Jesus at the Ballot Box

Last updated on: May 9, 2013 at 6:22 am by Faithful Democrats

Jesus at the Ballot Box 2013-05-09T06:22:52-06:00 Faithful Democrats

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Most societies throughout history have featured those

who use religion to consolidate and protect their political and
economic power. The time of Jesus was certainly no exception. So the real question is not what he would have thought of the religious right, but rather what he did think of them.

So here we are again. Another election. Another
chance to ask ourselves what kind of country we would like to have—and
what sort of values we want displayed in our policies. Those
of us who claim the Christian faith are accustomed to pondering what
the Lord requires of us in all situations—of which voting is
undoubtedly one of the most important. So how does Jesus want us to vote?

Political figures often claim to
have the definitive answer—which inevitably includes supporting their
particular positions at the moment. They know just how Jesus would vote, and they are eager to explain it to us.

In Illinois’ 2004 Senate race,
Republican candidate Alan Keyes famously attempted to bait future
Senator Barack Obama by declaring that Jesus would not vote for the
Democrat. Sen. Obama’s off-the-cuff reply remains a gem of political class and intellect:

I leave it to God to decide how good a Christian I am. I leave it to the people of Illinois to decide how good a U.S. Senator I will be. I am unconcerned with Mr. Keyes’ opinion on either matter.

Well put, and fair enough. But while we are on the subject, what would Jesus’ opinion be? He would certainly be surprised—and likely dismayed—by the role his name and legacy play in our current politics. When
we view the bundle of political goods peddled under the “Christian”
brand, it is natural to wonder what Jesus would think of those
politicians who most frequently and forcefully invoke his name. What would he think of the so-called “religious right?”

The problem here is in the question. It assumes the religious right is an exclusively modern phenomenon. In
fact, however, most societies throughout history have featured those
who use religion to consolidate and protect their political and
economic power. The time of Jesus was certainly no exception. So the real question is not what he would have thought of the religious right, but rather what he did think of them.

Sadly for many of today’s politicians the answer is: not much. Jesus was unabashed in his opposition to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other corrupted religious authorities of his day. He boldly challenged their version of God’s message. They could quote all the scripture they wanted, but to Jesus, they were missing the point—blind to the will and word of God.

Scripture demanded the adulteress be stoned, but Jesus declared that God had a better way. Dogmatic law dictated societal segregation, but Jesus embraced the Samaritan. Tradition allowed for shady financial deals in the temple, but Jesus would have none of it. Religious authorities sought to consolidate political power, but Jesus drew a line between God and Caesar.

And most importantly, when
religious leaders stressed adherence to a particular interpretation of
arcane rules, Jesus told them to toss out the book. All we need, he said, is to love the Lord our God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Politicians often tell us that voting for “Christian values” means supporting certain views on abortion or sexuality. But are those really the priorities of Jesus? Is that the extent of his message for us? It seems to this Christian that he had his eyes on a bigger picture.

How would he vote? I do not know. But
I can follow his example to the best of my ability by praying to God
and voting for the benefit of my neighbor—rich or poor, American or
Iraqi, Christian or not. My heart and soul tell me to vote against war-making, against hypocrisy and dishonesty, against corruption and injustice. My mind and strength will lead me to stand up for a change.

Featured Writers

Previous Post

October 27, 2006

Michael J. Fox spotlights a need

Next Post

October 28, 2006 Don't Think LIKE an Elephant

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category About Us About Us Action Center Advertise Ask a Theologian Ask a Theologian Blogs Books Campaign Blog Candidate Spotlights Commentary Donate Facebook Featured Writers Fellows Fellows From the Pulpit General Information Hillary Clinton Interfaith Blog Latest Media Center Media Center Media Center MyBlog MyBlog News Newsflash Newsflashes Our Team Reader Blogs RSS Sermon of the Week Shop Social Networking Static Items Support Talking Points Test blogs The Basics Theology Uncategorized YouTube

Select a Month November 2020 October 2020 February 2020 August 2019 July 2018 July 2017 March 2017 February 2017 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 June 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 January 2006 August 2004

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What year was the Temple in Jerusalem destroyed by the Romans?

Select your answer to see how you score.

70 AD 586 BC 120 AD 33 AD