Separating Politics from Religion

Christianblogs ^ | 3/11/10 | OV

[Tom Hawks]

Most people would agree that politics and religion are the two most likely topics that could divide even the best of friends. Webster's dictionary says that politics is the political opinions or sympathies of a person, while it says that religion is a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith. Now as for me personally, except that ones religious faith could ultimately decide ones eternal destination, I don't see much difference between the two. When I watch Al Gore espousing his views on politics, I am reminded of an old friend of mine who pastors a church in Columbus Georgia. He used to flail his arms all around as he preached his views on the Holy Scriptures. One could get lost listening to either of these two men share their deep- seated, fervent beliefs in such an animated way.

During the Presidential election of 2008, we all watched with anticipation as our chosen candidate addressed the issues. Like a congregation sitting in the pews of a church, the crowds longed to hear something that would touch that part of their soul that yearned for truth. These yearnings differ from crowd to crowd depending upon the candidate on the stage. In a similar way every church crowd is a bit different in the things they want to hear. An interesting dichotomy about the makeup of these crowds is the way their loyalties can change once the discussion goes from religion to politics or from politics to religion. Nothing will put a damper upon a good political discussion quicker then bringing up one religious beliefs and vise verse as to a good conversation about religion when politics are mentioned.

I remember the day I attended a rally supporting the troops shortly after the Americans entered Baghdad back in €œ1002€. I was standing next to a rather large fellow who....

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[Tom Hawks]

This was said so well, I had to share it.