Patriotism, Christianity, and Dissent

Posted by Pastor Pat on June 20, 2009

¹⁷ “For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her.  ¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife’”(Mark 6:17, 18).

I find John’s statement and cause for imprisonment striking in light of our presidential elections on Tuesday (November 4, 2008).  Although I would probably argue that the prophet’s role in a theocracy, John’s role in a monarchy and our role in a democracy might be different, there are similarities.  I am told pastors cannot tell you to vote for specific candidates, there is, however, a right and wrong in what each of our presidential candidates promote and the Bible does speak to issues.

Does the Bible promote a system of honorable work?  Are we to concern ourselves with the poor, widowed, and orphaned?  Is greed and the exploitation of the less fortunate sinful?  Should we be warmongers or peacemakers?  Does war, like divorce, exist simply because of the hardness of men’s hearts? Should laziness be enabled?  Does the issue of personal convenience justify taking the life of the unborn child, infanticide or euthanasia?  Is the use of our natural resources an expression of biblical stewardship and mankind’s dominion over the earth?   When does environmentalism become idolatry and exploitation become criminal?

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For Whoever Does the Will of God, He is My Brother and Sister and Mother.

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 6, 2009

Remember the previous paragraph.  Jesus notes how those who are for Him are a part of His kingdom.  Those who are against Him have committed an unpardonable sin.  The issue in our present paragraph is not whether you are in His immediate family by physical descent, but if you are born again and have pledged your allegiance to King Jesus.

What is interesting about this statement is what is not said.  First, our union with Christ is not based on one’s social standing.  Whether you are a Pharisee, tax-collector, scribe, or sinner, none of these things matter as it relates to one’s inclusion in God’s family.  Second, our union with Christ is not based on one’s financial wherewithal.  Whether one is rich or poor, financially strapped or independently wealthy, none of these things matter as it relates to one’s inclusion in God’s family.  Third, our union with Christ is not based on one’s genealogical alliances.  One’s pedigree has no bearing on whether or not one is included in God’s family.  Such preferences often related to heritage are of no consequence when it relates to one’s inclusion in god’s family.  Finally, our union with Christ is not based on gender.  Whether you are male or female, rich or poor, bond or free, all may be included and no one will be excluded if the right path is chosen.

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