Religion and Politics in America

Readings for Proper 9A:
Rom 7:21-8:6; Collects
July 3, 2005

The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt

St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino, CA

Patriotism is love for or devotion to one's country. Liberty is the quality or state of being free. Democracy is a form of government by the people and for the people. Democracy does not necessarily guarantee liberty. It simply allows the majority to rule. Capitalism is an economic system of private ownership and free market enterprise. Religion is a system of faith and worship where key values are incorporated into one's lifestyle. Christianity is a religion based on the teachings and life of Jesus, which focuses on the ethic of love. And the Kingdom of God is the fulfillment of God's will for creation. Sometimes, we intertwine these very different concepts and meld them into a united philosophy. Throw in a little flag waving and a few patriotic hymns, and what we end up with is "Religion in America."

Religion in America is not to be confused with orthodox Christianity. In fact, religion in America bears a distinctive cultural stamp. More than anything else it is marked by a disregard for orthodox tradition and precedent. In the early days of our founding, America attracted adventurers, people disenchanted in one way or another with the existing order. These are the people who fled the institutional constraints of the Old World. They brought with them, a willingness to experiment and a passion for novelty. The United States was the first modern, Western nation founded by Protestants, not Catholics. Protestantism (derived from the word to protest) defies tradition by its very definition.

Popular sentiments often characterize and influence the practice of religion in America. Lacking confessional boundaries and other institutional constraints, religious groups often coalesce around a charismatic individual who defines the faith, beliefs, and practices of his or her followers. Today, due to the influence of mass media, a number of religious figures have built large "religious" empires of radio and television, colleges, seminaries and even an amusement park.

In the United States, religion remains very much a part of both private life and public discourse. It is into this context that we (as a nation) continue to grapple with the issue of the separation between church and state. While the first amendment restricts government interference into the practice of religion, it does not restrict the influence of religion in politics. As our nation becomes more diverse and people are demanding more individual rights and protections, we continue to struggle with the following questions: Does religion have any important insights and values to contribute to the well ordering of this country, and if so, how should they influence our politics? Can democracy flourish without the support from religious values?

If you are of the mind that religion and politics should never mix, then you would be supported by secular humanists, egoists, and others who are fearful of the influence of religious groups. Humanists strive for the betterment of human welfare based on human reason and natural good will. They do not believe that a transcendent value system is necessary to keep altruism alive in the well-ordering of society. Egoists, are simply individuals who believe that the universe revolves around themselves. They view politics as a means to an end (i.e. their end) and tend to focus on materialism and whatever else serves their needs and desires. There are a lot of egoists in our country today, some of whom (falsely) call themselves "Christian."

If on the other hand, you agree with St. Paul, then you recognize there is a limit to human reason and natural good will. You are aware that it is very difficult to sacrifice the needs and desires of the self for the well being of others in society. And so (in some respect) you can understand the potential benefits of a religious value system in the ordering a democracy; especially if that religious value system is based on agape (a selfless and generous love for others). Throughout history, many religious groups have tried to influence politics in America based on their understanding of the love ethic. These religious movements have included: the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, the peace movement, the social gospel movement (for those ravaged by urban poverty), the Catholic Workers movement which advocated for worker's rights and decent wages, and the Civil Rights movement.

On the other hand, there have been times in history when the churches and Christians have refused to influence politics and have remained silent at a great cost to society. Look what happened in Nazi Germany, when most of the German churches did little to oppose the prevailing ideology and political terror imposed upon its citizens. Without a transcendent value system, governments (especially during tough times) can greatly suffer because of a lack of moral sustenance.

In today's reading from Paul's letter to the Romans, Paul speaks about how difficult it is for individuals to choose the good over the bad. He talks about having good intentions yet remaining very vulnerable to the onslaught of sin, evil, selfishness, and deception. Paul talks about this dilemma within himself. He says: I need help! My ego is not strong enough nor does it have the internal resources to always choose the good. I want to do good, but I don't always follow through. I decide not to do bad, but then I fail. My decisions, such as they are, don't always result in actions. Something deep within me is not as altruist as I would like. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. "Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Christ Jesus our Lord!" [Rom. 7] Because of this tendency to serve the self (i.e. passions of the flesh), I believe that a religious value system, based on the love ethic, can influence politics in a life-giving way.

I was raised with a great love and devotion for this country and I continue to seek "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." I have also made a commitment to Christ through my baptismal covenant. And because I take that commitment to heart, I am aware that the practice of religion in America does not always meet the radical demands of Christianity. I am often very disappointed when religious groups (in the name of Christ) push an agenda that is in opposition to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being. But having said all this, while I support the separation of Church and State, I do believe that there is a place in American politics where Christians can have a profound influence in ensuring that our democracy flourishes. Here are a few of my ideas.

1. Value awareness begins at home. We must become the change we wish to see in the world. If you view society as not having good enough values (whether they are family values, or values based on integrity, generosity, and peace) then ask yourself what you have done wrong. Values are passed down from one generation to another; from parent to child. If when growing up, you were not taught a value system based on the love ethic, then you need to go through a period of education and discipline. Spend time in prayer, immerse yourself in the reading of Scripture, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the grace to change.

   Instead of expecting the government to protect you from outside influences, turn off your own television set, select godly reading, and then hang out with others of good character. Spend time with your own children teaching them values. Teach them to love God and their neighbor first and foremost rather than obsessing about themselves. Then once the log is taken out of your own eye, go out and help others. Vote! Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. Ensure that the budget of the United States and other important laws are moral documents supporting the well being of others, not forgetting those on the margins.

2. Do not rely on external symbols to prop up your belief system. So much effort is being expended by religious groups, fighting for the display of religious symbols in the public square. Recently there has been a lot of press on whether the government should display the 10 Commandments in public. Publicly displaying the 10 commandments or a cross or a creche scene in the public square does not make us a more compassionate people. I do not need the government to remind me to place God first and foremost at the center of the universe. It is not their duty or place to do so. However, it is the duty of all Christians to worship regularly and to be part of a community of faith. This is where we are encouraged and strengthened to remain on the path of love that was shown to us by Christ.
   
3. Finally, in today’s collect for the 4th of July, we asked God for the grace to “maintain our liberties in righteousness in peace.” If we are not righteous in our political dealings, I believe that God will forsake us and this nation. So if you see our politicians trying to maintain liberties without righteousness or in peace, speak up in the public square, write to your representative, protest, or strive for different legislation. “In a sinful world, some of us may hold that there may be times when war is a necessary evil. But Christians should never identify violence against others with the will of God and should always work to prevent and end it.” [National Council of Churches] At the core of the Christian value system is a sacrificial life style and a conspicuous love. “They will know we are Christians by our love.” And it is through this love for God and others, that our democracy can and will flourish.

“O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection...” [BCP 230]

Updated 7/30/05

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