Free For All - The Free Liberal Blog: Rendering unto Caesar

August 2008

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Father Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute takes Jim Wallis to task for claiming a hike in cigarette taxes is the "moral thing to do." Father Sirico makes several good moral and economic arguments against "sin" taxes, including citing Thomas Aquinas' warnings against making all immoral behavior illegal. However, Father Sirico's arguments are unlikely to convince a post-millennialist like Wallis, who believes the state has a scared duty to improve our behavior to create heaven on earth. Wallis' post-millennial crusade to create an earthly paradise also explains his support for US military action in the name of "human rights."

Post-millennialism does not just exist on the Christan left. One can detect traces of it among certain segments of the Christian right. For instance, there is definitely a post-millennial ring to some of the rhetoric used by the leaders of "Jesus Camp." I have mixed feelings about the people and activities presented in the movie. On the one hand, many of the children are remarkably well-spoken and seem genuinely devoted to spreading the word of Christ. As I pro-life libertarian, I also share their goal of ending abortion, which is the political issue emphasized in the film. I was also favorably disposed to think well of the subjects of the film because I saw the movie in DC with a liberal crowd who snorted with derision or gasped in shock whenever the children, their parents, or the camp leaders, expressed opposition to abortion, or skepticism about global warming or evolution.

However, I was disturbed, to put it mildly, by the mixture of religion and nationalism. Christian libertarians will be put off by the constant waving of the American flag, and the "blessing"" of George Bush for putting "holy men" in charge of the US state.

I wonder what the owners and operators of Jesus Camp make of the revelation that the godly men George Bush brought to Washington think that many conservative Christians are "nuts." Hopefully, both the Jesus Campers and the followers of Jim Wallis will learn from David Kuo's bad example of the dangers of Christians become caught up in politics:

"In some ways White House power is like [J.R.R.] Tolkien’s ring of power. When you put it on, it feels good and it’s dazzling. But after a while it begins to consume you in ways you don’t realize. That’s the nature of White House power. I have no doubt that Christian political leaders have gotten involved for all the right reasons. I just think over time it becomes harder and harder to stand up against that ring of power and the White House, to say no and walk away.

The Christian political leaders have been seduced. If you look at their comments that they know what they’re doing, I’m not quite sure how to read that—is it wonderful or a little troubling? That’s one of the reasons I call for this fast from politics."

Comments

You say you are not in favor of Christians becomming involved in politics. I understand some of your reasons for thinking that way. Many very special people to me share that opinion with you.

However, I must ask... when Christians become apathetic to politics and stay out of the political arena, what are we to say regarding our love for the millions of people around the world affected by American politics. Christians in America are on top of the world, even if we don't feel that way. If we travel to countries less fortunate than our own, we will certainly see that. You can see in many different passages throughout Scripture, that God wants us to use the blessings that He bestows upon us to help others. If we are on top of the world, but do nothing about it... how do you think God views that?

I recently spent a month in Egypt, where there is great poverty. The average Egyptian knew more about American politics than most Americans. Why? Because they are affected by American politics, where Americans can live comfortably without ever spending a moment's thoughts on politics, unless it's about taxes and/or their pocket book.

So I ask, why do you suppose Christ would prefer us to sit on the sidelines, while our country affects millions of people? And why would you presume to have the authority to say that those who feel called to be involved in politics, are wrong? Have you ever felt a calling that you couldn't physically prove to those around you was from God?

Posted by: kelly226650 | October 26, 2006 10:54 AM