As the Supreme Court listens to arguments on the constitutionality of DOMA and considers what authority the federal government should have in marriage, I am again considering my role as a politically active, or at least politically aware, Christian. During a conversation with a couple of genuinely devoted Christian friends, I was caught off guard by their response to my concerns about the marriage crisis. It was a perpective I've heard before, but after recent conversations with other informed and concerned Christians, I assumed that most believers were turning their ears and eyes toward the rapidly changing political landscape and recognizing the alarming pace at which our liberties are eroding. Instead, they downplayed the potential collapse of DOMA as an inevitable sign of the times that shouldn't cause unwarranted worry.
Try selling that passive political philosophy to someone like Dr. Ben Carson. The most powerful speakers at CPAC were confessing Christians, and their example shows the weakness of remaining passively ignorant about our nation. I don't know if anyone would dare argue that Dr. Carson and Sarah Palin and Phyllis Schlafly would be better Christians if they would sit quietly at home. It's baffling to me why some Christians parrot the same lines about letting the world's system fall into ruin because, after all, we're going to Heaven, and this world is passing away. Is this wisdom or a shirking of responsibility?
If we applied the same attitude to other areas of our lives, imagine the absurdity. I shouldn't waste any more time than necessary on my outward appearance because Paul compares our bodies to tents that will be taken down; therefore, I should wear rags, wash only when the stench and itching becomes unbearable, and eat and drink whatever is at hand. I'm a citizen of Heaven; therefore, I shouldn't waste my time picking up trash around my community, attending PTA meetings, going to local ball games, or doing anything else that lacks eternal value because society is created by worldly people, and I should just let them run things their way until they self destruct.
We are stewards, and because of Christ, we have not only the abilities God instilled in us at conception, but also the supernatural qualities of salt and light that make the world a better place, that heal the people and the land. Many Christians will turn to the New Testament and cite the biblical saints who weren't entangled in the politics of their day, when the Romans were certainly oppressing them more than our government is today, and conclude that we should follow their salvation-centered example, going out as missionaries to spread the gospel.
It's easy to float along in a tepid sea of apathy, as long as my spiritual future is assured. When we share the gospel with the world, and when people accept the truth and allow the Spirit to begin transforming their minds, we should expect to see outward healthy changes where they live: advancements in technology, clean water, and compassionate treatment of women, children, and the weak. Those are some of the promises that today's business-focused missionaries bring to the international communities they want to reach. Neglecting our own country by allowing its Christian-based foundation of freedom to decompose, while simultaneously trying to export the same freedom to far lands, is completely contradictory.
Of course my perspective about our civic responsibility rests solidly on the very arguments other well-meaning Christians use. If I wasn't sure that my life had eternal value and destiny, if I had any doubt that history is in God's hands, if I didn't believe that my life should bear spiritual fruit, I would gladly throw off the heavy burden of being a participating American citizen. Just being aware of current attacks on civil liberties is discouraging and enraging. Shutting out the world and shrugging my shoulders would be easier. Part of our demonstrating a belief in eternity, God's sovereignty, and spiritual transformation is by being keenly aware of the spiritual state of our culture so we can stand against corruption and the darkness that seduces millions into eternal separation from glory. It's a spiritual battle, so we shouldn't minimize the importance of our political participation. Supreme Court decisions, Presidential vetoes, Congressional debates--these are far from being inconsequential. Forget the selfish consideration of how laws and policies will affect us, and think about the immeasurable power politicians have in constructing the world for future generations. I hesitate to even type that cliche, "future generations," but consider the millions of children born into places--in America!--where they may never hear about the truth of Christ; their world can be so darkened and secluded from the kind of Christian America we know, that the light of Christ may never reach them. Abortion, gay marriage, sex education, human trafficking, drug abuse, pornography, liberal education--all of these devastating sins of our country will be levied against the lives of unborn generations by the stroke of a few politicians' pens. It's our indifference that allows that to happen.
It is a spiritual battle, one that requires diligent, intercessory prayer that moves the hand of God through the thick, high walls of Washington, effecting changes we are powerless to make in the places none of us can reach: the minds of many godless, carnal leaders.
Don't believe this is the time to withdraw into a monastic enclave of powerless cultural Christianity. Now is the time to engage ourselves in the battle with ferocity and passion for the Lord.
Dr. Carson's speech at the Prayer Breakfast resonated like John the Baptist's criticism of Herod's impropriety with his brother's wife. Carson won't experience a literal beheading, though the press has been trying to decapitate his character ever since; and though he has drawn attacks onto himself, he has also stirred up the life blood in the hearts of many Christians who had resigned themselves to being ineffectual victims of an increasingly hostile culture. Let's experience life fully and learn what it's like to oppose evil wherever it resides.
Watch Dr. Ben Carson's CPAC 2013 speech.
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