Jesus and politics -- an email exchange

By Bryan Fischer

We frequently receive email here which is critical of the American Family Association because we speak truth to power when it comes to public policy. Here is an email exchange I had with someone who contacted us with a complaint. First is the complainant email and what follows is my response.

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From: xxxx
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 4:12 PM
To: xxxx
Subject: Politics and Jesus

To whom it may concern,

The two words don't belong on the same sentence. Please stop using Jesus as a political tool. God has set out to redeem the world since its fall in Genesis 3 and politics will never save anyone's life...EVER. Jesus avoided politics like the plague and His followers would be wise to do the same. We are, in fact, called to imitate Christ. Why do you refuse to do so? Please answer me. I am looking for a legitimate reason. Thank you for your time.

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From: Bryan Fischer
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 8:43 AM
To: xxxx
Cc: xxxx
Subject: Jesus and Politics

Hi, xxxx!

Thanks for taking the time to contact us regarding Jesus and politics. You argue that the two words "Jesus" and "politics" do not belong in the same sentence, a sentiment shared by many well-meaning believers.

You say that "politics will never save anyone's life." We absolutely agree with you about this. In fact, I've never heard a Christian argue otherwise. No Christian involved in public policy claims it will grant salvation to anyone. This is a straw man argument on your part, and it might be wise to drop it.

You also argue that Jesus "avoided politics like the plague" and that "His followers would be wise to do the same."

I have just one question for you, and I'd be happy to dialogue with you about this if you would like. Actually two questions. The first is this: Do you believe in the rightful lordship of Jesus over all of life, or just over some of life?

The second question is this, Do you believe that he does not care about and his truth does not apply to the entire arena of public policy? That there is an entire area of our culture which touches every life, but about which he has no concern and no interest? That he has no interest in religious liberty, the sanctity of human life, the institution of marriage and the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children? If I may be frank, this sounds astonishingly short-sighted to me.

I noticed on your blog, by the way, that you have been working through the book of Daniel. It seems odd to me that you would criticize people of faith for being involved in politics and speaking to political issues when Daniel is known for being a political figure, a high ranking advisor to the king in three consecutive world empires. If God is as uninterested in politics as you claim, what was Daniel doing mixed up in that world, and being treated in the Bible as a hero of the faith?

I'd be happy to hear back from you and chat with you further. Thanks again for contacting us!

Bryan Fischer

Host, "Focal Point" radio program on AFR Talk

AFA director of issue analysis

© Bryan Fischer