A few thoughts
I have once again begun receiving pressure from "The PW" to add a new post. It's not that I feel it necessary to wait for a request for a new post every time, it's just that I choose to spend my time doing so many other things instead of writing new blog entries. But anyway, here's your new post, Michelle. =)
I don't know if I really have a "typical" form that I follow in my postings, but if there were such a thing, I am going to depart from it for a moment of reflection. I've been reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis lately, and I want to share a passage from this book that relates to some thoughts I've been having for a while now regarding the state of our country, and politics and Christianity in general. I don't know if I'll be able to share my own thoughts, but for now I think the thoughts of Mr. Lewis will suffice. I'd be interested to know what you all out there in blogosphere think about this topic of the relationship between Christianity and the advancement of a political system or party. My own opinions are not well formed, but there is one thing that consistently makes me uncomfortable and sick to my stomach, and that is the division that arises among self-proclaimed Christians because of their differing political opinions. I think Mr. Lewis nails this one on the head.
Mere Christianity: Book 3: Christian Behavior; Chapter 3: Social Morality
Speaking of a "fully Christian society"...
*note: C.S. Lewis was British and he wrote these words in 1943.
I don't know if I really have a "typical" form that I follow in my postings, but if there were such a thing, I am going to depart from it for a moment of reflection. I've been reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis lately, and I want to share a passage from this book that relates to some thoughts I've been having for a while now regarding the state of our country, and politics and Christianity in general. I don't know if I'll be able to share my own thoughts, but for now I think the thoughts of Mr. Lewis will suffice. I'd be interested to know what you all out there in blogosphere think about this topic of the relationship between Christianity and the advancement of a political system or party. My own opinions are not well formed, but there is one thing that consistently makes me uncomfortable and sick to my stomach, and that is the division that arises among self-proclaimed Christians because of their differing political opinions. I think Mr. Lewis nails this one on the head.
Mere Christianity: Book 3: Christian Behavior; Chapter 3: Social Morality
Speaking of a "fully Christian society"...
If there were such a society in existence and you or I visited it, I think we should come away with a curious impression. We should feel that its economic life was very socialistic and, in that sense, 'advanced', but that its family life and its code of manners were rather old fashioned -- perhaps even ceremonious and aristocratic. Each of us would like some bits of it, but I am afraid very few of us would like the whole thing. That is just what one would expect if Christianity is the total plan for the human machine. We have all departed from that total plan in different ways, and each of us wants to make out that his own modification of the original plan is the plan itself. You will find this again and again about anything that is really Christian: every one is attracted by bits of it and wants to pick out those bits and leave the rest. That is why we do not get much further: and that is why people who are fighting for quite opposite things can both say they are fighting for Christianity....
And now, before I end, I am going to venture on a guess as to how this section (of the book) has affected any who have read it. My guess is that there are some Leftist people among them who are very angry that it has not gone further in that direction, and some people of an opposite sort who are angry because they think it has gone much too far. If so, that brings us right up against the real snag in all this drawing up of blueprints for a Christian society. Most of us are not really approaching the subject in order to find out what Christianity says: we are approaching it in the hope of finding support from Christianity for the views of our own party. We are looking for an ally where we are offered either a Master or -- a Judge.
*note: C.S. Lewis was British and he wrote these words in 1943.
posted by kentbrantly at 8:05 PM
3 Comments:
Liberals will think I'm conservative, conservatives will think I'm liberal. I am personally pleased that I do not have a career in politics, because I could never see myself as a member of either party.
Instead I tackle each issue on its own accord and like yourself, I am continuing to build an understanding of the Christian role I have within this world. My focus is on coming to understand God's love for us, rather than which political party is the lesser of the two evils. If somebody needs to place a label on my stance, I would define myself as progressive. I believe as my experience and studies continue to grow, so will my outlook on each individual issue.
For the benefit of discussion, I'll provide an example. I'm against abortion, although I'm also against the death penalty. Generally, these are two opposing viewpoints between the Republicans and Democrats. And yet I find both to be legal forms of murder that I do not agree with.
If there were a Christian government, within our world, do you believe it would promote a Holy example? I find this difficult to believe, given we live in a fallen world. And just as well, I have often held the belief that impassioned Christianity thrives within governments that oppose it. For instance, the Christian martyrs who would die for their faith. It was this devotion, that was not shared among the philosophers at the time, that helped ignite early Christianity. (And just as well, consider the wild growth in China.)
Although I believe the nation of Israel in the Old Testament is the closest example we will have for a Christian government. And within such a nation, men rejected the Lord their God as King and demanded to be like other nations (1 Samuel 8). And ultimately, this led to many years of grief and toil under a variety of rulers.
Along side the thought of a Christian government, I have always been curious to wonder what our Christian family gathering will be like in Heaven. I have a good memory of worshipping at a Promise Keepers event at Mile High. Men of every faith came ready to worship. The whole stadium sang in unison, as some blew trumpets, and others danced in the aisel. All in praise to God and it was certainly extraordinary.
I like how you have changed the "about me" section so now everyone will know that I am hounding a poor time deprived med student to make posts. Nice one. : ) You know I just enjoy hearing what you have to say so when you get a chance indulge the old "PW" once in a while. And by the looks of your counter it seems others enjoy what you have to say too.
Kent,
Great thoughts from C.S. Lewis. Christianity and politics is a complex topic. I agree though that Christ is our master and ultimate authority on earth--so how does that work with the very present reality that we live on the earth with other people who do not "serve" him like we do? Ah the Christ and culture question. I have posted on this in two places on my blog under the titles: "Christianity and Politics" and "On the Idea of a Christian State". You may want to read them. I'd love to hear feedback from you, but I know you are very busy reading other more important things. Miss you a lot and God bless you roomie,
Matt
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