As a new phase of my life swiftly approaches and I will soon be robbed of the generous amount of free time I presently enjoy, I’ve begun to think on the ways I spend my time. I don’t think it’s any secret to my facebook friends that I spend a lot of time in political dialogue and debate with friends and family. I’ve been reflecting today as to whether or not that’s a wise investment of time, and I’ve come to some conclusions I wanted to share.
Yes, I believe it’s good to stand up for what you believe, and that sometimes those convictions will naturally align you with particular political agendas—whether or not you mean for that to happen. For instance, I believe that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are God-given rights to all human beings from “womb to tomb.” These opinions naturally dictate positions on abortion, the size and scope of government, and so-called social justice, respectively. While I believe these issues are important, I’ve come to realize that I’ve often let my faith dictate my political persuasions, rather than my view of politics. It’s a subtle but important difference. It seems to me that if I believe Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom of heaven, that belief should radically affect my entire approach to politics, not just my political opinions.
For the record, I do believe the agenda of the present administration will leave America with crippling debt, weak national defense, and rather blatant violations of the Constitution. But I haven’t justified why that should press a follower of Jesus to spend a good deal of his time promoting political and philosophical arguments against the present administration. I have no explanation for how these conclusions legitimize endless arguments with friends and family.
I think much of it has to do with a sense of purpose and belonging. If you believe the nation you love is crumbling or settling into a pitiable state, it’s understandable that you would want to join up with the people who claim to have alternatives to that outcome. Additionally, it’s difficult overestimate the security that comes from camaraderie, and rallying around an idea or set of ideas with like-minded people. But I don’t think God is impressed with my political affiliations. Further, if this nation suffers a heavy downturn under the present administration (and it probably will), God will still be God over America, Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and even the Middle East. It’s a simple enough statement, but I make it because I don’t think I live as though I believe it.
I believe that standing up for life and liberty is good, and I think the founders of America had good ideas that are worth preserving. But I am not a student of politics or political theory; I am a student of theology. So it seems to me that a better use of my time would be to explore how I, as a budding theologian, can uniquely contribute to these conversations, rather than occasionally sounding like a mouthpiece for a political party.
