Leave Them Alone

Today, I was reminded of one of the most unfortunately ironies found in the church. Some of the same Christian's who are the most patriotic and celebrate the U.S. and its dedication to freedom are the same people who want to legislate morality. From homosexuality to the consumption of alcohol, many of those who fill the pews want to lobby government to decide for its citizens on these matters. Not only does this contradict with American History, but it conflicts with the teachings of Jesus.

My last entry was a rant on how the government should stay out of people's lives. This includes the 1st Amendment and "[not making a] law respecting an establishment of religion..." We, as a church, want the government to leave us alone, yet some of us imply that it is necessary to control the actions of others via legislation. God, the Supreme Creator of the Universe, allows man to exercise free will. How then could anyone contend that a Christian should do otherwise?

I have recently started reading a book that addresses this very subject: The Myth Of A Christian Nation: How The Quest For Political Power Is Destroying the Church. While I don't agree with some of the premises, the author's basic argument that to promote Christianity through government is contrary to the teachings of Jesus is true.

Jesus consistently taught that his government was "not of this world". It is one of the main reasons that so many would not believe that he was the Messiah because they were looking for a great leader who would topple the Roman government and reestablish Jewish Sovereignty. During His earthly ministry, day after day, Jesus made a clear distinction between His kingdom and the earthly kingdoms.

The Roman government was one of the most idolatrous empires in history, yet Jesus spent much of his time criticizing the Jewish religious leaders for their burdensome legalism and lack of love for others. He wasn't found petitioning Roman leaders to impose his teachings via Roman law; instead, he daily educated and discipled those who would listen.

Those who would listen. He didn't even force people to hear his words, let alone make them believe them.

I once heard an evangelist say, "It's not my job to tell you what you are doing wrong. That is the Holy Spirit's job". To often Christians think it is their job to control, when Jesus told us to go and spread the Gospel. If we were to follow His example, that means to teach, not to control.

God gave us free will. It is why "bad things happen." His very plan of salvation is that His creation turns to Him willfully. Jesus said, "follow Me..." This implies the ability to make a conscious choice. It seems that any attempt by the church to legislate morality takes away this freedom to choose between write and wrong.