Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee

I was a Public Administration major in college.  I was active in politics and seriously thought that I might enter the political realm.  I’ve always voted conservatively but not always Republican.  I once voted for Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama.  He has since changed parties and is now a Republican.  I loved Ronald Regan.  I was disappointed with Pres. Bush #1 and Pres. Clinton has much different values than me.  Pres. Bush # 2 appears to be serious about his faith but I think the war is a mess?

I have become disillusioned by politics.  Never once have I seen a Bill or law change someone’s life.  When I look at politics all I see is corruption.  Even politics in church!  So, why do followers of Jesus on both sides of the aisle make such a big deal about an election?  Didn’t God accomplish His will when Daniel and the Israelites were in captivity?  Didn’t Jesus accomplish His plan without a military takeover or being elected ruler?

I remember being at the Republican headquarters in Tuscaloosa, AL in 1980 watching the election results with some of my classmates.  It seemed the Moral Majority had turned the tide of our country?  Well, has it? Has abortion been abolished?  Have STD’s been eliminated?  Do we see less divorces, crime and corruption? Is our country more spiritual than it was back then?  We don’t seem more moral to me.

I’m not opposed to involvement in government. I think it is our duty as citizens to be active.  There need to be Godly people in government just as we need them in every other area of society.  But, should the church be actively involved in politics?  I don’t think so.  What difference has it made? None.  In fact, I think it hurts our witness to non-believers.  So why do churches hand out “scorecards” and allow politicians to speak from their pulpits?  What a waste of valuable time to tell people about Jesus.  

Will our country change because of the election in November?  Probably.  It could be good or bad.  But will who wins change God’s will?  No!  God knows what is going to happen.  It could be that He will use someone who is opposed to Him to further the work of the church.  Pharaoh didn’t exactly obey God did he?  But think of the ways that God displayed His power? 

Will I vote in November?  Yes, because it is my duty as a citizen of the USA.  But will I preach about who should win? No.  Will I think the end of the world is coming because one candidate wins or loses?  No, because God is in control even if I don’t see it.   The sky is not falling!  God’s will doesn’t need our manipulation.  I’m thankful that I don’t have to stress about an election to give me assurance about my faith.

What do you think?

[ABC News]

Displaying a portrait of Jesus in the foyer of a Louisiana courthouse is unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled this week, siding with civil libertarians who sued over the display. But inserting Jesus within a group portrait of historic figures at the courthouse is permissible, the judge said.

In a ruling filed Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle awarded “nominal” damages plus attorneys’ fees and costs to the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana in its case against Slidell City Court, Judge James Lamz and St. Tammany Parish, which partially finances the court.

Read about it here.

[From me]

As a follower of Jesus I wouldn’t want a picture of Buddha or Muhammad on the wall of a courthouse.  I don’t need a picture of what people think Jesus looked like to remind me to live for Him.  I’m reminded daily as I read His word. 

What do you think?

[Tampa Bay Online]

Divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing cost U.S. taxpayers more than $112 billion a year, according to a study commissioned by four groups advocating more government action to bolster marriages.

Sponsors say the study is the first of its kind and hope it will prompt lawmakers to invest more money in programs aimed at strengthening marriages. Two experts not connected to the study said such programs are of dubious merit and suggested that other investments - notably job creation - would be more effective in aiding all types of needy families.

There have been previous attempts to calculate the cost of divorce in America. But the sponsors of the new study, being released Tuesday, said theirs is the first to gauge the broader cost of “family fragmentation” - both divorce and unwed childbearing.

The study was conducted by Georgia State University economist Ben Scafidi. His work was sponsored by four groups who consider themselves part of a nationwide “marriage movement” - the New York-based Institute for American Values, the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, Families Northwest of Redmond, Wash., and the Georgia Family Council, an ally of the conservative ministry Focus on the Family.

“The study documents for the first time that divorce and unwed childbearing - besides being bad for children - are costing taxpayers a ton of money,” said David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values.

“We keep hearing this from state legislators, ‘Explain to me why this is any of my business? Aren’t these private matters?’” Blankenhorn said. “Take a look at these numbers and tell us if you still have any doubt.”

Read about it here.

[From me]

Isn’t interesting to find if people just lived by the instructions in the Bible we wouldn’t have as much pain and suffering?   Obviously there are valid reasons for divorce.  But if people would commit their marriages to God and would only have sexual relations with those who they are married to it would actually save the government and yes, us billions of dollars!  Why should people pay for the sins others?

What do you think?

[USA Today]

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the nationally known do-gooder who suffered a jaw-dropping fall from grace this week after being accused of frequenting a high-price call girl ring, announced his resignation Wednesday. In a short appearance before reporters, Spitzer said he had always demanded others take responsibility for their actions.

“I cannot and will not ask no less of myself,” he said. “For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor.”

“For the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife Silda, my children and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me,” Spitzer said. “I cannot allow for my private failings to disrupt the people’s work.”

Spitzer, 48, said he was “deeply sorry I did not live up to what was expected of me,” and apologized to “every New Yorker.”

Read about it here.

[From me]

I’m not here to dump on Mr. Spitzer.  This whole story is tragic.  Not because he had to resign as Governor but for his family.  He has a beautiful wife and 3 daughters.  How tough this must be on them.  It is bad enough he had an affair on his wife, but to spend $80,000 on prostitutes is unbelievable.  Think about the diseases his wife could get.  Think about how this will tear apart a family.  I wonder how Mrs. Spitzer is able to stand next to him during this tragedy?  I guess we never know until we are in a situation.  I will pray for their family.

What would you do?