A Christian Democrat?
This week, an old nameless guy said to me, “how can you be a Democrat and a Christian at the same time?”
Hmmmmm….
Before I go any further, this is not a political blog, and I am not out start a war of words here, but this being an election year, I thought I would wax for a bit regarding this gentleman’s comment.
Before I reconcile my choice to be both a follower of Christ and a Democrat, I must say that I am not a big believer in “political parties.” Parties exist so that people with like ideals can band together. I don’t put any faith in my party, however, in our current system, you are given two options. (Independent is not really a choice…it’s kind of a copout. I actually was registered independent during the Perot campaign. Remember Perot? Are you thinking of Dana Carvey as Perot? me too….I digress)
Two options. Here is how I see my options. Conservativism sits inside the Republican camp which, at it’s most basic ideal is about being left alone. Leave me alone and don’t tax me. It says that we can all do much better on our own. In America, it is now entwined with our capitalism. To me, Conservatism is individualism…looking out for numero uno.
Option two, is Liberalism, which lives in the Democrat camp. The ideal of liberalism is that we look out for each other. We are all equal, so therefore, we should all have the same opportunities. In America, that boils down to more taxes, more government, and more programs that are intended to aid those who couldn’t just do it for themselves.
While I am very aware of the fact that there are some very sticky moral issues that divide these ideals, I believe that my mindset is that of a liberal. Sorry, there it is. The more I listen to conservative pundits on talkradio and the like, the more I see that that they’re first question when they approach an issue is, “how will this affect me?” While in my selfishness, I don’t deny that there are those tendencies, I push through them because of my faith in Christ. My faith in God’s Kingdom. I believe that Jesus was very clear that this life should not be about you, but about your neighbor. The purpose of life here is not to store up treasures on earth but in heaven…therefore, I don’t believe that the American Dream, is God’s dream.
(let me say again just incase I wasn’t clear. Adam is not saying Jesus is a Democrat…only that he is…okay? we cool? I know this post is a little heavy)
My convictions when it comes to things like the death penalty, abortion, gay marriage, immigration, and the whole host of “hotbutton” issues that normally crop up in this discussion are, I believe, consistent with God’s Word. We can discuss that later, but just know I have a very “consistent” ethic on human life…I believe murder, is murder. No matter if you call it a choice, or call it punishment, it’s still murder.
I am simply saying that the whole notion that Christians are Republicans is an outdated one. It’s just not true anymore. I bet if polled our church (secretly of course) to see the party lines, I would lay 10 to 1 that it’s about 60-40 Red-Blue.
What do you think? Is this subject still too hard for people to discuss? Am I entirely off base? Can I love Jesus and vote for a Democrat? Have I turned you all off completely?
Remember, I am a lover not a fighter.
Peace.
