Luke 11:41-42

41But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.42″Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

With the political campaigning you hear a lot about the differences between republicans and democrats. Supposedly the republicans are the party of the rich and rigid moral right and the democrats are the party of the common people and religious tolerant.

The democrats are more socially concerned and the republicans are more capitalistic. Christians see themselves affiliated with one of these parties, depending on their values and cultural backgrounds. If you ask me none of them really represents a “BIBLICAL” world view comprehensibly. Like, the Pharisees we as humans tend to emphasize certain aspects of God’s laws, while conveniently neglecting others that seem irrelevant to us, but vital for others.

I heard an African American activist on a popular Los Angeles radio station ranting and raving that Black pastors and people are not concerned with the moral agenda of republicans such as abortion and homosexual marriage. The issues they are impassioned about have to do deal with justice issues such fair housing, fair wages, racism, education, and crime reduction. These are what they consider as Black Christians to be of utmost important. On the other-side of the camp I heard some Anglo Christians emphasize a good work ethic, economic growth (small & big business), and family values.

Which party is closer to a Christian world view in the world of politics? Personally I think both groups are close and far at the same time. Who defines justice, righteousness and equity? God does! For example God declares implicitly and explicitly that the rights of parents, children, widows, orphans and the “unborn” are important, because theologically the “fetus” in the womb is considered a conscious person created by Him.

Deuteronomy 24:16-18

16 Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. 17 Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

Luke 1:41

41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby
leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

So, to negate a scripturally comprehensive view of justice for ones own pet peeve is not biblical, but personal or cultural. To say as some democrats claim: “God does not care about ones sexual preference", is wrong! God views sexual control as vital for ones relationship with Him, their own bodies and the larger society.

Yes, we need a policy of grace that redeems people who have made mistakes sexually (unwed births, disease, etc). But, we also need to understand that God defines what is permissible and longs for us to not use the pulpit or politics to promote sexual sin. This is not just a religious “idea” or “issue”, but a practical one with tangible consequences. I don’t need to overemphasize homosexuality over adultery as some evangelicals do, but I shouldn’t redefine God’s ethics to make Christianity more relevant either. Maybe republicans have a better insight on certain issues then democrats and democrats have a better grasp of other issues then republicans. Make sense!

I am from the streets and I can tell you boldly, unbridled sex (hetero or homo) has negative economic, emotional and social consequences. I don’t need a democrat or republican to tell me otherwise. God defines what is important and He defines justice and universal righteousness throughout the teachings of scripture. One policy or moral view should not be emphasized over the other, based on cultural or philosophical perspectives. In reality Christians need to develop their own political party that represents a more biblically holistic view of justice and peace. We need to fight for some issues that may not effect our community or personal lives, because God declares their importance.

What is defining justice for you? Is any politician or social critic really advocating a holistic message of justice as seen from Genesis to Revelation? Can you pick one thing out of the Bible and reject another?

Written by :

Jack Hakimian