Excuse My Politics

It seems to me that every time I even hint at talking about anything in the political arena, someone gets upset. This is especially true if I am sarcastic about the political process, or someone in that process. Others may be far more passionate about the whole affair than I am, and they inevitably get upset when I do not approach the subject with the same amount of fear and reverance. Please forgive me. It's just that I have grown a little cynical over the whole game.

Truth be told, I think we spend way too much time talking about politics; especially those of us who call ourselves Christian - be we of the "red" or "blue" or - what color do you get when you mix blue and red? I never went to Kindergarten - variety. Yes, we should be responsible and vote and do what we can as citizens, but have we forgotten that Christ said His kingdom was "not of this world"?

My views on politics are forever changing. I first registered as a Democrat and shocked my whole family. Then I moved to Vermont and learned my lesson. Now that I'm in New Hampshire, I've taken up permanent residence in the Independent "party," just like the other 40% in this state. I guess I'm in the right place.

I get tired of politics. Who really knows who is telling the truth? Both sides just fling mud at the other side, and nobody really knows where the truth lies. More than likely it resides on neither side. There is also incredible hypocrisy. Republicans cry out that there is a double-standard in the "mainstream" media towards Democratic candidates, all the while the same can be said for those on the right. Both sides are guilty of hypocrisy. And that leaves me listening to Bill O'Reilly - all kidding aside.

What also bothers me is the passion that so many clergymen put into this subject. Many openly support and endorse a political candidate - something I thought was illegal. If we spent as much time working on growing God's kingdom as we did pushing our political agendas, I think a lot more good could be accomplished. Don't get me wrong. I think there can be Martin Luther Kings and William Wilberforces and Abraham Lincolns - men who used politics to bring about wonderful change - but those types of individuals are few and far between. The majority of politicians are looking for face-time and approval ratings and making a names for themselves. Thus, I am cynical.

So this is probably the last thing I will say on this subject on my blog. You can find plenty of other pastors who are more than willing to give you their opinion on politics. This is not that blog. But, for the record, to those who are interested, this is where I stand politically on certain issues. Then, we'll leave it at that, and I will go on doing what I have been called - and get paid - to do. (If you feel inclined to respond to this post, please remember that you probably care more about this subject - and know more about it - than I do.)

• I think individuals should be more responsible for what happens to their money than the government.
• I find it repulsive that "progressives" would rather spend other people's money than their own. It's rather telling that "conservatives" give a lot more to charities than "secular-progressives."
• I believe the United States still has a racism problem and I agree that many blacks are discriminated against.
• I am for gay rights, but not gay "marriage."
• I don't believe in the death penalty.
• I am pro-life.
• I don't believe in war, in theory, but wonder what it would be like to speak German.
• I am agnostic when it comes to immigration, but find it arrogant and elitist to presume that we have some god-given right to this land. This T-Shirt kind of sums up my feelings on this subject.
• I think the "Christian Right" needs to cool it.
• I am not sure that polution equals climate change, but do believe we have been called to be stewards of this earth and that we should do a better job of taking care of creation. However, I don't think trees are more important than people.
• I believe there should be a Fair Tax.

As always, I have the right to change my mind about any of these things. And to reiterate my previous point: since I am not called to be a politician, I don't care to get all that passionate about this discussion. If something offends you, I apoligize. It was not my intention to do so. And if you want to disagree with something I said, go for it. That's your perogative. But I have not listed my views to get into a debate. I am not going on the campaign trail for any of these things.