Lifeandbibleblog.com
By Cynthia Cummings-Walker
Some may wonder why I am singling out the Republican Party’s connection to Christianity, while not referencing the Democratic party (which certainly has its fallibilities). The Democratic party does not claim to have God backing them. The Republican party does. That is the issue herein.
It is well known that conservative evangelical Christian pastors, ministry leaders, and media purport that the Republican party is God’s choice to advance His initiatives in the political realm.
The two reasons being: (1) America was founded as a Christian nation and the Republican party will return her to her roots. (2) God has chosen the Republican party to do His work through enacting legislation that embodies Christian creeds.
Countless Christian leaders vociferously admonish their congregants and constituents to vote for republicans as though the Republican party is an extension of the Church. What makes matters worse are the fallacious reasons given that are not in line with American history, civil law, nor the Bible.
Myth: America was founded as a Christian Nation
Fact: The United States of America is not a Christian nation and never was. She was built on human trafficking, theft of land and genocide of native Americans. Furthermore, the first ten presidents of the United States lives were racked with scandals, and they owned slaves.
The United States of America was founded as a civil institution, governed by secular laws, as outlined in the Constitution of the United States of America:
“WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare; secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
There is no mention of God, or religion in the VII Articles of the Constitution.
Myth: God has chosen the Republican party to legislate Christian principles.
Fact: There is a separation between Church and State within the first Amendment to the Constitution.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;….”
Amendment I
The government is required to remain neutral when it comes to religion. It is prohibited from favoring one religion over another: or favor religion over non-religion. The government cannot interfere with religions and no religion can dictate how government should function. There is a separation between Church and State (the Establishment Clause). That is why prayer was taken out of schools.
Bible Support for the Separation of Church and State
When the Jews attempted to lure Jesus into a divisive political discussion, Jesus’ answer was succinct.
“Then they asked Him (Jesus), saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.””
Luke 20:21–25
Jesus acknowledged that there is a legitimate duty to government, and a sacred duty to obey God.
Jesus Christ foreknew that under the corrupt Roman government He would be falsely accused, arrested, beaten, unjustly convicted, and sentenced to death. Yet, He did not try to change or disparage the Roman government. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 (NIV)
There is no regenerative or sanctifying power within secular law or a political party which can change sinful human nature. Only salvation does. (John 3:3;16).
The Lord has revealed the way in which Christians can have a powerful impact upon society. The believer in Christ should share the gospel while living in obedience to God’s Word, the Bible.
Christians are commanded to love God and people. Pray. Obey. Evangelize. Disciple. Be salt and light. Be an ambassador for Christ. Being a political operative for any political party is not part of God’s plan to improve society.
Voting is an integral part of American government, and I appreciate having the privilege to do so. Although it is an arduous process, I research the qualifications and character of each candidate. I believe it would be irresponsible for me to vote straight party line whether the candidate is qualified or not.
If I were choosing a surgeon, dentist, electrician, or plumber, the person’s political party would not be a part of the process. Their professionalism, expertise and integrity are what my decisions are predicated on. When choosing a political candidate to vote for, basically the same pragmatic criteria is applied.
The United States of America is a great nation with all of its ethnicities, cultures, laws, freedoms, and religions, which makes governing her complex and controversial. No political party is perfect or does everything it promises. We pray, research, and do the best we can with who we have to work with.
As for me, to the best of my ability I perform my secular duty to country in an honorable, conscientious manner; and my spiritual, sacred duty to God as He requires.
A Word to the Wise 