Our Guns & Our Salvation

When the shooting in Colorado happened I wrote an article on the importance of honest and reasonable discussion when we talk about gun control and our relationship with firearms. (especially assault weapons). This time I want to address a line of thinking I've seen in those I call brothers and sisters in Christ that I find is very damaging.

One thing that breaks my heart is to see people approach evil action with a philosophy that says "fight fire with fire" or "tit for tat." That's an old way of doing things, a pre-Christ sense of legalistic justice that doesn't give us fulness of life. There is a mentality in many of us that sees our own strength and power as a true salvation. We think our weapons will save us and make this a better world. We think that the answer is more guns. If only we had more firepower, then we'd be safe, we'd have peace and protection (we see the U.S. as a nation holding this belief simply by looking at our budget).

I'm not going to sit here and say that pacifism is the only way to follow Christ faithfully, but I will say that anytime we allow ourselves to put our trust in anything outside of and above Jesus then we commit idolatry and cease to follow Christ faithfully. When we think we need to save ourselves from evil we build a house on poor foundation that won't make it through the storms. We only find destruction on that foundation. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once stated, "To believe the promise of Jesus that his followers shall possess the earth, and at the same time to face our enemies unarmed and defenseless, preferring to incur injustice rather than to do wrong ourselves, is indeed a narrow way."

Whether that's the narrow way of Christ or not is debatable but one thing is certain, it's definitely a narrow way.  If we are living in fear without our weapons by our side, hidden in our console, and in our purses then we don't have a full faith in Christ's Lordship, promises, justice, coming judgment, or resurrection and we have too heavy a reliance upon the weapons of the flesh. We may be convinced of the old law or our pagan ideologies. 

I'm not saying to give up your guns. I'm not saying guns are evil. I'm not against fighting evil or protecting yourself and others with force. I'm simply talking about dependance and obsessive loyalty to weapons that we don't truly need if we know the truth of Jesus Christ who loves enemies and lays down his life for them. If we have a God who can deliver his people from severe violence through nonviolent means if it be his will then we never need to have any reliance upon weapons. We have only have need to be reliant upon God when it comes to salvation.

If we are convinced in our mind and heart that the only thing that stops a "bad guy" with a gun is a "good guy" with a gun then we are truly deceived by Satan's lies that aggression and violence is our true deliverer. The myth of redemptive violence is solidified within our hearts at that point and we need to repent from it. The fact is that the only thing that stops a bad guy is a good guy and the only good guy that has ever lived is Jesus Christ of Nazareth and he let the bad guys kill him with their weapons... and then he forgave them and showed them by defeating death and the sin of their violent ways that the peace he brings is theirs should they desire it. He has the victory and it doesn't always look like skin staying intact.  That's a hard concept for us. It's not an easy pill to swallow because it sounds upside down. Yet, that's the gospel. Christ died and rose that we may share in his death and resurrection. He promised we'll suffer if we live the life he lived. 1 Peter reminds of that loving conduct may very well end in massacre.  

Can someone who isn't a mass murderer stop a mass murderer with a gun? Yes. Does that mean that killing a killer makes someone a praiseworthy good guy? No. It makes them a killer because they killed. Does that make them a bad guy? No. It makes them a human being who lives by the gun. That doesn't nullify someone's intentions either. People kill other people for what look like good intentions all the time. Whether they are right or wrong is God's decision. I'm not going to pretend that violence doesn't stop possible future violence, but it certainly doesn't stop violence all together, rather it perpetuates it. That's an unavoidable fact. But back to the point...

I will say that those who live by the gun will die by the gun. Those who trust in the horse, chariot, and bow (or tank, nuke, and drone) shall find their trust to be wasted for God alone is our strength and salvation. So pack your heat if you like but if you find that you're too afraid or uncomfortable to be without it then know that you have an idol on your hip, in your purse, in the closet, in the console. Know that, at that point, your god is the gun and it owns you. At that point you need to repent and change your ways because you don't believe in the words of our scriptures. 

Psalm 44:4-8 - "You are my King, O God ordain salvation for Jacob! Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually and we will give thanks to your name forever."

The very sad fact is that many of us in the United States have allowed our guns to be idols. Too many of us cling to our weapons more fiercely than our prayers and scriptures. Instead of having a hope in Christ we've replaced it with a fear in death and reliance on man-made inventions that can make easier the killing process. We think we need guns in the way we need water, food, shelter, and oxygen. We think it'd be wrong and evil to not have them. We couldn't bear to live without these contraptions. Some of us feel that way. That's not okay. 

This isn't a call to total nonviolence. This is a call to look within ourselves and ask what we truly find our rescue in, what we trust, and what we think we need. It's a call to rely upon Jesus and nothing less. If we find that we're worshipping our guns then it's a call to leave the gun and cling to Christ Jesus who dies for us when all we wanted to do was kill him.

May we adopt mentalities that are based upon truth and faith in Christ. May the Spirit help us discern what the balance looks like as we seek justice in a dark world as ambassadors of God's light. May we be the salt of the earth, enriching it, and doing it according to the way of the heavenly kingdom, whatever that looks like. May we be healers and love one another so that Christ is revealed through our love for each other.

The Music of My 2012

Last year I posted about the albums that helped me through a difficult year. 2012 has been remarkably different from 2011 but I can't help but want to share the art that has affected me this year. A lot of the music this year joined me in my triumphs and some has helped me through the pains. In no particular order these are the albums that have had a big impact on my past year.

The Heist by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis: This has perhaps been the most powerful album I've come across in a long time. The video for the song Wing$ was a brilliant attack against materialism. Macklemore is unafraid to rap about the things you aren't supposed to rap about in the hip-hop world. While I don't agree with everything he says or the way he says it, I respect his boldness, honesty, courage, and artistic integrity. This album makes me want to keep fighting against the evils I see in this world, to be a better Christian, and to get back on my feet when I fail at both. This album is worth buying and might be my favorite hip-hop album of all time (sorry Kanye).

Gravity by Lecrae: This is one of those albums that just continually brings me back to Christ. The music, flow, lyrics, etc. are all very impressive and the message is uncompromisingly evangelistic while not being corny. It makes me realize that I don't need to listen to albums like the one listed below because there are people in this world who make music I can enjoy and be edified by at the same time, without compromise. This album makes me want to be uncompromisingly bold. Admittedly, I've avoided Lecrae for a long time now due to so many Christians singing his praises and due to having poor experiences with "Christian" hip-hop. However, after hearing this album I immediately went and obtained 2 of his other albums and the albums of some guys in his cohort. 

Camp by Childish Gambino: A lot of people don't know that Troy from Community (on NBC) is also a hip-hop artist. Well, this is one of his newer albums and it's free along with all his music. He's vulgar but he might be making some of the best music in the U.S. right now and he's giving it away. Throughout the album he has lyrics discussing the issue of being black but not black enough for black culture while not being white enough for white culture. In many ways he doesn't fit in anywhere he finds himself. That was something that touched my heart. Like Kanye West, he's one of those artists that has some ugly words with beautiful sound and the muddiness of it intrigues me. Also, his music videos are super impressive. Once I got over the fact that this serious rap artist was the hilarious and goofy character on one of my favorite TV comedies I was able to really appreciate the album. However, I find myself unable to listen to much of the time these days due to the amount of vulgarity.

Some Nights by Fun.: This should be album of the year. Hands down, this is one of the most impressive albums I have encountered. I've loved Fun since before they existed because I adored the Format (who I was introduced to in my college years) and this is just a beautiful album. I didn't know I had been waiting for this album until I heard it. It's creative, dramatic, and unlike any other album I've ever listened to. It's full of passion and was an album I was able to yell out in the car. Before I had the words memorized it had me mesmerized.  It gave me something beautiful during some difficult times. I bonded to a deeper degree with a good friend over this album as well and in that regard it was a great service to me. 

Hymns I, II, III, IV, B-Sides, RE:Hymns Re-Imagined, Lullabies by Page CXVI: I lost a friend this year. It was incredibly sad and came at a rough time. As I drove home after hearing the news I listened to Hymns IV and wept like crazy as the truth of the words reminded me of God's beautiful and loving truths. When I wasn't listening to hip-hop in 2012 I was listening to these albums. The hymns kept me centered. When I need calming it is this music that gets me there. Page CXVI is inventive with the way they re-imagine the way to present classic hymns and I appreciate their artistic spirit and commitment to traditional songs that have been such a huge blessing through time. I will buy every album they ever make.

CTRL by Derek Webb: I didn't listen to this album as much as most of the ones listed above but it challenged me to rethink my relationship with technology in some pretty major ways. Actually, this album came out during a time in which I was seriously re-examining my relationship with technology so the timing was incredibly strange. I wasn't sure how I felt about the album at first but it grew on me because of it's impact. It made me think about my personal health and mortality. This album hit my introspective tendencies in a way Webb always does. It's also an album that brings calmness and relaxation for me but never ceases to leave me without worthwhile thoughts spinning through my mind first.

There was a lot of great music in my ears this year but these are the most frequently listened to albums and the ones my mind immediately thinks of when looking back at 2012. I hate to admit it but the honorable mention goes to the debut album by One Direction. I can't lie, it's incredibly catchy and has a youthful and fun spirit about it. Sure, it's shallow and silly but it's just too poppy to not love.

Thoughts on the Newtown Connecticut Shooting

When I heard about the horrific tragedy in Newtown Connecticut this morning I instantly observed the great darkness and evil in this world and began to mourn for the children, teachers, families, and everyone connected to the shooting. To be sure, this was a huge evil. The shooter committed a horrendously despicable crime. To be sure, the loss is severe and heart-wrenchingly abominable. Below are my initial thoughts taken from my twitter feed.

• In a world of child murders #wearewaiting for the Prince of Peace who will show us how to be reconciled to one another.

• Many will rejoice in 1 man's death in an effort to overcome the pain of 26 others dying at his hands. I pray mercy on him, a sinner like me.

• We must speak the ugly truth about sinners but never lose compassion for them otherwise we forget our own salvation.

• I pray that men and women turn they eyes and place their hope upon Jesus and not more weapons. Only one truly saves and it's not what kills.

• What kills is not what saves. Any saving it seems to do is temporary and compromised. Satan comes to kill and destroy, let's not copy him.

• We need a Saviour to lead us into shalom/peace. #wearewaiting. We seek the child who will redeem us and replace our violence with patience.

• I want just punishment for the criminal while also wanting their freedom from imprisonment to guilt and slavery to sin.

• I'm horrified. I'm not surprised. More than anything I am hopeful because I see a coming judgment, resurrection, and refining of all things.

• The moment we choose to ignore the killer in mourning is the moment we choose the same master he did by embracing hate & pushing aside love.

• God never frees us from forgiving others but instead frees us TO forgive all others. Because we are forgiven we can/must forgive.

• Where is God in all of this? He is in the chaos, bringing new creation, rebuilding what our sin has torn down. He is in the mourning hearts.

I think it is incredibly important for us to mourn with those who mourn,. It's important to be troubled by the evil. It's important to be in awe of the tragedy, of the crime, of the sickness of the man who committed the atrocious acts. It's important to desire true justice.

Many of these things naturally come to us. We very easily gasp at the evil and scratch our heads at the sickness. It's not too difficult for any of us to want this wrong to be made right somehow.

What is truly difficult is forgiveness, patience, hope, and love for the enemy. To be good to those who do evil, even after their death, is difficult.

I don't want to give too much time and attention to the evildoer and make it seem as though he deserves any negative consequences or reactions, because that's simply ridiculous, but I do want be a voice that calls us to do what's easy in love and also what is hard in love. 

I want us to be a people who mourn the loss of innocent lives and the pain it caused. I also want us to be a people who mourn the lost opportunity for a sick and deceived sinner to find reconciliation with God and humanity (and the devastation of his evil acts in the process).

We are called to be a people of reconciliation. We are called to be perfect in love and forgiveness like our Father who "...makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45b). We must learn forgiveness "for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).

Therefore, as we mourn the terrible losses of today's tragedy, let us seek to mourn perfectly and fully, remembering the great tragedy that sin and evil's darkness is heavily upon this world and ruining us all and we all need to be saved from it and to lead one another into the love of Christ (as we find it) which rescues every single sinner and victim, making them brothers and sisters in harmony where pain is no more. 

Revelation 21:3-5: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.' And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

In this season of Advent, we can very easily see how good the news is that God has come to dwell with us through Jesus Christ and that this prophecy is in the process of becoming the full reality for all creation.  As it is not yet full, so we are waiting...

Let's live in hope for what is to come and remind one another of that hope so that we may find our way to healing. May God shed his peace on us all, especially those who suffer this day. May he grant us the grace to love well as we seek to heal the hurting and move forward into a better tomorrow. May we allow his Spirit to lead the way.

Politics Is Not Enough

I'm currently reading a book entitled Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey. It's a fantastic read. In the Introduction there is a one page section which I enjoyed reading and wanted to share. She entitled it Politics Is Not Enough. Pearcy writes,

"The reason a worldview is so compelling today is that we are still emerging from the fundamentalist era of the early twentieth century. Up until that time, evangelicals had enjoyed a position of cultural dominance in America. But after the Scopes trial and the rise of theological modernism, religious conservatives turned in on themselves: They circled the wagons, developed a fortress mentality, and championed 'separatism' as a positive strategy. Then, in the 1940s and 50s, a movement began that aimed at breaking out of the fortress. Calling themselves neo-evangelicals, this group argues that we are called not to escape the surrounding culture but to engage it. They sought to construct a redemptive vision that would embrace not only individuals but al social structures and institutions. 

Yet many evangelicals lacked the conceptual tools needed for the task, which has seriously limited their success. For example, in recent decades man Christians have responded to the moral and social decline in American society by embracing political activism. Believers are running for office in growing numbers; churches are organizing voter registration; public policy groups are proliferating scored of Christian publications and radio programs offer commentary on public affairs. This heightened activism has yielded good results in many areas of public life, yet the impact remains far less than most had hoped. Why? Because evangelicals often put all their eggs in one basket: They leaped into political activism as the quickest, surest way to make a difference in the public arena - failing to realize that politics tend to reflect culture, not the other way around. 

Nothing illustrates evangeicals' infatuation with politics more clearly than a story related by a Christian lawyer. Considering whether to take a job in the nation's capital, he consulted with the leader of a Washington-area ministry, who told him, 'You can either stay where you are and keep practicing law, or you can come to Washington and change the culture.' The implication was that the only way to effect cultural change was through national politics/ Today, battle-weary political warriors have grown more realistic about the limits of that strategy. We have learned that 'politics is downstream from culture, not the other way around,' says Bill Wichterman, policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. 'Real change has to start with the culture. All we can do on Capitol Hill is try to find ways government can nurture healthy cultural trends.' 

On a similar note, a member of Congress once told me, 'I got involved in politics after the 1973 abortion decision because I thought that was the fastest route to moral reform. Well, we've won some legislative victories, but we've lost the culture.' The most effective work, he had come to realize, is done by ordinary Christians fulfilling God's calling to reform culture within their local spheres of influence - their families, churches, schools, neighborhoods, work-places, professional organizations, and civic institutions. In order to effect lasting change, the congressman concluded, 'we need to develop a Christian worldview.'" [emphasis mine]

That final paragraph is the best part. I agree with Pearcey and the folks she quotes in this passage. I believe the best type of transformation comes through grass roots work. Day to day, interaction by interaction. In being transformed people, made more and more into the likeness of Christ by his Spirit, we witness to Christ and introduce the world around us to the truth, the way, to Jesus by our upstanding conduct and preaching. In turn, light breaks through the darkness, unveiling injustice and sin, creating opportunity for confession, repentance, reconciliation, and prosperity.

When we depend upon the political leaders of this nation to bring about true change we end up fooling ourselves and getting less than we petitioned for. Sure, they can bring about some changes, but the type of change Christians are concerned with comes through Christ and his Holy Spirit. Through pray and humble servant love we live out the kingdom of heaven here on earth and see the will of our Father establishing itself among the various elements and beings of creation. We can be a part of the political sphere but we can not depend upon it or place our hope in it or the men and women who make the wheels of the government go round.

If we're going to put our eggs in one basket let's put it in the basket of Jesus Christ. If we're going to carry several baskets, lets make sure we view them for what they are. Let's learn the truth and embrace our reality. Let's change the world by letting God change us and work through us as living sacrifices.

Side note: If you live in the Vancouver Washington area and you want to read this book with other people and discuss it week to week then there is an avenue for that called Theology Pub. We meet at Brickhouse Bar and Grill every Monday at 7:30pm. We'd love for you to join us.

The Saint of Soldiers

Today, in the United States, it is Veteran's Day. It is a day which honors the men and women who have been faithful participants in the military of the nation. Interestingly (though probably not coincidentally), this day on the Church calendar is one that also remembers and honors a military participant. 

Today is the day of St. Martin of Tours.

Born a pagan (in what is now Hungary) only a few years after the conversion of Emperor Constantine, he was the son of a military veteran who had been a senior officer in the Roman military. Martin was named after Mars, the god of war. At the age of 15 he became a soldier to be thrown into the "holy wars" of the empire, following in his father's footsteps. 

On a rigid cold day, Martin was at the city gates of Amiens (modern-day France) and saw a beggar shivering. Since he was on duty he was only girded with his weapons and military garb. As his heart was overwhelmed with compassion for the beggar he cut his cape into two pieces with his sword and wrapped the garment around the beggar to warm him up. The people laughed at the soldier for his now distasteful appearance (can you imagine walking around with half a cape) while others felt shame for their lack of desire to help the poor man.

Later that night, while sleeping,  Martin saw Jesus wrapped in the cape he had given to the beggar. The Saviour said to the soldier, "Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with his garment." When Martin turned 18 he was baptized as a Christian and began to live more like a monk than a soldier despite continuing at his military post. 

At the age of 23 he refused a war bonus and told his commanding officer, "I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight." In this protest Martin echoed the early church father Tertullian who stated, "The Lord, in disarming Peter, subsequently unbelted every soldier." Shortly after this, but not without difficulties, Martin of Tours was discharged from his military position.

St. Martin of Tours is often referred to as the first conscientious objector to war. It's interesting that he was a soldier before his objection to such activity. For Martin, part of his conversion consisted of laying down his arms and pursuing Christ's kingdom (over Constantine's) by loving the poor and healing the sick. He always viewed himself a soldier but there came a time when he enlisted in the military of Christ his King and that conflicted with his allegiance to Constantine and his activity in the Roman military. 

What I love about this saint is that he lives out the prophecy we see in Isaiah 2:4 which states, "...they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." Joel 3:9-10 has similar words which apply beautifully to this saint when it is written, "Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am a warrior.'"

Martin, always a warrior, beat his sword into a plowshare and spear into a pruning hook by ripping his uniform into a blanket for the suffering beggar. He took what was meant to show status for the warrior and made it a warm cloth for the low in status and weak. The event is poetic to say the least. 

After he left the military the soldier for Christ became an exorcist and a true monk in Milan and later on a small island. He established the first French monastery. A decade later he traveled to Tours to heal a sick man and became the bishop of the people there. Along with Ambrose, Martin stood against the killing of heretics and against the Emperor having a say in similar Church matters. He did his best to work with those he disagreed with, even on matters as large as killing heretics. He saw the gray in life.

At the end of his life, prior to passing away, he prayed "Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Your will be done." Like Paul, he wanted to serve others before being with Christ. He always followed the orders of his Commander-in-Chief Jesus. May we all be able to pray such wonderful words and take care of the poor and hurting around us. May we see ourselves as enlisted in the military of the Kingdom of God, serving others in humble love as our act of war against evil. 

Struggling with Contraceptives

When I was in high school I was a teen peer educator for 2 years on the issues of safe sex, HIV, AIDS, STDs, date rape, and more through a program called R.E.A.L. (Reaching Educating And Learning) at the Southwest Washington Health District.  It was a great experience and God taught me about loving others through it, even though I was not yet following Christ.

I've never had much of a struggle with the idea of birth control. I've not approved of the "morning after pill" or abortions since becoming a Christian since both seem obviously incompatible with the teachings of scripture. Birth control pills, condoms, vaginal barriers, etc., on the other hand, have never been problematic in my mind. Why? I can't say. The notion of controlling child-birth has never crossed my mind as unfaithful or irresponsible.

Recently, however, I've begun to question my protestant position on this issue. Perhaps it's not ideal or even God-honoring to use these birth control methods (unless of course they are absolutely necessary for one's health I guess). What has made me question this?

The Soul and the Conception

A couple early church leaders have some strong words about this sort of thing. Below are a few quotes from the early church leader Tertullian regarding when human life begins.

"Life begins with conception, for we contend that the soul also begins from conception. Life takes its commencement at the same place and time that the soul does." -Tertullian

Lactantius agrees with Tertullian when he writes, "The soul is not introduced into the body after birth, as some philosophers think. Rather, it is introduced immediately after conception, when the divine necessity has formed the offspring in the womb."

Tertullian further explains this position when he writes, "Now the entire process of sowing, forming, and completing the human embryo in the womb is no doubt regulated by some power, which ministers therein to the will of God - regardless of what may be the method that it is appointed to employ... We, on our part, believe the angels to officiate herein for God. The embryo, therefore, becomes a human being in the womb from the moment that its form is completed." He also made his point in very simple words by stating, "The flesh and the soul have a simultaneous birth, without any calculable difference in time."

In the gospels we read that Mary becomes pregnant with the Messiah. Are we to think that the coming Saviour was not yet who the angel proclaimed to Mary and Joseph the very moment the process of pregnancy began? All this has weight in the following words.

Ending Pregnancy
The father of Western theology (Tertullian) also wrote about pregnancies that end early. He writes, "If we become injured in the womb, this is a loss suffered by what is already a human being." When it comes to the use of methods to intentionally end pregnancy the early church leaders had things to say as well.

"We say that those women who use drugs to bring on abortion commit murder. And we also say they will have to give an account to God for the abortion." -Athenagoras

"Are you to dissolve the conception by aid of drugs? I believe it is no more lawful to hurt a child in process of birth, than to hurt one who is already born." -Tertullian 

"There are some women, who by drinking medical preparations, extinguish the source of the future man in their very bowels. So they commit murder before they bring forth. And these things assuredly come down from the teaching of your gods." -Mark Minucius Felix 

Intentional Sterility 
The above words can all be considered to only address post-conception methods of abortion. But there are other words from the early church that speak of methods which produce sterility and even of the need to welcome children as we seek sexual activity.

"Women who were reputed believers began to resort to drugs for producing sterility. They all girded themselves around, so as to expel what was being conceived. For they did not wish to have a child by either a slave or by any common fellow - out of concern for their family and their excessive wealth. See what a great impiety the lawless one has advanced! He teaches adultery and murder at the same time!" -Hippolytus

"If God still forms man, we will be guilty of audacity if we think of the procreation of children as something offensive. For the Almighty Himself is not ashamed to make use of it, in working with His undefiled hands." -Methodius

It's murderous. It plays God, seeking to control what it taught to be his work in humanity (this also puts the "pull-out" method in jeopardy). It holds potential to make us sexually irresponsible by eliminating natural consequences. These are a few arguments against using these birth control methods that I've come across.

Admittedly, some of these early church leaders also believed that marriage and sexual activity were only to be engaged in for procreation alone. Some of these men even said that pleasure is not something to be persued. For our culture, this sounds crazy. I'll confess that I disagree with a bit of these teachings. But that doesn't make me right. We're all influenced by the time and culture we are in.

I'm not saying I'm persuaded that Christians should abstain from these contraceptives. Not yet anyway. I'm trying to wrestle this out and find understanding. I want to do that fairly by investigating all the legitimate positions possible.

I'm borrowing a book from a friend that discusses this issue in seemingly efficient detail. It's called Birth Control for Christians; Making Wise Choices by Jenell Williams Paris. I'm looking to answer the question: "Why shouldn't I support abstaining from these practices as a Christian?" I'm curious to see what the author has to say about surgical procedures such as vasectomies.

Perhaps this article is merely for my own sake, but I hope that it also spurs on questions and discussion that build up others. Let's reason together and seek discernment. May Christ lead us to living out truth and goodness so that we may reflect him to the world.

Voting As Worship

My brother and schoolmate John Lussier of Hope in Exile sent out a few tweets today that were incredibly on target as social commentary and I had to share his words and some thoughts on them. He wrote, 

"We've made voting a sacred act. It is our 'responsibility' and those who do vote somehow gain their 'dignity' from it."

"'Get up and vote!' Has been turned into an altar call at the Church of the Public Square. Who are you gonna live for?"

Lussier responded to someone asking if he thought voting was in fact a sacred act. He responded saying, "I don't think so. It has been made to be something we have to do, because we have divinized the State and its solutions."

In many ways I agree whole-heartedly with my friend. We have far too often convinced ourselves to look at the State and her methods as divine, even if we won't admit it. Too often we feel the authorities and their legislation will save us (or others). When we have such high views of the State and those who make it up we turn President's into Saviours and votes into worship. With such a perspective we can see why we must bless the world with democracy and defend it with great violence (and we will feel more than justified for both). This is nationalism at it's highest point. 

This is also idolatry. Plain and simple. Voting is not a responsibility but rather a right (which means you are free to vote or not vote and neither decision makes you more or less a citizen or appreciator of the nation). We are not made more valuable based upon who we vote for or even upon the decision to vote. Don't be fooled into thinking that you owe anyone your vote. Not soldiers, not neighbors, not politicians, not America, not God; no one. 

The State, the Kingdom of God, the President, the Christ, the voting booth, the Church. All have a place in this creation but not all save. That's what matters. All our acts are significant, and in some senses, sacred. However, don't be led astray and begin to think that voting is like the Eucharist or baptism. It is not an ordinance and it is not demanded of us. 

Christ saves us. His solutions are the ones we put our trust in. When we trust in the divinity of Christ the King and cling to his kingdom then our views of voting being a sacred duty are shattered. We won't follow the sacred acts of national worship because we will have exchanged them for the liturgy found through Christ and his Body.

As I've said in other articles, voting isn't bad. If a person feels divinely pressed to vote they they ought to listen to their conscience and do so. Whatever we do must be for the glory of God and it should look like Jesus Christ. The water gets muddy in this part of the discussion but the point of this specific discussion is simply to remind ourselves that our worship doesn't belong to the state but to God. The state, the president, the legislation; none of these can ever save us. Christ has already saved us and we must respond accordingly, giving him all our worship and allegiance. As singer/songwriter Derek Webb sings, "There is a day that’s been inaugurated but has not yet come, that we can proclaim by showing that there’s a better way." 

So during this election season, do not forget that, as Christians, you already belong to a kingdom and it's king. Don't let foreign (aka earthly) nations and politicians distract you too much. Don't think you owe them anything but your allegiance to Christ, because you don't. The State needs your loyalty to Jesus far more than your vote, even if she doesn't know it. 

How To End Abortion

In this election season there is a lot of talk about abortion and which candidate is going to fight for the 'rights' of the unborn or of the pregnant. We hear labels like 'Pro-choice' and 'Pro-Life' (both of which are terrible titles for what they tend to represent and terrible for the sake of honest discussion since they create a false dichotomy simply by existing in opposition to one another)* and we enter into discussions that focus solely on legislation. 

Too often we hope to find our answers for a better world in the men and women running for political office. For some reason, we think our hope belongs in legislation and that if we could just get that one Supreme Court case overturned, or that one bill passed, then we'd be satisfied and then things would be better. If we could see a law then we'd have real change. Then we'd have our answer, our way.

Unfortunately, that's a misguided hope. Especially when it comes to abortion. 

When I discuss the issue of abortion and how we can best approach it, there are a few pillars which hold up my arguments. There is a foundation upon which I am building and I think it necessary to briefly provide some core beliefs and facts that make up that foundation.

Some Foundation

• Abortion is legal in the United States and has been for several decades.
• Christians are to put their hope in Jesus Christ and not in man or man-made systems.
• Christians are first and foremost citizens of the kingdom of God, a society within the world that is different from all other societies (being in the world but not of it).
• The chief concern of Christians is the work of reconciliation for sinners towards God and the rest of the world.

I've written previously (and recently) about politicians, voting, and why I don't find the government to be the place in which we should place our hope for change. The fact is that the law doesn't change hearts. As the band Brave Saint Saturn sings in their song Underground, "Real love doesn't come from a mandate. Real change you can not legislate." Jesus Christ changes hearts. We are transformed by the Holy Spirit. If we want to see real change in our world then our answer isn't in the United States Supreme Court, Congress, or President; It's in Christ and his means.

Jesus Christ has continued his ministry on this earth through his Church which is his Body. In this world, we are to be like Jesus. A pagan once wrote of the early church that "because of them, good flows on in the world." This consists of many things. Part of the ingredients are loving our neighbors, taking care of widows and orphans, being hospitable and generous, and living sacrificial lives. 

I firmly believe that Christians are not to rely on the government to stop abortion in this nation. While it's true that the amount of reported abortions have gone up in number since Roe vs. Wade, we also must confess that many of those are replacing unreported and unsanitary abortions that were already taking place. It's undeniable that the Supreme Court decision altered the way our society reacts to unwanted pregnancies. However, going backwards in legislation doesn't promise to create change for the better so why put focus on such efforts (remember prohibition)?

If we want to see the pattern of abortion change then we need to look to Christ and begin to function as the Church, just as we were meant to do. When we live into our purpose as Christ's body we'll not only see less abortions but we'll see healthier families, stronger marriages, less unwanted pregnancies, and less premarital sex (because these are the results of living faithfully and obediently to Christ). 

So how do we end abortion if not through traditional American means like voting the 'right' person into office or picketing at Planned Parenthood (because that rarely does much good)? How do we see the change that our hearts desire to see? Maybe we've been doing all we know to do and it isn't working (like voting, picketing, and wearing shirts that say "abortion is murder"). How can we end abortions by just being the Church? What does that even look like?

What We Can Do

We need to remember what our goals are. We need to remember what our mission is. Our mission is to be the Bride of Christ, rejecting sin in our own lives and doing the work of reconciliation so that others may join Christ in his death and resurrection and also live life to the fullest, free of sin's bondage.

In being a faithful witness to Christ, we commit ourselves (as Christians) to honoring the covenant of marriage, dating responsibly, remaining sexually pure, responsibly teaching our children about the reality of sex and this world, and constantly practice confession, forgiveness, repentance, and grace. Being a community of people that is obedient to Christ and who takes these commissions seriously results in a community that calls for and produces less abortions within itself. It also stands as a witness to the world so that the world may see how such a society can come to exist (that is, through Christ and his Spirit) and spurs on conviction.

While much of that is very hard and often seems impossible or idealistic (which it isn't, otherwise we prove ourselves to have a severe lack of trust in scripture and God) we must push through the difficulty and become such a community (and obviously, such individuals). 

Besides being a faithful and obedient people in relationships and sexuality, what are things we can do to foster a community in which abortions become less of a desirable option? How do we offer a better solution? How do we tell a better story than the one our earthly culture is telling?

First of all, we commit ourselves to not getting abortions. As the bumper stickers say, "If you're not for abortion then don't get one!" While we can't agree with the mentality that morality is private and individualistically determined, we have to see that part of the answer is obvious; if you're a Christian and you become pregnant then give birth to that child instead of destroying the life that is growing inside of you. Let us make a modest proposal; that Christians not get abortions. 

This is a nonnegotiable. Barnabas (who worked with the Apostle Paul) wrote, "You shall not kill the child by obtaining an abortion. Nor, again, shall you destroy him after he is born." The disciples wrote a similar teaching in the Didache stating, "You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill one who has been born." Even the pagans recognized that Christians abstained from this practice. In the Letter to Diognetus it is written, "They bear children, but they do not destroy their offspring." Tertullian was perhaps the most explicit when he wrote, "In our case, murder is once for all forbidden. Therefore, we may not destroy even the fetus in the womb, while as yet the human being derives blood from other parts of the body for its sustenance. To hinder a birth is merely a speedier way to kill a human. It does not matter whether you take away a life that has been born, or destroy one that is not yet born."** 

One of the biggest things the Church can do is to come alongside the youth of this nation, the pregnant, the single parents, the orphaned, and build relationships that are loving and providential. 

This means that local congregations and Christian couples/families ought to be intentional about knowing people in the community who are pregnant and didn't want to be. This may mean partnering with organizations such as Planned Parenthood (even if you don't partner with everything they do). When we know these women we are able to offer to adopt their unwanted child but we are also able to offer to adopt those parents into our lives, homes, and families. We should do everything we can to teach about sexuality and healthy relationships while also exampling these things. If we desire to tell people how they should live then we should show them how to live and help them do it. Mentoring and inclusion will allow these folks to see how we raise children and support one another and thus we can will love them and their child (and how they can do the same).

If we want to love women who are thinking about getting abortions then let's meet themas  early in the process as we can. Whether they are adults or teenagers we need to build trusting friendships with them and get them good counsel and resources. Hopefully, they can be persuaded into giving birth. If they aren't persuaded, then we need to be people who aid in the healing that is needed after an abortion takes place. Even if we can't support the decision to abort a child, we can love the person giving the abortion, offering them forgiveness on behalf of the child and the Father of both that child, the mother, and ourselves (that is, God). There is emotional baggage that comes with abortions and that needs healing.

Being involved in our community and the development of our youth is a huge help as well. Being hospitable families that can influence neighborhood children to love God and serve him goes a long way. Being people who constantly pray with and for people (maybe even at abortion clinics) is helpful. Prayer changes things! Preaching the gospel changes things.

What We Shouldn't Do

While I think we need to be bold in our message and speak truth without wavering, I also believe that the Holy Spirit produces gentleness and kindness in us. In our compassion for others and our love for them we will not communicate in ways that cause damage but rather ways that convict and offer healing confession and repentance. For example, when I was in college I had friends who wore shirts that said "ABORTION IS MURDER" in big bold letters. While I agree with the statement I would never want that to be my only statement, or even my introductory statement. 

Why? I had another friend who impregnated a woman out of wedlock. She got an abortion (against his desires) and those shirts broke his heart. They filled him with guilt and made him feel like a monster. It eliminated the opportunity for discussion and caused nothing but pain and anger. He didn't support abortion. He didn't like abortion. Yet, he was face to face with abortion. He had no idea what healing looked like because all he was told is "You're a murderer." 

Along with this is picketing. Some people picket on the side of the road with signs that have pictures of ripped up fetus' on them while others stand in front of abortion clinics and Planned Parenthood buildings while wearing sandwich boards and yelling at those going in and out. Awareness is a great thing. A lot of us don't see the truth about abortions and that should change. This is a way to do it. I won't argue against that. But like the T-shirts, we have to ask ourselves if this is the best way to start a discussion and if we're willing to let this be our only input in someone's life because odds are that these tactics won't produce valuable, convicting, edifying discussion opportunities with most people who come across our path and they will be left with this short statement. 

There are better ways to start the conversation while still being honest and bold. We don't have to condemn to convict. In fact, we're not supposed to condemn. Another fact: The Holy Spirit convicts people. We simply love them and speak truth through loving means.

I know that this is a rarity but we need to know that we can't bomb abortion clinics or shoot doctors who perform abortions (these have happened). Killing people is not a good way to say "Don't kill people." The enemy of God comes to kill, steal, and destroy. This is the opposite of what Christians are to do. Maybe we should be praying outside these buildings and getting to know the doctors so we can share the gospel with them but we shouldn't be causing damage.

Here's the problem with all of these protests: None of them are self-sacrificial. They are all short-sighted and convenient for the protestor while offering little to no room for valuable and edifying discussion. The invitation to confess, repent, be healed, transformed, forgiven, and brought into a family (of God) is not nearly (if at all) as present in these methods. People don't hear the full story through these methods and reconciliation is stifled as a result.

Final Thoughts

I'll never say people shouldn't vote their conscience or take action that they are persuaded is Godly. Sometimes a strongly worded t-shirt, picket sign, or ballot is the right thing. However, when we have the opportunity to do something greater and to be a people that reach out to others in practical ways then we should do that. Speaking the bold truth and sticking to our guns is vital but it means nothing if it isn't accompanied by loving action that changes hearts and social dynamics. Let's be up front and honest with people about what God tells his creation. Let's tell his truth to each other, our friends, the politicians, and everyone. 

Let's not forget though that we've been called to self-sacrifice and if we want to end abortion then we're going to have to seek that out with crosses on our backs and compassion in our hearts.  Any other way is not the Christian way and thus, as Christ's body, we must reject any other way.

Finally, our goal isn't to end abortion or even see less abortions. That's an unfair framing of the situation and even though I've given into it for the sake of this article we need to confess that being faithful to Christ and being his witness is our goal. We won't see the end of abortions or sin anytime before the judgment but we can be the people who bless the world as God intended in the meantime. 

As Derek Webb writes, "Our ultimate hope is not in politicians or powers or governments, but in a day coming when all things will be made right. And our ultimate concern isn’t success but faithfulness." Therefore, let us serve others as Christ has served us, loving people away from sin. May they know the option of being adopted by God into his family and thus know true life and desire to give life instead of extinguishing it.

*Most people believe in choices and people who are 'pro-life' don't seem to spend a lot of time speaking against military action, the death penalty, and healthy eating habits. 
**Tertullian also provides an even more explicit telling of how abortions worked in his time (not too different how we perform them). Some of the early church fathers (such as Hippolytus) also proclaimed that using forms of birth control which prevented birth should be avoided as well. 

Liking Christ But Not Church; Does It Make Sense?

A lot of people, especially where I live in the Pacific Northwest, tend to make claims like "I do Christ but I don't do the Church" or "I have a relationship with God but I don't need the Church."

I get it. I really do.

A lot of folks (myself included) have been burned by Christians, even groups of them. Particular local congregations have upset and even wronged us at times. We're hurt. We may be bitter.

Sometimes we need to realize that in our pain and bitterness, though they may seem fair, we've become unforgiving. That's not too Christ like. That's a problem.

The bigger problem is this: While attendance at local congregation gatherings isn't the defining characteristic of a righteous relationship with Christ and doesn't prove our salvation, we need to have a proper understanding of the Church at large and how Christ, the Church, the local congregation, and ourselves are all connected. And I assure you, they're all connected.

We can't allow ourselves to neglect the Church because a group of imperfect people hurt us. Sure, our pain is valid, but our cold shoulder isn't valid if we claim Christ Jesus as our Lord (ruler). Here's the deal: We're going to hurt each other. We're messed up. That's why we agree that we need Jesus day after day. Let's not deny Jesus' healing and reconciliation among us because we've created need for that healing by being imperfect people.

Last night I sent out a few tweets on the issue of Christ and his Church that are truths I've been taught which have greatly altered my perspective.

• You don't get Christ without the Church because you can't have Christ without his Body.
• We can not be individualistic & relativistic about God & his Church if we wish to be Christian. We are baptised into a concrete community.
• Being part of the Church is as important as being with Christ because they are one in the same.
• Church: It's not about you (or me). It's about Jesus. We worship him as one selfless body, HIS body which is selflessly sacrificed.
• If we do not have a high view of the Church we simultaneously have a low view of Christ.

Too often we think of the universal Church spoken of in scripture as merely the local church (Notice the capital C and the lower case c). The universal Church is God's people world wide and through time, both living and dead. So that makes the local church the building down the street right?

Wrong. The local church is the Church in your local area. Stick with me. That means the local church is the people, the community, the family of God that is in your neighborhood or city (not just the building or the gathering event). In other words, you don't go to church; you are the Church. You go to buildings and events but the Church is neither of those. It's a community of people that make up a bigger organism. Christians are the small bits that make up the whole which we call Church. The person is the arm, the Church is the body.

The local church is as much a group of people unified through Christ as the universal Church. This is why we need to have a deep respect and honor for the local church; because it's the Church.

I'm not saying you are going to lose your salvation if you miss a Sunday gathering or the weekly potluck (but why would you want to miss them if you can help it). I'm saying that we tend to think our relationship with Jesus is strictly between Jesus and ourselves. We don't tend to think it's everyone else's business. But it is. We tend to think we can love Jesus and ignore the Church. But we can't.

Our faith/salvation is a public matter. It's personal but it's not private. We are baptised into a community of believers which Christ calls his Body on earth (that's the Church). We are adopted by the Father to be his children. We belong to each other and each time we partake of the Eucharist (the communion elements) we open our eyes to Christ knitting us together through his Spirit.

We too often want our life to be out of the hands, eyes, and ears of others but that's not what God wants for us. He has always called us to community. We were created for community and we know this because the very first thing that God deemed as "not good" in scripture is man being alone. We are not meant to know God privately in isolation. We are meant to be a family, blessed by God, so that we may bless all the families of the world (this is what God promised Abraham Israel would be).

We are meant to uplift one another through encouragements, rebukes, teachings, songs, accountability, discipline, leadership, and more. These truths are written throughout the New Testament very plainly. If we read from the book of Acts all the way to Jude we'll be unable to justify the type of attitude which states "I can have a relationship with Christ but not his Church." It's simply impossible.

I don't want this to sound condemning. I merely want to spark something inside the reader which leads him/her to a place where he/she embraces Christ fully by embracing his bride/body which he loves and refuses to be separated from. Christ brings us into him and simultaneously into the Church. It's an unavoidable happening and if we attempt to have one and not the other we will find ourselves causing a great tearing within ourselves and the kingdom of God.

If we are serious about loving Christ then we must love one another. The people loving one another as they love Christ are called Church. Each of the members are called Christians. The people who love a god who accepts and encourages isolation, individualism, bitterness, unforgiveness, and selfishness are not worshipping Jesus Christ. Yet, Christ knows them, loves them, and desires for them to know him fully and he uses his people (the Church) in an effort to draw those individuals closer to him. He invites those people to be his body and bride, his family, his Church.

God willing, I'll see you Sunday (if you can make it).

A Saviour on Capitol Hill

In my last blog I wrote about my hope in Christ and his Church as the center and power of my political activity. I wrote about my lack of concern for the type of government which I live under because it doesn't hold a candle to the authority and transformation power that is found in Jesus and experienced within his Body (the Church) and it doesn't prohibit me from having a voice and witness in the face of that government. 

Now I want to address what some might call my political pessimism. While I wouldn't call myself a pessimist (rather I'd say 'realist') I admit that I have a less than popular view of politicians. I don't put my hope or trust in them. I don't expect them to do the God-honoring and edifying thing for the majority of the time. Part of it is because of the person, part of it is because of the position, and the biggest part is the human condition. We're sinful people and power doesn't help us escape sinfulness or seek justice and righteousness (maybe that's why Jesus refused power when tempted with it by Satan in the desert).* 

One of my favorite singer/songwriters is named Derek Webb. He wrote a song several years back entitled Savior on Capitol Hill. Even though this song is unable to paint the entire portrait of my views, it's a good start. My views are best discovered through sincere discussion. I'd also add that I'm constantly reworking my views and am always open to opposing views.

With that said, the lyrics to the song are posted below along with the music in case you desire to listen to the song while you read the lyrics (please note that this is not an official video).

I’m so tired of these mortal men
with their hands on their wallets and their hearts full of sin
scared of their enemies, scared of their friends
and always running for re-election. 

So come to DC if it be thy will
because we’ve never had a savior on Capitol Hill.

You can always trust the devil or a politician
to be the devil or a politician
but beyond that friends you’d best beware
‘cause at the Pentagon bar they’re an inseparable pair
and as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills
we’ll never have a savior on Capitol Hill. 

All of our problems gonna disappear
when we can whisper right in the President’s ear.
He could walk right across the reflection pool
in his combat boots and ten thousand dollar suit.

You can render unto Caesar everything that’s his.
You can trust in his power to come to your defense;
It’s the way of the world, the way of the gun,
it’s the trading of an evil for a lesser one
so don’t hold your breath or your vote until
you think you’ve finally found a savior up on Capitol Hill.

I'm not saying you shouldn't vote. I'm not saying we need a new saviour or that we shouldn't trust imperfect people for leadership positions. What I am saying is that history and scripture show us that our hope doesn't belong in ruling authorities and we shouldn't invest too much in them. We should invest in Christ and his mission. 

"It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes" (Psalm 118:8-9).

"Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:3).

There was a time in the Old Testament in which God speaks to one of his prophets named Samuel. During this time the people of Israel demanded that they be given a human king just like all the other nations of the earth. Up until this point they had lived only under the reign and authority of God. They listened to the prophets (God's mouthpieces) but that was as close as it came to them having a ruling authority. This demand went against God's desire for his people but he granted to them this wish. 

Samuel reports God's words to Israel telling them that a human king will send their sons into the front lines of battle and employ thousands to fuel his war machine. This king will take the people's daughters as his servants and their farmlands for his servants. He will take portions of everyone's harvests and give them to his officials. He will take all the best animals and workers from the common people so they can work for him instead and enslave all Israel. It will be worth regretting and crying back to God.

The people respond to the prophet saying, "No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles" (2 Samuel 8:19b-20). God grants their desire and everything he had promised them would occur comes true. The people are enslaved to injustice and bound to war. Why? Because that is the result of earthly ruling authorities because humans are sinful beings who can't handle power in the way God can. 

Jesu stands in stark contrast to the human king. He rules with a towel as a servant rather than a sword as a warrior.* He refuses office (John 6:15) and examples love through daily action. He concerns himself with the renovation of people's hearts rather than the renovation of government. His work is of the grassroots type. He described his kingdom (and it is a very real kingdom) as a mustard seed which starts small and slowly grows to a giant bush with provides shade and housing for creatures. In other words, it's a subversively infectious kingdom of loving service. Doesn't sound much like a government we're used to does it? 

The early Church fathers, understanding the problem of sin and power, took Jesus' kingdom and means of love so seriously that they refused political office. They were concerned with functioning as the Church and being the reality of God's kingdom on earth. They believed Christ's authority was greater than earthly rulers and that he was ushering his kingdom into the world through the Church. Below are some of their quotes.

"The Caesars too would have believed on Christ, if either the Caesars had not been necessary for the world, or if Christians could have been Caesar's." -Tertullian.

"Celsus [a pagan] also urges us to 'take office in the government of the country, if that is necessary for the maintenance of the laws and the support of religion.' However, we recognize in each state the existence of another national organization hat was founded by the Word of God. And we exhort those who are mighty in word and of blameless life to rule over churches. ...It is not for the purpose of escaping public duties that Christians decline public offices. Rather, it is so they may reserve themselves for a more divine and necessary service in the church of God - for the salvation of men." -Origen

"Satan causes others to swell with ambitious desires. These are those who direct the whole occupation and care of their life to the holding of magistracies." -Lactantius

"In us [Christians], all ardor in the pursuit of glory and honor is dead. So we have no pressing inducement to take part in your public meetings. Nor is there anything more entirely foreign to us than affairs of state." -Tertullian

Tertullian is a large voice in this matter. Like Derek Webb, he makes a statement which basically poses the problem that a person can not live the Christian life while also holding public office. He states, "Let us suppose that it is possible for anyone to succeed in operating under the mere name of the office, in whatever office. Let us also suppose the following: ...He does not give spectacles at his own or the publics expense, nor preside over them. He makes no proclamation or edict for any [pagan] festivals. He does not even take oaths. Furthermore, he does not sit in judgment on anyone's life or character (for you might allow his judging about money). He neither condemns nor indicts. He chains no one. He neither imprisons nor tortures anyone. Now, is it believable that all this is possible?" 

"The desire to rule is the mother of all heresies" -John Chrysostom

Hippolytus wrote of Church Order in the Apostolic Tradition and stated that anyone in public office who wishes to be Christian must give up their office or be rejected.

For these early church leaders and theologians there was an obvious contrast between those who hold political office and those who exist as citizens in Christ's kingdom. One simply could not be both. They were firmly convinced that they had no reason to put hope in governments or the ruling authorities because they already put their hope in Christ and his kingdom. The governments became almost irrelevant. 

Of course, there are realities we must be aware of. Being naive won't help us. We should remain informed without ever becoming anxious. We should also admit that the government of the United States has some large differences from those of the time of these church fathers. However, they share a great many similarities as well. 

At the end of it all, a saviour has come and his kingdom was with him. We've been invited into that kingdom and we'd do well to take up that invitation. As citizens of that heavenly kingdom we become the catalyst in which good flows through the world and when we function as that catalyst we lose reason to cling to government and our demand for earthly rulers and their domineering and unjust ways. 

Every earthly ruler will be unjust. Period. They are all sinful and will succumb to the temptations that come along with power. God has told us not to put our hope or trust in these rulers and given us a beautiful alternative to them in Jesus Christ. It is this saviour Jesus Christ who is the bottom line. 

*Matthew 4:8-10, "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, 'All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."'" (Interestingly, Jesus never denies Satan's ability to hand over earth's kingdoms. It seems, being the ruler of the world, as the Apostle John calls him, that Satan really does have some type of grasp on the earthly kingdoms). 
**See John Howard Yoder's book entitled The Politics of Jesus.