Something that amazes me these days is how so many people form their religious beliefs based on their political beliefs. There are many people on both sides that look at what their political party of choice says (or news organization of choice), and then suddenly, someone who doesn’t believe exactly the same thing is considered evil, or a satan figure.
Perfect example is the way many feel about Barack Obama. Even though I admit a bit of disillusionment with the current President, I admire his religious principles. Every morning he has a devotional sent to him, and he regularly calls or invites pastors to join him in private prayer for him and for the country. It is apparent that every decision he makes is in light of his personal Christian beliefs.
However, it is amazing to hear people whose politics are different than Obama’s politics declare that Obama is THE satan. Again, not because of any particular Christian principle, but because his politics are “wrong”, or that his progressive beliefs don’t sync up exactly with their political driven religion.
Many liberal Democrats look across “the aisle” and view the Republicans as "satans" because they don’t immediately jump up and support everything they are saying.
Perfect example is the way many feel about Barack Obama. Even though I admit a bit of disillusionment with the current President, I admire his religious principles. Every morning he has a devotional sent to him, and he regularly calls or invites pastors to join him in private prayer for him and for the country. It is apparent that every decision he makes is in light of his personal Christian beliefs.
However, it is amazing to hear people whose politics are different than Obama’s politics declare that Obama is THE satan. Again, not because of any particular Christian principle, but because his politics are “wrong”, or that his progressive beliefs don’t sync up exactly with their political driven religion.
Many liberal Democrats look across “the aisle” and view the Republicans as "satans" because they don’t immediately jump up and support everything they are saying.
It never ceases to surprise me how many people will tell everyone that God directly inspired them to do something. I think Susan B. Anthony's quote fits well here: "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires."
We really need to return to a time when people searched for religious meaning, not just their political opinion. Religion, and in particular Christianity, is being used as a political weapon against the other side, and when that happens Christianity is weakened and is not taken seriously by those that are seeking meaning.
In a way, it may be a good thing because the “old” beliefs - those originated by Constantine - are beginning to die and people are beginning to learn about the way that Jesus was living and teaching. (That is an entire post waiting to be written so I won’t get into that now.)
I realize that this may be just growing pains in this country as a new era is being birthed, but it is still discouraging to sit back and see people judging each other based on political beliefs, while taking Christianity down with it. Father, forgive us, we have no idea what we’re doing…
