I have been talking a lot about a Christian's involvement in politics and how we should be prophetic instead of just being political. We should point to the higher reality of the Kingdom of God and the person and ethic of Christ in all that we do. Here is an example of two men running for office that might be coming close to expressing that more positive reality. Jay Love (R) and Bobby Bright (D) are running for Congress in Alabama's 2nd District. This is where I live and where Montgomery is located. Bobby Bright is Montgomery's mayor and I have talked with him several times. He seems like a decent man. I have never met Jay Love. What is interesting about this race is that both men are deacon's in First Baptist Church, Montgomery. The USA Today wrote a story on it that was very positive and explained their desire to keep the race on the up and up and influenced by Christian ethics (HT: Steven Taylor). Praise God! Jay Wolf, pastor of FBC and someone that I highly respect, has called upon both men to honor Christ in their campaign. I am praying that they keep a positive witness as they articulate their differing views. As Christians, we don't have to agree on everything, but we do need to love one another and treat one another with respect.
If Love and Bright are able to focus on the issues and maintain their Christian love for one another, honoring God above their desire for political power and seeking above all to serve the people of Alabama's District 2, then they will certainly exemplify the character of a deacon and will provide an example of being prophetic instead of political. Jesus does make a difference.
In 4 years they can run for the oval office as Bright/Love- Now that is a description of Christ.
Posted by: Chris | September 05, 2008 at 03:45 AM
Alan,
I finally caught up with your posts. Thanks for your strong arguments for a biblical approach to prophetic politics.
By the way, I now know not to miss a day at Downshoredrift during the political season. I logged on the other day and I missed 5 posts.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff Moody | September 05, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Yeah, writing tends to run in cycles for me. When my mind is engaged and I am interested in something, words tend to flow freely.
Posted by: Alan Cross | September 05, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Yeah, writing tends to run in cycles for me. When my mind is engaged and I am interested in something, words tend to flow freely.
Posted by: Alan Cross | September 05, 2008 at 01:44 PM