Religion and Politics

By a New Life Member

Everyone knows that there are two topics that should never be discussed in mixed company…religion and politics. Lately, it seems like society has tossed that particular rule right out the window. You can’t go anywhere without hearing someone talk about the state of the nation and the upcoming election, often from a very strong point of view.  I think that you would be hard-pressed to find a person that is neutral about the candidates running for president.

In a country that is probably the most divided it has been in many decades, where everyone is either red or blue, right or left, Democrat or Republican, I would like to offer a third option: Christian. Or to drill it down even further: Human.

During the 2016 election, I witnessed something that was pivotal in shaping the way that I view politics. It has changed me forever, and I would like to share it.

There are two couples in our body that I am very close to. They are some of my dearest friends. My closest confidants.  Four of the very wisest people that I know. If any of them offered me advice, I would heed their words without hesitation. They are leaders, pillars of their communities, respected, and loved dearly by all that know them.

Excluding politics, these four people are in lockstep in their beliefs. They share similar views on most of life. Yet, when it comes to politics, they are on completely opposite sides of the aisle.  How is this even possible????

I’ll tell you how. Jesus.

The ground at the foot of the cross is level. There is no race, color, creed, political party, or even religion. At the foot of the cross, we are all the same: a wretched sinner in need of the saving grace of the shed blood of Jesus.