Is God a Democrat or a Republican? – Part 1
After a brief hiatus, Ray and Steve return to Beyond the Box with a very timely, yet touchy, topic. The political atmosphere in the United States, especially during major election cycles, can get very heated. Unfortunately, much of the “heat” seems to exist within the body of Christ. Between claiming that certain candidates are “one of us” and accusations (veiled or otherwise) that people who vote otherwise might not even be saved, there can be a lot of confusion and hurt.
What place do politics play in the lives of a believer? Is it possible for one party to be “God’s party”? Can the kingdom of heaven be brought about through political power?
This episode is part 1 of a 2-part episode where Ray and Steve discuss these and other questions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:25 — 22.9MB) | Embed
September 10th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Welcome back you big ol’ heretics you! 😀
Seriously, that was a great show. I love “we don’t clean the fish”. looking forward to pt 2.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Thanks for the encouragement Scott! 🙂
September 18th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Perfect timing for this podcast and GREAT message from the mission of Christ rather than the mission of man. THANKS!!!!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Heather, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope Part 2 was as helpful to you, as well. Thanks for listening.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I have thoroughy enjoyed listening to this discussion. As the daughter of a – shall I dare say it – Democrat who is serving in the state House of Representatives and currently running for re-election, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to have this type of conversation with Christians who think you’re voting for the anti-christ if you vote Democratically. My dad is by no means a perfect man, but he is humble in what he does, doesn’t seek out special attention because of his status, and helps people in need without anyone knowing about it. But to many, that doesn’t matter. If he is a Democrat, he is on the wrong team. It doesn’t matter that his opponent has declared bankcruptcy for mishandling her finances or has actually tried to bribe people with discounts from her business if they would only vote for her. I bring these things up just to show that Republican does not equal Christian behavior. Look at the character of each person running, and then make your choice. No one is perfect, but good candidates can come from either party. And no, God is not interested in either party – he just wants our hearts to know Him.
October 16th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Good word Melody! It frustrates me too that people will not look beyond the label to the kind of person and kind of campaign that is being conducted. I have been disturbed by the presidential campaign and how in the name of a political party people can be so downright mean. I personally do not support Obama or McCain, but the way in which “Christians” have been spewing hatred towards the Obama camp has really said more to me than the particular issues on which the 2 parties differ.