The biggest issue with being more on the liberal side of politics yet claiming to be a follower of Christ, is the moment you first tell people. Most look at you and, if not in words, convey the idea that you have for sure been influenced by the evil one. That is, if they don’t start believing you are actually the child of Satan himself! Many probably go behind your back, praying for you that may the “power of Christ compel you!” and such.
One could argue, though, that at least they are not hypocrites.
It is a horrible feeling when people accuse you of being something or someone you have been fighting all your life. It’s like, a lawyer being accused of being a murderer; it’s like a psychologist being accused of being a spy; it’s like a politician being accused of being an anarchist; it’s like Jesus being accused of blasphemy; it’s like God being accused of being evil. It hurts is all I’m saying. In my case it’s being accused of being on the devils’ side. People might not say it in your face, but they look at you and say, “I can’t believe you actually believe something like this!” The interesting thing is, both liberals and conservatives say that when you argue against them.
Politics is a dangerous zone. Not only for those who are heavily involved with it, but for anyone who ever expressed their opinion. It’s like religion. Yet, there is no book or person of reference for it and it is very culture-based.
After being accused –although most might not say it to your face, but you can see in their eyes what they’re thinking- of all these hurtful labels, comes the worst part: you actually start to feel guilty. You feel like you have committed the biggest sin ever by arguing for the devil’s side. I say there is a good 50% chance that I am. But if you are arguing against me, there is also a 50% chance you are arguing for Satan. And there is also a 50% chance that each of us is arguing for God (don’t try to figure out the math – nope, that doesn’t add up to a 100… my point exactly). I would also propose that there is a good chance the issue at hand is not biblically solvable.
“What Would Jesus Do?” questions don’t usually work in these situations either. After all, the Jesus that we *currently* know didn’t struggle socially with issues like the legality of abortion, gay marriage, etc. And there are mixed messages regarding Capitalism in the Bible. Hence, I personally believe that in this evil-driven world, we won’t be able to go based off of the bible all the time (as sad and “evil” that might sound). We would need to turn to the less ideal situation for now, which only requires us to love others and give to them what God has given us freely: grace and forgiveness. It’s not like God hasn’t accepted the less ideal situation himself – he sent his one and only son to die for us… I’m pretty sure God would have liked to avoid that in an “ideal” world!
After all it is written in the bible to not argue about uncertain matters! May God lead our discussions!
