The U.S. House of Representatives finally elected a new, relatively unknown speaker of the house, Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana. This followed a disorganized, chaotic and, arguably embarrassing process to find someone acceptable to a majority of representatives. As expected, the majority party praised the new speaker, while the minority was quick to criticize him. This, of course, is how politics are done these days: “If you don’t believe how I believe, you are dangerous and not to be trusted.”
Our new speaker of the house is an unapologetic Christian, maintaining openly that his worldview is fundamentally shaped by his Christian faith. For some, this is offensive, if not dangerous. A number have criticized Mr. Johnson on the basis of his Christianity, even saying that there is no place in politics for Christianity or the application of Christian principles. I find this very sad. I would ask such individuals a simple question: which of the principles of Christ’s life, which of His fundamental teachings, do you find inappropriate in politics?
• Is it that we should seek peace?
• Is it that we should seek the truth, for “the truth will set you free?”
• Is it that we need to respect the freedom of others?
• Is it that we should feed the hungry and care for the poor?
• Is it that, like the Good Samaritan, we should take care of each other?
• Is it that we should be slow to condemn others when we have our own faults?
• Is it that we should forgive others?
• Is it that we should conform to the “spirit of the law”, not just the “letter of the law”?
• Is it that we should grow in grace with each other?
• Or is it that we should love one another?
I would contend that those who object to Christianity in general, may, sometimes legitimately, object to various forms of organized religions, denominations, creeds, etc. But I would also contend that every one of us would do well to strive to incorporate into our lives the principles that Christ taught during his three years of ministry and demonstrated by His death on the cross: love one another, above all else seek for the truth, and promote the freedom of all. Even atheists and agnostics who believe in such principles can be considered “Christians” in the larger sense of the word’s meaning, as distasteful as that term may seem to them. Following these principles would make politics — and the world — a far better place.
Gordon Johns
Chehalis
