Politics or Love?
Posted: September 25th, 2011 | Author: Peter | Filed under: politics | 3 Comments »“Of course, the aim of a constitutional democracy is to safeguard the rights of the minority and avoid the tyranny of the majority.”
― Cornel West
An online acquaintance and I have been discussing libertarianism on another post on this blog. I probably shouldn’t get so political. I’ve never won over a libertarian yet, and I don’t expect to anytime soon… but I can’t stop worrying about what I see as a very dangerous trend. As many Gen-X’ers and Gen-Y’ers leave traditional conservative Christianity, they seem attracted to the “to each his own/live and let live” philosophy that makes libertarianism so – well – attractive. And I get that part.
But along with “to each his own” comes a hyper-self-interest and a lack of corporate responsibility that seems epitomized in an American Wild West fantasy of self-made individuals, outside the needs of community or society. When Ron Paul was asked, “Should we let the uninsured man die?” audience members yelled “YES!” Afterward, Ron Paul dutifully answered, “the church should help him,” but ironically, “the church” had just yelled its answer from the seats, and that answer stands in stark contrast to any idealism of what the church may or may not be willing to do.
I’ve been thinking about this for awhile, and then the question came up in a seminary class on peacemaking: ultimately, I don’t believe the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 are somehow limited to individual morality. They aren’t just meant for you and me – they’re meant for “us.” I believe they are meant for community, corporate, even societal manifestation. I believe that government itself can do more than mere justice (welfare, medicaid, the police) but actually bear the fruits of the spirit (an example in class was brought up: Desmond Tutu demonstrating government-love viz South Africa’s Reconciliation Commission). Can a government forgive? Can a government show mercy? Bear the fruits of the spirit? As a Christian, I believe it’s something to strive for.
There is no reason Christians should be compelled to reject Christian morality when it is supported outside the auspices of the church and under the policies of the state. Rather, we should REJOICE when the state manifests redemptive ethics.
Sadly, contemporary Christianity too often undermines its own witness to avoid solidarity with a state system that potentially compromises robber-baron, laissez faire profits of the corporate plutocracy that manipulatively (and patronizingly) eggs them on. Screaming “let the uninsured die” is the void in arguments for church responsibility for the poor. Not to mention the following debate, where a gay soldier was booed for asking who would support ongoing justice for him if elected. That’s why the government must engage in the maintenance of justice and the policies of mercy… because a government by and for the people can be anything we want it to be. I’m happy to pay more in taxes for that.
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public”
― Cornel West
I used to be libertarian. Mostly because I wanted to look edgy. "Ooh, look at me, I'm neither a Republican nor a Democrat! Take that, two party system!" Now I found a new way to go against the political grain: following Jesus.
I used to be an uncomfortable nominal Republican. When California Republicans made undocumented immigrants the scapegoats for all of California's problems in election after election, I switched registration to Libertarian. My twenty-something son (a Democratic activist) persuaded me to register Democrat during a voter registration drive.
Except for high school, I've never been a political campaign type. I've always been more of the "consciousness-raising" type. Or the "direct action" type, demonstrations and protests.
Recently I have considered actually de-registering. Not declaring "no party" or "decline to state," but actually foregoing the "privilege" of voting completely.
I only have so much time and energy. I don't need another emotional drain to draw me away from what I am uniquely able to do in the world. Ultimate answers do not lay in politics. The "system" (kosmos), well, I don't need to tell you about that.
I received the de-registration request card, but haven't sent it in.
Peter, about the idea of "a very dangerous trend."
I firmly believe in the diversity of ministries and gifts in the Body of Christ. As I encourage people to look inward for the guidance and illumination they need, I have to allow for the entire range of how the Spirit leads people.
As far as political and movement stuff goes, the anti-war movement taught me of the huge range of participation that characterizes movements in general. From simple voting, to letter writing, to burning draft cards and felony convictions, to being tear-gassed and beaten with batons–these all combined to achieve a goal. (And there were agreements on strategy and tactics, out and out arguments, but the job somehow got done.)
One thing is sure–it would be wrong for you to step back from your commitment to societal and political engagement. That's where you belong.