First of all, much thanks to Joyce in the office who pushes me to write. For whatever reason, I often hesitate to write. I think it has to do with the fear of my work not "measuring up" to someone else's. Also, I feel pressure to be creative and for me being creative is hard work. Whatever the reason I'm always glad when I finally sit down and do it.
I live in Indianapolis where we just had our big primary yesterday. It was certainly a weird feeling for all of us Hoosiers to actually matter in the race for president this early in the year. I have really enjoyed the watching the race since late last summer. It all started for me when the three democratic presidential hopefuls (remember John Edwards??) had a debate in August that was sponsored by CNN and Sojourners, which is a Christian social justice group. Just having the debate in that format was a big deal. Who could have imagined the day that DEMOCRATS would be debating in a forum sponsored by a Christian organization? Jim Wallis, the leaders of Sojourners, and other influential spiritual leaders across the country (including Dr. Joel Hunter, former associate pastor at Southport United Methodist Church, where I am currently serving) were able to ask some serious questions to the candidates about faith, the issues our country is facing, and how the two intersect. Hearing these three democratic hopefuls talk openly about their faith and how it affects their policies and decision-making was a breath of fresh air. This debate made it abundantly clear - faith matters to people in America (Republicans and Democrats alike) - and Americans want a leader who leads by conviction.
As a leader of a faith community, it excites me that these conversations are beginning to take place. In college I majored in political science and minored in religion. People used to always laugh when I told them this because they felt there was such a disconnect between the two. Well, not anymore. This is a new day people. As a follower of Jesus, I understand that my faith should absolutely saturate my life. There is no decision I should make, no action I should undertake that does not (at least subconsciously) take the lordship of Jesus in my life into account. That includes politics. Will my faith influence my voting? Absolutely. Will my voting cross party lines? Absolutely. America doesn't need anymore politicians. We need leaders. Bold leaders. Leaders that truly have the welfare of our country, and our world in their heart. And as a follower of Jesus, I would pray that my leaders would seek to lead in the example that Jesus set. That's something that I can get behind. It's a new day people!
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3 comments:
Hey Dan, Thanks for your thoughts. I, too, am pleased when politicians share their faith beliefs. Americans want and deserve thinking, moral leaders who can weigh the issues and deliver intelligent, humane, ethical, and just solutions to the problems we are facing. Peace, Joyce
Indeed sir!
Not that we can elect Jesus or speed up his return by our political action, but that we have a duty to devote all of our power to making that Kingdom a reality.
And all of our power has to include our political power.
Dan, I respect your linking of faith and political action. Works matter and faith without 'em is forlorn. Bread for the World has advocated USING our precious citizenship that is the envy of the world, on behalf of the least and lost, those that Jesus lived and cared for. What good are those precious rights if they are ignored? I have listened to Sojourners' perspectives and trust their work. We do need leaders and you are one with that vital perspective--political science and religion.
Peace with Justice (Tom Benjamin's sign-off, quoted by Dick today)
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