The Silence of the Church (Because "Religion and Politics Don't Mix")

In response to my political views (posted on the right column of this blog), and the posts I've made here about former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, I mentioned in an earlier post that some folks apparently felt they needed to remind me that "politics and religion don't mix."

I promised I would offer my view on the subject after the Christmas and New Year holidays and explain why I do not agree with that statement.

It's really quite simple.

According to webster.com, the word "politics" is primarily defined as:
the art or science of government; the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy; the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government.

Webster also defines the word "religion" primarily as:
the service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.

Granted, politics or governments differ from one country to another, and there are many different religions that exist in our world.

In some countries, particularly middle eastern nations, their religion IS their government (or vice versa). The two are not separate. In these countries, their religion is the law of the land. So, in a case such as radical Islam, the mixture of politics and man-made religion is nothing but a recipe for death and destruction.

But the idea of pure religion and government being one and the same originates in the earliest of Biblical history. It was God's idea. God gave His ten commandments - His law - to govern the nation of Israel after being freed from Egyptian slavery. There was no political law separate from the religious law. It was one and the same.

And, of course, there were times when even the Israelites strayed from God's law - each wanting to do what was right in their own eyes. We know the moral of that story, and you would think we would have learned something from it by now.

Quite contrary to what secularists and history revisionists are trying to sell us these days, America was indeed founded on Godly principles and our governmental law was formed with religious convictions. Anyone willing to take the time to read both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence can see that. It doesn't take a genius.

And those who carelessly spit out the phrase, "separation of church and state" to defend their stance that religion has no place in government are ignorant idiots that are oblivious to factual American history.

Life and liberty are God-given, basic, human rights. And, according to the Bible, there is only one, true religion.

Even Thomas Jefferson, whom a secularist would proudly call his own, is documented to have said, "The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"

Connecting the dots, then, what true, red-blooded American in his/her right mind, with any sense of sound conscience would NOT want moral, Biblically sound politics guiding and influencing our government that exists for the purpose of protecting the law abiding citizen?

Admittedly, until recently I had never really been a "political" person. That’s not to say I’ve not been concerned or informed; But over the past three years, I’ve come to realize just how extremely important it is to be concerned about the decisions made by government - from the local level to the White House - because these decisions affect all our lives.

That said, it is every American citizen’s duty to stay informed about what’s happening in the world around us, and the right to vote and freedom of speech are not just “rights,” but responsibilities of every Christian American. Our voices must be heard.

So, how can we say, then, “politics and religion don’t mix?” Wouldn’t you suppose that the political views of Christians are formed and/or based primarily on Biblical principles and convictions? Or, at least, shouldn’t they be?

To say that "politics and religion don't mix" makes about as much sense as saying "Jesus and the gospel don't mix." (Although, ironically, however, the sad reality is that Jesus nor the gospel exists in some so-called churches any more than Biblical convictions exists in some so-called Christians' political views.)

While the economy is failing, the justice system is failing, and politicians and government leaders are failing us, where is the church?? Is the church also failing? Where is the church that Jesus said the gates of hell could not prevail against, the one that stands for absolute truth and righteousness?

Quite frankly, if the church don’t get political real fast, we’re going to lose this nation.

Some say it’s too late, it’s already a lost cause. Others say there is nothing we can do but pray. And, certainly, prayer still changes things, and the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b).

However, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20b).

I realize that Bible prophecy does indeed foretell certain inevitable events that will ultimately take place on this planet as a result of sin and judgment. I also realize the Bible says that, in the last days, some will depart from the faith. Still, that is no reason or excuse for apathy, compromise and complacency. There’s certainly no reason for the church’s deafening silence. We are called to fight the good fight of faith (1st Timothy 6:12a).

In today’s social and political climate, even in the so-called “church” world, it’s very unpopular - and sometimes even dangerous - to voice convictions and conservative opinions that differ from the common secular and liberal world view. But the truth is, if we don’t use our voice, we’ll lose it altogether.

I will continue to pray for our government and those in leadership. Furthermore, however, as a Christian and as an American citizen who loves this country, I have also made a personal commitment to respectfully and prayerfully voice my concerns and convictions to lawmakers and others in leadership, and encourage them to return to the principles of our founding fathers that made this nation so great and prosperous.

Silence is compromise. I will no longer be silent.

As a Christian and as a concerned American citizen, my voice will be heard in prayer. My voice will be heard at the voting booth. My voice will be heard at the White House. My voice will be heard on this blog. My voice will be heard in the pulpit. My voice will be heard as long as there is breath in my body to proclaim the righteousness of God.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:13,14)

Could YOU stand before almighty God on judgment day and tell Him, "politics and religion don't mix?" Not if you're worth your salt.

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)

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Recommended Reading

For more commentary on this topic, read Rev. Michael Bresciani's articles:
Religion and Politics Don’t Mix - A Modern Fairy Tale
So You Don't Think Religion and Politics Make A Good Mix?

And Donnie Swaggart has just posted this commentary, relating the impact of letting our voices be heard:
Another Boston Tea Party