Trust Jesus, Not Politics

Americans have too much faith in American politics. And we're not the only ones. Moderns in general tend to place a great amount of hope in the state that governs them. Craig M. Gay has argued this point in the The Way of the Modern World. He says, "While we may lose faith in this or that politician and/or party from time to time, our belief in the potential of the political process tends to be unshakable" (31). The sheer size of modern states along with their technological resources give plausibility to their potential for solving any and every problem.

At the same time, however, there seems to be some skepticism toward government intervention. My job at the elementary school required a class that delved into legislation for the public school system. This lecture suggested that many of the changes, particularly the latest No Child Left Behind Act, have created enormous difficulty for the public schools. And the class as a whole seemed to affirm the frustration over this legislation. Also, consider the grumbles that accompany tax season. If our trust in American politics was consistent, tax season would be a treat, a good and pleasing offering to our omniscient, omnibenevolent, and omnipotent government.

Evangelicals in particular have typically expressed a good amount of faith in American politics, notwithstanding some evangelicals that have recently convened to amend evangelicalism's tight relationship with politics. While we should be good, concerned citizens, we need to remain aware of political limitations. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain will not save us. They will not provide universal flourishing. If we believe that can be attained by a Democrat or Republican, we have sorely undestimated our problem. The ultimate problem is sin and it has penetrated not just human hearts but all of creation, including human structures and systems, like governments. This requires a massive overhaul, in fact, nothing short of the re-creation of all things. Thanks to Jesus' work and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience this project of redemption and even participate in it. This process of building the Kingdom must be our priority. Of course, this includes being politically engaged citizens but it also transcends that.

As the promises of the candidates soar to new heights this summer and fall, beware. They will find it nearly impossible to deliver. Their proposals that sound so neat and tidy will become sloppy in the complexity of real life. The only thing that can overcome the difficulty of sin is the Gospel of Jesus. That is where our ultimate hope must be.