Why Religion Doesn’t Belong in Politics

Sometimes I feel like I have a very unpopular opinion among Christians. Whether it be the topic of abortion, gay marriage, birth control, alcohol, or transgender issues, most Christians think that their beliefs should influence the laws that govern our country. I, however, do not share this belief.

As a Christ follower myself, I’ve been struggling with the fact that some of our prominent political leaders (and fellow Christians) seek to put limits on abortion (or eliminate it completely) and wish to overturn the Supreme Court ruling that made gay marriage legal. Something about controlling women’s bodies and taking away human rights in the name of our Lord just doesn’t sit right with me. And please, before you assume that I’m a cherry-picking Christian, hear me out:

I wholeheartedly believe that the Bible and the Word of God is the absolute and only Truth. I know God tells us that homosexuality and abortion are wrong and that they are both sins (Romans 1:24-27, Matthew 19:18-20). What I also know is that God calls us to love one another (Matthew 22:37) above all things and not to condemn (Luke 6:37). Jesus does not tell us to control one another nor does He tell us to govern our beliefs through laws and punishments. My first problem with religion in politics is that Christians have decided that everyone should be held accountable to the standards and Truth that we hold ourselves to, and this, my friends, is incredibly foolish and unfair. We need to accept that the world doesn’t subscribe to our beliefs and that it isn’t our job to force them to. Should we be happy that most of the world doesn’t know the love of Jesus? Absolutely not! Should we accept their secular beliefs as unchangeable and stop trying to show them the salvation that’s waiting for them? Of course not. However, it is not our place to try and force them into a relationship with Christ when they’re uninterested. Who are we to create policies that forbid others from making their own choices? Does God, our Creator Himself, not give us the freedom to make our own choices? We must understand that, because they don’t know the Truth or don’t abide by it, they are not expected to follow it. In fact, the Bible tells us those who do not know the Law will not be judged by the Law, but instead judged by their hearts, through Jesus Christ (Romans 2:12-16).  As Christians, we know that there is an eternal judgement waiting for everyone. Whether those who do not abide by our Law will make it to heaven is not up to us. Yes, we should work tirelessly to help our neighbors find forgiveness and salvation in our Savior, but we should never force them.

Do y’all really think that controlling what women do with their bodies and pregnancies will make them fall in love with Jesus? Do you think telling a gay couple that they’re sinners and don’t deserve marriage equality will show them God’s love for them? Let us not forget that we’re all sinners and we are no better than those that sin around us! If we truly want to reach these people and help them know the heart of Jesus, we need to start approaching these issues in a new way.

Jesus spent His time surrounded by tax collectors and prostitutes. Did He judge them or condemn them for their sinful ways? Did He force them to abide by His Law by controlling and punishing them? No. Jesus won them over with His heart. He never had to make them change their ways and follow Him; they willingly chose to because of Jesus’ profound love for them. Imagine all the lives we could save simply by loving harder. People would be flocking to our churches if our actions did a better job of reflecting our beliefs.

Here is my suggestion: Let’s replace policy with support. Let’s replace law with love. Let’s show the world that our faith isn’t about binding, it’s about freedom. Let’s show them that this freedom comes by a better way of doing things and the love of Christ. When a woman is considering an abortion, do not tell her it’s wrong. Talk with her. Ask her about her situation, her fears, her worries, her concerns. Empathize with her. Inform her of other options. Offer support. Tell her she isn’t alone. Let her know that you will be there to support her through the pregnancy. Provide her with whatever necessities she needs (vitamins, rides to the doctor, diapers, childcare, etc.) Pray for her and never let her forget she is loved no matter what choice she makes. When you meet a gay couple, get to know them. Ask them questions about themselves and their backgrounds over coffee. Invite them over for dinner. Be their friend. Tell them how much Jesus loves them. Invite them to church. Show them that forgiveness and salvation are available for them too. Let them know our Lord has not forgotten about them. Pray for them.

If you’ve read this far and still don’t believe me, open your Bible. Observe how Jesus approached people. Notice that He never lacked compassion and kindness, not even for a second. He just loved. No matter who, no matter what the situation, He loved. I am telling you, y’all, if we could just be a little more like Him and a little less like the Pharisees our world would look a whole lot different and our churches would be a lot fuller.

I am vowing to keep religion out of politics and to lead with love instead. Will you?

Jesus Freak

A few weeks ago, my mother gently questioned me about the prevalence of my faith on social media. I asked her if she was worried I was becoming a Jesus freak and she (kinda) jokingly said yes. She wasn’t being judgmental, moreover was simply concerned about my image. Understandably so, my mother is not used to seeing me profess praise for the Lord (I was saved a mere 8 months ago).

Her concern was coming from a place of love. She didn’t want me to be misunderstood or poorly perceived and I so appreciate the consideration she has for me (love you Momma!). However, I felt the need to try and explain myself to her because I didn’t want my own mother to misjudge me.

I think this is a fear many Christians struggle with; the fear of being judged. We withhold offering prayers because we’re worried we might offend someone. We only say things like “God bless you” or “have a blessed day” to other believers because we know they won’t give us that look of utter confusion or disgust. We refrain from telling people outside of the church all the things God speaks to us about because we think they might brush us off as mentally ill. Sometimes we focus more on how we’re perceived in the eyes of people instead of the eyes of our Lord.

But what exactly are we afraid of? The Lord tells us that He is with us and that with Him, there is nothing “mere mortals” can do to us! (Psalm 118:6) We shouldn’t fall to the devil’s tricks and be scared to love. Instead, we should rest in the Lord and find confidence in Him! He has called us to love others, not to love others when we think they aren’t going to judge us for it, probably (hopefully.) We cannot let our egos get in the way of our faith.

Although the connotation of “Jesus freak” is negative, it implies someone is completely immersed in their faith. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m not gonna argue with a reputation of having “too much” faith! Honestly, I strive to be a Jesus freak. I want my entire life to be revolved around Him. What better way to succeed than to let yourself be consumed by the Holy Spirit?

So this is my encouragement for you today, child. Ask people how you can pray for them. Bless a stranger in the name of the Lord. Openly share the ways God speaks to you with the world. Remind others just how much God loves them. And the next time someone calls you a Jesus freak, smile, because it’s a compliment.