Introductory Column

            Since the very inception of our great nation, the question of Christianity and politics has perplexed thinking minds both secular and religious. The most common argument and subsequent fallacy is the stated position of Thomas Jefferson in his famous address to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1806. The most memorable quote of the address was “… thus building a wall of separation between church and state”. Not surprisingly, liberal minds have failed to present the quote in its complete context and, subsequently the truths of Jefferson’s thoughts are not sufficiently conveyed. “I contemplate with sovereign reverence the act of the whole people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof thus building a wall of separation between church and state”. When reading the complete thought of Thomas Jefferson, it is quite obvious that he is not against the church rather he is against the establishment of a national religion. Also, many scholars believed that Jefferson lacked the devotion to God as compared to his contemporaries. Consider other thoughts presented by Thomas Jefferson: “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.” or “The reason that Christianity is the best friend of Government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart.” While some may question other areas of Jefferson’s life and legacy, his reflections on the influence of Christianity in American government was unambiguous. Others contend, and rightfully so, that a basic tenant for government is to place parameters on sin. Genesis describes the fall of man into sin and through this fall establishes a need to control our sinful nature and evil through government. Romans 13:4 tell us “For he (government) is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Accountability is critical. The very reason for government is also what plagues our current political system- SIN. Christians must be part of the checks & balances of governmental authority in an effort to identify servant leaders. While there is no claim of infallibility among Christians, a Christian view of government inherently identifies and limits sin through the redemptive grace of Jesus Christ.
            Should Christians be active in government and the political process? Absolutely. Not only should we be active, it is our mandate to influence the political process within the current legal structure. As we witness the moral free fall of our society, we must hold steadfast to God’s Word as it is stated in Matthew 5:13-16 and embrace the responsibility of reversing the current trends of leadership in our government by identifying servant leaders to guide our nation. Through the exposition of truth as it relates to today’s current issues, it is our hope this column serves as a wake-up call bringing readers back to God’s moral foundation for America breaking the grip of apathy that has inundated this nation. Moreover, the column will be a vehicle to hold accountable decision makers who directly impact our lives. For America to withstand the tumultuous times ahead, a paradigm shift in the reestablishment of our moral foundation must occur. For it is only through a return to our moral foundation that this nation will stand firm.

###

Pastor John C. Isbell is the President of A Line in the Sand Ministries, Inc. ALS Ministries is 501(c)(3) organization established to fulfill the scriptural mandate to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the training and education of those who are called to seek leadership positions in the public arena. Our focus is to empower servant leaders to not only run the race, but to win. For more information visit www.alsministries.com.