Let’s talk politics, pt. 2…
January 16th, 2008
Returning to the issue of politics, I want to take a moment and express appreciation and agreement with Lou Engle’s statement about abortion in America at the Call-Kansas City a few weeks back. His contention was that this is not a political issue - it transcends politics and is an issue of America’s moral failure whose logical outworking is the self-centered and callous manner in which men and women deal with their choices while claiming “personal rights”. It astonishes me how easy it is for wicked, ungodly, self-interested and self-centered men and women to frame the national debate on this topic. That we have so exalted individual freedoms and liberties in such a manner that they outweigh the corporate good is a clear indicator that greater atrocities lie in wait in the days to come. The madness that has gripped this nation - subjective morality and the elevation of individual choice - can only end in great bloodshed and tragedy.
Why would Tom Brokaw, as well as many actual sociologists that have objective data to study in drawing their conclusions, peg the World War II generation as “The Greatest Generation”? The Apostle Paul understood why this would be the case: athletes, soldiers, and farmers tend to have a different mindset drilled into them about teamwork, dependance on others, playing your part in a collective whole, service, honor, hard work, sacrifice, and other values that are instilled when working towards a common goal. While I’m not a fan of patriotism per se, it is far better than the alternative in which some tout and exploit their freedom to strike against the very mechanisms and persons in government that contribute to an opulent life of wealth that many ancient kings could never imagine.
We have come to a crossroads in our nation where individualism and the needs of the one far outweigh the corporate good and the needs of all. We have come to the days in which few are interested in self-restraint and self-discipline that serves the greater good. I think that part of the problem lies in the current state of morality and truth in our nation, by which few can even define what constitutes as “good” anymore. Thus “good” becomes what is “good for you”, with many of the popular preachers of the day willingly join the chorus of advertisers, politicians, and corporations happy to serve that subjective definition.
Thus, when talking about politics, I don’t necessarily want to discuss “who to vote for”. As we have seen in the comments section, angst about the quality of the candidates being offered up for public scrutiny can reach historic levels. We are in an age in which more information is so quickly and readily available than any other time in all of history. All of us can now be amateur researchers and reporters, breaking the news on blogs and web discussions about the impropriety and sheer humanity of the poor slobs that step up to volunteer for the thankless job of “leader of the free world.” I don’t say that to pity the corrupt and the ambitious, eager to shape the world according to their arrogant, unbiblical vision of how the world should be. I say that simply to point out that Lincoln would never have been elected to presidential office if they had the internet in 1860.
So we have come to this. Politicians are skilled at winning elections, but incapable of governing. They win because they are the best at tapping into the sinful, self-interested fears of a nation most interested in individual self-preservation. It will hurt us down the road if we exit Iraq prematurely. No one cares. It will hurt us badly down the road if we do not end abortion. No one is concerned. The general malaise that has gripped our nation leaves us more concerned about our personal security, our ability to buy prescription drugs, our buying power, and our interest rates than the life of an unborn child. While the majority of Americans believe that abortion is wrong, few believe it enough to actually take a stand and declare it to be wrong. Because making a definitive judgment on “wrong” then alienates and hurts the feelings of those with no conscience, making a dreadful profit on the shame of America. These are dreadful days, with worse to come.
And yet, the best days of the church are yet to come as well. For God’s eye is on something grander and greater than the next election. He is after a spotless, pure Bride - and will have the desire of His heart expressed on the earth. The manner in which He will bring this about is both great and very terrible. With all of the above - trouble and sin and murder and judgment - all of that in mind, why do I care about politics?
Because there is still time for America to repent - a season of restraint in which this nation can learn to fear God again. When I look at the candidates, I can’t look with an eye towards natural things. I have to look with a different lens, asking the Father to show me which man (or woman) is poised for a life-changing encounter that could serve as the “great equalizer”: a moment in time in which all of their humanity and weakness encounters a fearsome God…and everything is different for the rest of their lives. Who can be “turned”, not by interest groups or power, but by the hand of God Himself?
This is why Paul reframed the political debate in his day. It was not about Nero’s worth or skill in governance. Paul commanded the Roman church to pray for the man that would someday execute him. It is God that sets kings in place and tears them down - He is the great Humbler of Men. He also personifies our only hope for this nation.
So I don’t want to tout anyone just yet - I will wait until the primary season is over. Then, I will pick between the “lesser of two evils” - hoping beyond hope and racing against time that God loves mercy, and desires to establish a season of refreshing and restraint before the judgments come.
David
Entry Filed under: bible, current events, politics
9 Comments Add your own
1. Washington | January 16th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I need to go back to statistics to make my point here… the source:
http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
I will quote:
“Who’s having abortions (religion)?
Women identifying themselves as Protestants obtain 37.4% of all abortions in the U.S.; Catholic women account for 31.3%, Jewish women account for 1.3%, and women with no religious affiliation obtain 23.7% of all abortions. 18% of all abortions are performed on women who identify themselves as “Born-again/Evangelical”.”
I hope you see where I’m getting at… no words necessary.
2. Cathy | January 16th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Sorry, David! I didn’t mean to raise things to historic levels.
Stepping back now…
3. Steven Chudy | January 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Dave. If a leader were to encounter God and lead the country from the council of the Lord, do you think that, that alone would be enough to cause a change in our nation? It’s hard for me to picture America turning without a very serious blow to their hearts. And I would venture to say we are vastly immune to tragedy that is not on our soil in terms of it moving us to the WWII sacrificial giving you are presenting here. A president acting as a father to the nation (with the spirit of wisdom and revelation) in the aftermath of a 9-11 type judgement seems like one potential event that would cause a majority in our nation to repent. May God in his mercy continue to move on us to change our nation through intercession and avoid a judgement like this.
4. David | January 17th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Cathy:
Don’t step back! I meant “collectively” - not meaning to single you out at all. I should have clarified: the conversation on the earlier post to me was reflective of the national mood and many other blog posts and discussions happening all over the internet. I don’t think that your individual contribution is more or less angst-ridden than millions of others whose frustrations you gave voice to.
Make sense?
I love juicy discussion and passionate disagreement - don’t step back, step up!
5. David | January 17th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Steve:
I fully agree with your assessment, with one slight difference: a “God-encounter” that shifts the heart of the leader of our nation would be an indicator to me of the “heavenly mood” of our Father more than a “get out of jail free” stamp.
It is clear that we are heading towards severe judgment, based on the combination of factors I presented above. But an act of mercy such as the conversion of a national leader can be an incredibly encouraging sign of the possibility of that judgment being minimized,
6. Matthew | January 17th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I disagree with you about the corporate good vs. individual freedoms mindset. I think it’s just the opposite. People are willing to put up with abortion, even though they think it’s wrong, because they view it as the trading of a few children’s’ lives for the freedom of all women. When the nations start steamrolling those who aren’t willing to compromise Christianity, it will be for the “common good” of safety and security.
The corporate good is what we really need to watch for. That was the excuse for the greatest atrocities of the last century, and I’m sure it will be the excuse of the worst in this upcoming century.
7. David | January 18th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Matthew - that’s an interesting spin, and one I will consider. I don’t fully agree with you - America is one of the most individualistic, relativistic societies in history - but that is an interesting point to consider.
8. Matthew | January 18th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I agree; America is brazenly selfish and materialistic. But the “me first” attitude that causes so much trouble also keeps us from corporate acts of wickedness like the tower of Babel.
9. Ron | January 20th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
David,
With almost every new thought you express I get both excited and discouraged - in the same way that I have these emotions every time I hear a conservative opinion maker, (especially Christian), express what is needed in the next president. For example a “heartfelt and intellectual passion to end abortion”, a “true conservative, preferrably in the mold of Reagan”, “preferrably with both foreign and doestic government experience”, a “great communicator who can persuade of, and defend his ideas, and even maybe inspire a nation towards righteousness.” These are some of the typical apparent longings of the American conservative or christian voter. So, this is where I feel like I’m jumping up and down in the desert, waving flags, and yelling, “Helloooo, does anyone even KNOW who Alan Keyes is? Does anyone even realize he’s a bonafide, registered, real candidate, even if he is feared by the GOP itself?” My comments on a few of yours:
you/Lou: “about abortion…His contention was that this is not a political issue - it transcends politics and is an issue of America’s moral failure….”
me: Yes! Yes! This is Alan Keyes to the core. If you know him, you know this. He doesn’t warm up to this issue at voting time.
you: “The madness that has gripped this nation - subjective morality and the elevation of individual choice - can only end in great bloodshed and tragedy”
me: Yes. yes. Listening to Keyes orate and inspire on this issue with crisp intellectual clarity and passion is something like….well, I don’t know what to compare it to, but it is so deeply inspiring because its so clearly right.
you: Re:”…self-restraint and self-discipline that serves the greater good…”
me: same as my previous comment.
you: “…historic levels of angst about the quality of the candidates being offered up…”
me: Again, Hellooooo! Does anyone know who Alan Keyes is, and that he’s a candidate?” Wait I hear a faint cry back. “well, yes, he’s definitely the ideal guy, but it’s not happening, so we’re abandoning him because the press and even the GOP want nothing to do with him.”
you: “..Lincoln would never have been elected to presidential office if they had the internet in 1860…”
me: This reminds me of Keyes (Lincoln is a good comparison if you hear Keyes speak on abortion vs slavery). But in Keyes’ case, his seeming unelectability is not so much due to the internet, but the incredible enmity towards him from the old media - the press and the traditional power brokers of his own party. As you said in your post, there are those who are skilled at winning (eg. schmoozing, politicking, promises-for-all), and there are those who are ideal for actual governing. I pray the twain shall meet.
you: “…all of that in mind, why do I care about politics?”
me: I appreciate this. It may seem to you that I am a political junkie, but, like you, I am clear about God’s plan at the end of this age to bring ultimate salvation and righteous government to this earth. I have no delusions about a political saviour. But also, we seek to do our civic responsibility and cooperate to install good, godly government who will enact God-respecting laws, and inspire a nation to repentance and honouring God. (ok, you saw it - I’m Canadian)
you: “So I don’t want to tout anyone just yet - I will wait until the primary season is over. Then, I will pick between the “lesser of two evils” - hoping beyond hope and racing against time that God loves mercy, and desires to establish a season of refreshing and restraint before the judgments come.”
me: (wanting to cry) NO NEED to pick between the lesser of 2 evils. Seriously, I need to ask, do you know who Alan Keyes is, and that he is a candidate? I sincerely am wondering that because it’s amazing how effectively the press and the GOP party itself has manipulated the public to absolutely not consider Keyes’ candidacy as real.
Finally, a side note about the prophecy that Lou Engle referred to at the Call, and it’s implied meaning. Let me share with you a letter I sent to Lou afterwards. [apology: I know this is a long entry. hope you’ve found it somewhat interesting. [I wonder what the word limit is?]
Lou,
I just got back from Onething and the Call, and I am fasting with you again today as well. I am writing to ask you to prayerfully consider something. Perhaps God would clarify the focus of your prayers, and the prayers of those with you, so they might be most effective in their purpose. So, regarding the man who would come in a brown bag, I am seriously reminded of when David, truly the one with the pure heart after God, was so seriously overlooked. The prophet (loosely) said “Are you sure there aren’t any other candidates who qualify according to the prophecy? I know the first few you showed me really seemed like possible contenders, but… ” Well, ya, there is one more but this guy really has no money. This is seriously a loaves and fishes guy, but he does come in a brown container. I mean it would take serious faith to believe this guy could win. Everyone ignores him, and who wants to stand so alone with this guy who the press want to vilify make out to be a loser? (isn’t that what they’d be inspired to do to God’s choice?) OK, even if he is the most articulate, consistent, inspiring, outspoken, and proven advocate for the unborn and for a return to recognizing the God of our national fathers…” Lou, by now you have probably guessed I am talking about Alan Keyes.
Huckabee’s televised statements about the loaves and fishes notwithstanding, as I ask the Lord the same question that was asked, i.e., “Lord, who would be your choice for the next President?” I clearly believe I sense the Lord smiling at the prospect that Alan Keyes would be that man. Is he too direct for us to consider him? Too radical? Loves and obeys God too much? Too focused on the issue of ending abortion? Or is it just that we believe he can’t win? Just too unlikely. I mean God is the God of miracles, but this? Like I said, who wants to hitch their cart to this unlikely horse?
Like you, I don’t have a thus saith the Lord about this, but in as much as I do hear God in my spirit, I believe Alan is the man, [note to Dave’s blog: i.e. God’s preference, but not necessarily that God would force him on us], and if there is any way that the prophetic movement is helping MIke Huckabee, simply based on your sense that it’s Mike, I pray that you will seek God about this and at least direct the same favour to Alan, our proven brother in the battle.
In His affecions…”
Ok, that’s it. My first reply to any of your postings, (which I find really impressive.) Honestly, if I reply again it won’t be so long. Now to finally get back to what I came for, your postings about today’s football games. Can’t wait.
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