“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9

WAS JESUS A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN?

I was recently on a radio show and was asked by a panel member was Jesus a Republican or Democrat. My response was Jesus’ political party was one of God and for all humankind. Certainly Jesus would be saddened by the deep and angry divide between our two political parties today. He would ask that they put away their pre-recorded narratives and focus on civility and love for each other. If Jesus were to vote he wouldn’t vote along party lines, but for the individual that best represented the Kingdom of God and the candidate who loved his neighbor.

Politics today have never been more rancorous or unlistening. Neither side listens to learn, but shouts to drown out their opponent. Many candidates receive money from outside influencers that have their own agenda, that the candidate must back. Politics today have created a divided nation. To which Jesus would be dismayed.

Jesus’ politics would be focused of bringing God’s words to all people, regardless of color, religious affiliation, gender or age. Jesus would listen to fully hear and understand his constituents point of view. If he disagreed, in a civil and loving way Jesus would explain why he disagreed.

Jesus sees all humankind as a powerful nation. Jesus wants us to be a Holy nation. Not one that is motivated by money or power. A nation that cares first and acts second. Jesus wants us to see the sacred nature of our earthly existence and be pointed to doing good and not harm. Jesus would not support violence against those who disagree with our views. He certainly wouldn’t approve of pipe bombs in the mail or promoting violence against those that disagree or the slaughter of people from another religious point of view. He wants our nation to lead with love.

Jesus platform is quite simple, “Love thy God and Love thy neighbor.” He would encourage us to feed the poor, heal the sick. He would want all nations to see other nations as composed of God’s children. He would disapprove of war. He would want us to protect God’s creation. He would believe in a judicial system of second chances for those who repent.

I am sure he wouldn’t become entangled with those who seek power through money. He would know that dealing with those who try to manipulate others is a dead-end street. He would not give into the lure of money that comes from powerful political organizations.

He cautioned us in the famous Sermon in the Mount by saying, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”(Matthew [7:15]) He would know that these wolves exist not to do good, but promote an agenda that is self- serving. He would know that there are those who will try to do good, but would have to cater to their political leaders. He would not espouse that we should “Go along to get along.” He would want each of us to evaluate each candidate and issue independently and not be influenced by money, fame or outside influencers.

No, I don’t think Jesus would either be Democrat or Republican. On Tuesday he would support our right to vote and ask us to ignore the rancor and anger we see every day, when we vote.  He would ask us to vote with our Christian conscience for the candidate we feel lives into his platform of “Love thy God and Love thy neighbor.”

Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman

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