There was a great moment in one of John Kennedy’s congressional
campaigns. Jackie was asked about her
husband being a Roman Catholic (which worried people in the late 50’s). She responded, “It’s so unfair to question
Jack for being a Catholic. He’s such a
poor Catholic…”
Jimmy Carter was a great Southern Baptist. Mitt Romney was a great Mormon. But my sense is that most candidates, while
sporting some faith badge, are a bit thin in their life of faith. Sure, a candidate can claim to be a member of
a given denomination. But is he or she
serious about it? The difference between
a church member, who shows up erratically and isn’t otherwise engaged, and one
who is engaged in Bible study and constant service is huge. Most politicians fall in the former category,
don’t they?
To me, the question about whether we want a devout Christian to be
president (or governor, or mayor) is kin to asking Would you want Jesus himself to be president? The candid answer is certainly, even if a bit
embarrassingly… No. “Turn the other cheek”? “Sell all and give to
the poor”? “Pay the one hour workers the
same as the 12 hour guys”? Jesus wasn’t
trying to stabilize a state or insure security.
He wasn’t really focused on any institution. Governments must cope with the realities of
what Jesus would call sin, the need for police, armies, courts and legislation
that frankly wouldn’t be needed at all if we all followed Jesus.
So the connection between a candidate’s professed faith, and the
implementation of what might be pleasing to God, is elusive – either because
the faithful elected person might not be able to get it done, or his or her own
faith might itself be compromised by party agendas that pretend to be, but
aren’t of God.
Christians are interested in Christian objectives. But as citizens of a country where freedom of
religion is paramount, should we demand someone who is a Christian of our
variety? Or do we want a leader who can embrace the religious diversity we
clearly have in our country, and navigate the best course for all the people?
We have to get a grip on the daunting truth that once upon a time
America was pretty much white, Christian, and Protestant. Those days are over. White Christian Protestants are now a large,
but ever-shrinking minority. We’ve had
quite a few Presidents who were – barely? Christian. The day will come when we will have leaders
who do not claim this faith, or may claim another faith. Do we shiver over such a future? Or can we
find ways to embrace it, be part of its success, and figure out how to be
Christian in such a changed place? If
clinging to Christianity in our leaders matters, what can we do to extend its
influence and broaden its appeal where we are?
FYI: Earlier installments in this series are archived here.
FYI: Earlier installments in this series are archived here.
