Religion P Do They Mix?
Do religion and politics mix? Or are they like oil and water— two things that will always be separate no matter how hard you shake them up?
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Note: Lutheran Hour Ministries has a very good presentation on the intersection of church and state, religion and politics. You can watch and download it at: www. intersectionofchurchandstate.com.
There’s no doubt that religion and politics are two of the most sensitive topics we can talk about. Bring up either one in a crowded room, and there is sure to be an argument. Bring up both together, and there will likely be a brawl! The reason for this is that these are two of the most important topics in our lives—much more important than sports and even the weather. Religion has to do with what we believe about God, life, morals, and eternity. The big picture stuff. Politics is the art of government, order, society, and community. Religion deals primarily with eternal things, things “not of this world,” or at least things hidden “in, with, and under” the things of this world. Politics deals with temporal matters: roads, taxes, welfare, marriage, safety, protection. So on the surface, at least, they don’t seem to have anything to do with each other. But let’s delve into this a bit more deeply. The church is in the world. It may not be “of the world” but it is definitely in this world. We occupy land, use electricity, water, and gas, and flush our toilets. And when the church is on fire, we call the fire department. We are very much in this world, and this world is a political world. Christians are both religious and political people. We believe, teach and confess things about God from the Scriptures. And we participate in the world of government and politics, believing that this, too, is a gift from God. Our Lutheran Confessions teach that the political realm is a good gift of God’s fatherly goodness and mercy
