The myth of America as
a Christian nation, with the church as its guardian, has been, and continues to
be, damaging both to the church and to the advancement of God's kingdom. Among
other things, this nationalistic myth blinds us to the way in which our most
basic and most cherished cultural assumptions are diametrically opposed to the
kingdom way of life taught by Jesus and his disciples. … The myth clouds our
vision of God's distinctly beautiful kingdom and thereby undermines our
motivation to live as set-apart (holy) disciples of this kingdom.[1]
Many western countries in their beginning established
laws based on Judaic, Christian principles. Except for Islamic and eastern countries,
few mix religion with politics as much as the US. It appears to makes no difference
to staunch Bible believing Republicans that Jesus taught that, his kingdom was
not of this world[2],
nor, that Jesus spoke against living by the sword.[3]
There is no faction similar to the American “religious right” in the Canadian
government.
Justin Trudeau’s intent to whip any vote on abortion (excepting current
anti-choice MPs) has led to concern about a leader overriding an MP’s autonomy
on a conscience issue… Actually, we’d be much better talking about the larger
problem: whether the Westminster convention of conscience votes is itself
outdated.
The labelling of certain topics as conscience issues, where free votes are
allowed, stemmed in part from a narrow interpretation of morals—religious,
cultural or societal. Party discipline was not appropriate because the values
underlying one’s feelings were sacrosanct . . .
So is the concept of conscience votes at all relevant now? With a much
broader understanding of values and morals, and in a multi- and, indeed,
non-faith environment, is it appropriate to consider an MP’s feelings on these
issues inviolable?[4]
This quote by Lauren Dobson is
from an article in MacLean’s, by Aaron Wherry. Dobson reflects the growing attitudes
of government, suggesting that the Westminster convention is outdated, because
now there is “a much broader
understanding of values and morals, and in a multi- and, indeed, non-faith
environment…” The Canadian parliament
is influenced greatly by the vocal minority, which makes good political sense.
Because the “silent majority” is muted, its views are not considered. “Often,
and especially in Canada, there is a consensus that religion is a private
matter. … Canadians are extraordinarily cynical of professions of religious
faith, especially Christian religious faith and political leaders…”[5]
There is growing intolerance toward the Christian faith and the institutional
Church bears much of the blame for that. From Dobson’s statement it is evident that standards which have been accepted for
years as democratic, are under fire from those with divergent views and causes.
But what if anything does this have to do with hope in Jesus?
The Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms, states:
2. Everyone has the
following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of
conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of
thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and
other media of communication;
(c) freedom of
peaceful assembly; and
(d) freedom of
association.
Religious people, specifically Christians, cannot
expect that their rights of freedom, guaranteed by the Charter, will be
honoured by the government. The current prime minister has said that, the right
of women supersede the Charter. The government is not now, nor ever was a
security blanket for people of faith. Pierre Trudeau, when acting as Justice Minister, said, “There’s no place
for the state in the bedrooms of the nation,”[6]
and added “what's done in private between adults doesn't concern the Criminal
Code.”[7]
The comments were made in support of his proposal to decriminalize homo-sexuality.
During his time divorce was legalized. At that time religious institutions were
horrified by the proposed changes. Governments cannot be directed exclusively
by Christian principles, and nor should they; their task is to govern the
country. This is the reality that Christians must get used to it. No nation or
country represents God, and no earthly empire is the kingdom of God. In the
same way, no Church or religious institution represents the kingdom of God. The
Catholic Church is not the kingdom of God; some Catholics may be citizens of
the kingdom. No Protestant Church is the kingdom of God; though some from
within that community may be citizens. No evangelical or fundamental Church is
the kingdom of God, but some adherents may be in it. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
The Church has
brought on itself criticism from society and some of it is justified. There are
as many crazy people in Church as in general society, maybe more, who knows?
There are some Church activities of which “outsiders” are suspicious. I am a
believer, but I am embarrassed by the antics of some “Christians”. People
sometimes say that Churches are filled with hypocrites, and sometimes what they
is true. Disciples of Jesus obviously benefit under a government sympathetic to
their beliefs, but if faith can flourish only in that environment, it is not
what it should be. Christianity blossomed under persecution, not that believers
today should seek adversity. The absolute worst thing for Christianity was its
acceptance as the state religion of Rome. That was the birth of the Church and
institutional Christianity. Long
before that, believers were instructed to pray “for kings and all who are in
high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and dignity.”[8]
That did not suggest believers were to look to earthly governments for security
of faith. The believer’s hope and assurance are in Jesus. If the government
doesn’t hassle believers, that’s a plus, but not a necessity. People committed
to a Church are going to see their world changed. People espousing causes as a
means of acceptance by God, will be disillusioned. Although scoffed at by
doubters and atheists, “blind faith” is the only path to God. People who
believe and are committed to Jesus are to grow in faith to become like the
faithful of old, “…strangers and exiles on the earth … seeking a country of
their own.”[9]
Jesus
said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also…"[10]
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