. Doing nothing in the face of injustice is an acceptance of the way we manage life together today. That's political. Unfortunately, it does little for those in need of change.
From the book of Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is full of politics. It speaks to everyday living. It speaks to life on the ground. It's earthy. It challenges human beings to treat each other well. It represents a call to bring the politics of heaven to earth. It challenges me to live my life in a way that demonstrates that I believe this life on earth matters and that everyone should be able to live in peace.
So friends, let's not kid ourselves. All churches are political; we just have to choose what those politics do.
Now go kick some tables over!
-Jordan
P.S Before you go do that. Please go over and check out The Naked Pastor’s work. His feed will make you laugh and sometimes make you cry. I feel less alone knowing there are people like him out there.