Faith Collides with Government

Three events took place over the past two weeks that stuck me profoundly. They have important spiritually and political implications.

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The county of San Diego responding to a complaint by neighbors issued a citation to a man holding a Bible study in a private home. He was interrogated about prayer, saying amen and singing songs.

The California Supreme Court ruled to uphold Proposition 8. The Proposition stated marriage is between a man and a woman. It was largely underwritten by the Mormons although many churches supported it. It also caused Rick Warren to apologize to his gay friends.

A young black man walked through Chicano park. As he did some young thugs were there hanging out, probably smoking some dope and drinking a 40oz, spilling a little for the dead and locked up homies. The guys are from the Logan street gang have ties to the Mexican Mafia and TJ drug cartels. They are a large and violent gang. As the young black man walked through the park, one of the Logan homies called him a “Nigger” and told him his “kind” was not welcomed in the park. The gang members caught up with him at the corner and beat him savagely with a golf club, chain and bat while screaming racial slurs.

Question: Of these events what should our reaction be as Christians?

Issue 1: “Just meet at a church and not offend the neighbor” one person wrote. Others feared the sky was falling and we were entering the great persecution. The early church met in homes. In fact there were no church buildings where Christians met until around 300 AD. This drives at the heart of those who call themselves followers of Christ. The issue is a core value and it’s spiritual rather than political. Christian’s meet with other Christians, having a fellowship dinners, praying together and ministering to one another. They truly cared for one another. This is central to Christ’s teachings. When it was said, “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together” this is exactly what the topic. Unity of the body of Christ should be of the highest priority. It’s also a constitutional mainstay.

Paul was arrested and then released when he told them he was a Roman citizen. He was told to “go quietly” after mistreatment in jail. He refused! Based on law. Acts 16: 35-37. There are things we must vigorously contest. This I believe is one of those issues. "[2] Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Scripture and Law are on our side and unrestricted fellowship is worth the fight.

Issue 2: Prop 8. It challenges the very way marriage is defined. Homosexuality goes against the way God designed man. The majority of Christians have decided this is a critically important issue in which to get politically motivated. In a secular form of government the issue of legislative morality is taken to task by those who believe morality is up to the individual’s decision. In our system of government people of faith should/must be involved. Not the religious institutions, but the people who have been called by God.

I do find it interesting we turn our heads and say nothing about homosexual behavior, just marriage of gays. We are silent about the legal right to divorce and remarriage (Biblical prohibitions). We say nothing about people (gay and straight) living together and getting common law rights. We have chosen to fight gay marriage and remain silent about the rest. If the government/people chooses to accept marriage as defined as gay, poly, living together, straight or other, why do Christians still seek the governments blessing? Do we really care what man says about marriage? My promise to be faithful to Cathy was before God. I don’t care what Arnold thinks.

I heard George Will sum up very well the idea of religion and government…The constitution demands a separation of religion from state. You can not separate faith from government. Faith forms the values from which a person votes.

Matthew 22:23 ff, “at the resurrection whose wife of the seven will she be since all of there were married to her? Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage.”

Issue 3: The young man was beaten because he was black. Our lack of moral outrage at racism is an abomination to God. Not just against black people, but Mexicans, Jews, Arabs, Whites, Poor, others. Under the banner of Christ this should NEVER be associated with those who claim to be followers of the Savior. John 4: Jews would not even eat off of a plate used by Samaritans. Jesus challenged that, he was given a drink by a Samaritan woman, a hooker on top of it all! He brought her eternal life. When the society banned them Jesus ministered to them. Only one church in SD that I know of is racially diverse. That is a shame. How are we reaching out to others who may be different than us? As one man said, Sunday is the most segregated day of the week.

THREE LESSONS FOR ME:

1. Look to the scriptures for guidance in how we influence governance. Not the traditions of old that gave us slavery but a fresh look of obvious objectivity.
2 When permissible by law we should influence government.
3. Recognize issues God would stand for and on those raise the flag of Christ. Flag raiser beware you are representing the King! The violent assault of the young black man, the restriction of religious liberty are things, I believe we should view as vitally important.
4. Be willing to lay it all on the line. If Prop 8 is overturned Christians should refuse to be recognized in marriage by the State of California. While we are at it ban any marriage that is other than one man and one woman. O yeah we did, except for those who have had multiple partners, wives and lovers. Ouch!


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