Living the Message Feb. 6

Religion and Politics

For Christians, "political" acquires extensive biblical associations and dimensions. So rather than look for another word untainted by corruption and evil, it is important to use it just as it is so that by it we are trained to see God in the places that seem intransigent to grace. The people who warn that "region and politics don't mix" certainly know what the are talking about. The mix has resulted in no end of ills -- crusades, inquisitions, witch hunts, exploitation. All the same, God says, "Mis them." But be ever careful how you mix them. The only safe way is in prayer. It is both unbiblical and unreal to divide life into the activities of religion and politics, or into the realms of scared and profane. But how do we get them together without putting one into the unscrupulous hands of the other, politics using religion or religion using politics, when what we want is true mixture, politics becoming religious and religion becoming political? Prayer is the only means that is adequate for the great end of getting these polarities in dynamic relation, The psalms are our most extensive source documents showing prayer in action,

So rebel-kings, use your heand;
Upstart judgues, learn your lesson:
Worship GOD n adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!

PSALM 2:10-12