"Politics is Dirty"
Jim Dobson was on Larry King Live last night. Larry was talking about O.J., Ted Haggard, and politics. I mostly agree with what Dobson has to say but last night while discussing potential presidential candidates, Dobson made the statement that "politics is dirty."
This is a common perception, particularly among Christians. It reminds me of when Christians characterized rock music as "of the devil."
Politics is as dirty or as clean as people make it. And the only reason that Christians percieve politics as dirty is because not enough Christians are involved in the political.
It seems to me that, in fact, Christians should be involved specifically in those areas that are percieved as "dirty." - except for those those things that are really dirty - you know what I mean.
For all that Dobson has done regarding the political, it amazes me that he still holds on to the notion that politics is dirty. Dobson has been up close and personal with the nation's leaders and has seen all kinds of races. From that experience, I would hope that Dobson has gained an appreciation for both the level of seriousness of these races and the strength of the individuals involved - both candidates and volunteers. But I guess, with his comment, he doesn't have that appreciation.
The danger here is that Dobson, with his tremendous influence in the Christian community, will turn off those who need to be involved the most. And some will say that, because Dobson has been involved, he should know and we should trust him. But on this one, I know Dobson is wrong because if politics is dirty, then it would be wrong for people to be involved in politics.
And, if the process that has made America great is dirty, then maybe God has not chosen America for blessing as some, including Dobson has said.
It just doesn't make sense that politics is dirty because politics has made America and God has used America to bless the world. Many Christ followers are involved in politics because they feel that God has called them to work to reform and redeem politics. What could be dirty about that?
Comments
Thanks for your thoughtful (as always) comment. The kingdom dichotomy you identify is, as you know, a big deal in the church. In fact, I believe that it is why so few Christians are effectively involved in the political. A big number of Christians reject the political because of their aversion to the Kingdom of Man.
This is where I become troubled. I am not averse to the Kingdom of Man because it is where future Christians live. I read the Scriptures to say we should invade the Kingdom of Man as those sent "behind enemy lines" (Lewis) carrying the Spirit within us.
On the Pelosi/Murtha thing, the reason Pelosi backed Murtha is because Hoyer challenged Pelosi for the Minority Leader position last Congress and Pelosi is still smarting from that. But Hoyer is not moderate. Watch for some fireworks between the two.
BTW, Thanksgiving was awesome. I highly recommend the Cajun Turkey sold at Popeye's Fried Chicken. They are great.
I still think you have something against Dobson and just need to own it. :).
To borrow your own premise and apply it to this current metaphor, whether politics is dirty or clean...we aren't called to pick and choose, we are called to be faithful.