Our Religious Beliefs Should Influence Our Politics
Craig R. Vander Maas
I recently read a Barna article about a survey on the presidential election. It indicated that religious beliefs were a major factor influencing the voting of conservative Christians but not progressive Christians. I found this surprising and rather dismaying. I am a person who self-identifies as a progressive Christian, and religious beliefs do have a significant impact on my political beliefs. I have heard from some that religion and politics should not mix. With that I strongly disagree. Jesus did not try to change just individual hearts, but also systems of oppression.
It is very important to me that our political leaders are not only smart and informed, but that they are also spiritually, morally, and emotionally developed individuals. This is important to me not only as a Christian but also as a psychologist. Character matters. In mental health we refer to people who are exploitive and self-centered as emotionally, morally, and spiritually undeveloped and at worst “personality disordered”.
In analyzing many animal societies we see that “alpha males” would become the leaders. These societies do not look for morally developed leaders, just strong, powerful and forceful leaders. For these societies, size matters, whether that be overall strength, size of horns, size of hands, or whatever. Alpha males rule by intimidation, strength and dominance. Might makes right.
Alpha males have predominated not only in the animal kingdom but also in human societies. People seem to be drawn to strong, confident, dominant personalities. It is these type of personalities that are popular on television and in the movies (e.g. John Wayne, Charles Bronson, Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood). We are drawn to these charismatic and strong personalities.
There were alpha males in the Bible as well. King Rehoboam, the son and successor of King Solomon, was one such character. He boasted about being stronger, tougher and more macho than his father to intimidate his subjects. This caused the split of his kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah which he continued to rule. The writer of the books of Kings in the Hebrew scriptures makes judgments about each successive king in each kingdom- not about whether they were strong and successful leaders, but about whether they were faithful to God. Hebrew prophets began emphasizing the need to help the poor, children, widows, and the downtrodden (Amos, Micah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Trito-Isaiah). Issues of justice and inequality were stressed.
There was an alpha male that ruled the Roman empire at the time of Jesus, Caesar Augustus. He was considered a god and the son of a god. During this time period there was peace in the world which was referred to as Pax Romana; this was a peace brought about by conquest of various nations by the Roman empire. Theologian Marcus Borg discussed the domination systems of that time; these were societies ruled by the powerful few who used their wealth and power to shape the social system in their own self-interest. Jesus preached against this system and about a coming age in which domination, injustice and violence would be no more.
I am interested in a leader that reflects the teachings of Jesus, not Caesar Augustus or other alpha personalities. That is one way my religion affects my political beliefs.
Research by developmental psychologists has demonstrated that development does not need to stop once we reach adulthood. Hopefully we continue to develop emotionally, cognitively and spiritually throughout our lives. Developmental psychologists have identified characteristics of individuals who are the most spiritually developed. These are the characteristics that I want in my leaders.
I expect my national leaders to sacrifice for our country; not to ascend to power for personal gain. We have young people who serve in the military that we expect even to die for their country or for ideals such as freedom and democracy. I expect nothing less from our leaders. No, actually I expect even more.
From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (Luke 12:48)
Jesus gave his life in the pursuit of the kingdom of God.
Mahatma Ghandi gave his life in sacrifice for the Indian people
Martin Luther King gave his life in sacrifice for the rights of black Americans
Mother Theresa lived a life of poverty in sacrifice for the poor of Calcutta.
It astounds me that leaders throughout history and even today are often focused only on their own power and wealth rather than the thousands or millions of people for whom they have responsibility. Bashar al Asad of Syria is an excellent example. He is doing anything to remain in power- even to the extent of killing his own people. He will be known to history as a horrendous and dastardly dictator, but even this type of legacy apparently is worth the cost of remaining in power. So many leaders throughout history have had this moral and spiritual depravity. It is this that Jesus preached against.
I expect my leaders never to denigrate or put down people (only ideas or behaviors). Emotionally and spiritually mature people do not humiliate, denigrate or put down others. They do not resort to name-calling. We can disagree strongly with policies and even the way people behave without belittling and demeaning individuals as people.
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)
Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. (Matt 25:40)
I expect my leaders to show respect for all people, The Golden Rule is a basic tenet taught by all of the world’s great religions. It means we treat others with love, kindness and respect.
In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (Matt 7:12)
I expect my leaders to abhor violence. I believe there are times we need to defend ourselves physically when attacked, but I believe violence should be a last resort and only in self-defense. I want leaders who agree with this philosophy.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matt. 5:9)
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matt 5:43-44)
I expect my leaders to look out for the poor, the downtrodden, the most vulnerable. I expect my leaders to advocate for the welfare of everybody, not just their “base” or those with power and influence. My expectation is that race, religion, sexual orientation, identity or social status should not matter.
Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh. (Luke 6:20-21)
Ah, you who make iniquitous decrees, who write oppressive statutes, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be your spoil, and that you make the orphans your prey! (Isaiah 10: 1-2)
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:25)
I expect my leaders to have humility. My hope is that our leaders realize that we are all people of equal value and that the common good is of more importance than personal glorification.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Mat. 5:5)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. (Phil 2:3)
I expect my leaders to be honest. I think we often make some excuses or allowances for politicians. For example, we say “that’s just politics”. I believe we should start demanding from our politicians honesty without “spin”, strawman arguments, evasiveness, and downright lies. It is absolutely unacceptable, and we shouldn’t stand for it.
Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity (Titus 2:7)
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
My religious beliefs greatly influence my political stances, and this includes my desire for individuals of great character who seek to live out the teachings of Jesus and all of the great spiritual leaders. I hope and pray that our president and all of our leaders govern with integrity, honesty, humility, thoughtfulness and wisdom to serve all of the people of this country rather than their personal self-interests.
(presented at Park Church on January 22, 2017)
