I was told yesterday that my post on the Status Quo was harsh, unnecessary, illogical, and mean-spirited, among other things. Likewise, this individual has not understood what exactly I mean by this novus lumen of the Church’s involvement in the “Capitol Hill community” and politics in general. So in two posts I hope to clarify what I am and, more importantly, not talking about.
First, what am I NOT talking about, in no particular order:
1) Indiviudal Christians voting and electing representatives; this is part of our “salt and light” repsponsibility. So I am not saying stay home and simply pray your pants off: ROCK THE VOTE!
2) Individual Christians working in our government for the purpose of bringing a cultural change on Capitol Hill and political change through legislation. This is what I did for a year and why I exist now. I am not simply in agreement on this issue because I need a job, but because this is another idea of being “salt and light” and “yeasting” in the world.
3) Individual Churches speaking prophetically (not in the Charismatic, but moral sense) on political issues of cultural importance. I believe there is a need for certain restraint in this area, though, when these spiritual Megaphones speak for God…a very dangerous and weighty responsibility indeed. See the next post for clarification.
4) Individual Christians working within non-Christian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to speak prophetically and morally for God’s desires regarding certain policies. But again I believe there is need for restraint as we seek to communicate what God desires in the public and political realm.
5) Christian organizations involving and informing Christians for the purpose of voting in and supporting Godly men and women leaders.
A few NOTS for you…
Also, because I need a pat on the back today, here is a quote from an email of a new friend and ally I met through novus lumen. At least there is one person who identifies and appreciates the alternative vision I am trying to cast:
Ah, this is great… I’m really thrilled to have you as an ally. I’ve so rarely heard before what you offer on your blog – that the way toward a godly country is for God to infect individuals’ hearts with His consuming love. I love that!
Thanks so much Brian for your kind words, and for the spiritual and emotional boost. I needed that today…
be His,
jeremy
