Why do people think Christians should only be concerned with ‘nice’ things? Where did the idea come from that to be a Christian means you don’t get involved in the world of murky, nasty politics but instead inhabit a cosy corner, all ‘jam and Jerusalem’? I’m pretty sure that Jesus didn’t use the word nice, or the Aramaic equivalent, at any point. Love, yes, but since when was loving a nice, safe occupation?
The distaste for Christians to get involved in politics (with a capital P) is widespread. Now I’m certainly no supporter of George Bush (oops, another political opinion) but I found the amount of column inches and TV hours dedicated to his support from the ‘religious right’ disturbing. The British media jumped with alacrity on the idea that Bush was put back into office thanks to the heavy (around 30% of his vote) support of evangelical Christians: it was used to give a sinister edge to his campaign. Of course, in the UK politicians are terrified of appearing ‘too Christian’ as it is seen as a vote loser. Tony Blair was furious to be asked by Jeremy Paxman whether he prayed with George Bush (the answer, I hear is yes, but not in the free-flowing style Bush would be familiar with, instead far more of a awkward, some would say Anglican, muttering). Politics and religion are portrayed as very sinister bedfellows.
But surely believing in an incarnational God means that we have to be out there: in and among the murkiness of every day life, challenging the world’s assumptions, taking on the politicians or even becoming one, if necessary. It means engaging and with and confronting the issues of the day, whether they be foxhunting, abortion or the slaughter of thousands of innocents in Iraq. Now that really would upset anyone who wants us to stay at home and make jam.
Do you ever feel you've read something before? It saddens me to read this kind of commentry, because I know that the writer is shadow-boxing. No, as a Christian woman, I don't feel that staying at home and making jam is what Christians do: I KNOW that I am always getting out there and sticking my neck out, and being involved in the difficult issues. (Gay or transsexual issues, when abortion is not wrong, that the conquest of poverty & strife is more important than maybe either of these). I also know to my cost that although I am following the clear teaching of the Bible (justice, mercy, humility before God) in what I do and believe and say, nevertheless the Christian majority will want to see it as boat-rocking because often to think really deeply about the complicated issues, we may find we have to face up to controversial, uncomfortable answers the Church doesn't want to hear because it would have to change. And not in a fundamentalist direction. Anyhow, that is my comment.
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