Religion and Politics

It’s been going on for centuries, millennia actually. Religion and politics have long been partners in gathering people and passing down important traditions of life. Long before Christ’s incarnation, even God used politics to organize the Church. It hasn’t always been great.

Today’s Gospel lesson is an example of how God has partnered with government. He should have been exempt from paying the tax, but “not to give offense to them,” He instructed his disciples to pay the tax. It hasn’t always been so smooth.

At that time, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 17.24-18.4

Even though Christ paid the tax and obeyed every law the government threw at Him, politics still turned away and crucified Him. Even then, God used what was bad for good. He was raised from the dead and defeated death once and for all. It hasn’t always been so productive.

We know from history that the cooperation of religion and politics sometimes, maybe you could say oftentimes turns against the Church. Even during the Byzantine era not every emperor favored the Church. Some were downright violent toward the State Church.

This is why I get so confused when American Christians try to use politics to reinforce the Church’s beliefs and traditions. We fondly recall a time when American politics ‘was on our side’ against various movements, only to turn away again. That much is a political constant.

Politics will always turn toward whatever helps in the moment. If ‘getting in bed with religion’ wins elections, then politics sing’s God’s glory. If not, then all bets are off. Remember it was the Jewish elites who turned against God for political benefit, not religion.

Today is the commemoration of Saint Emilian who suffered at the hands of an impious emperor. He was sent into exile for defending Holy Icons. Politics doesn’t always favor the Church. In fact, throughout history it rarely favors the Church. So, why do we always turn to politics?

I guess we think it is easier to live the Christian life when the laws and government agree with our way of living. It might be physically easier since we aren’t outwardly persecuted, but deep inside our faith is something we need to fight for.

When faith is ‘too easy’ we stop paying attention. Just like most automobile accidents happen a few miles from home because we are paying attention, sin happens when we stop paying attention.

Spiritually speaking, getting ‘help’ from politics is more like being a frog in boiling water. The next thing we know, we forget what sin is and we stop living holy lives. We die in our comfort. There must be a better way than to depend upon politics.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting we bury our heads in the sand and avoid getting involved in politics. We live in a society that depends upon our involvement. So long as we have a say in what is ‘right and wrong’ we are obligated to engage in the process. That’s good.

That is good, but it isn’t the end. The only thing that we can trust is God and His Church, guided by the Holy Spirit. We must always be on guard against sin and temptation. If we ‘lose’ and the laws shift against us, we don’t have to sin ‘to be’ good Americans.

Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is good for us as Christians. Greed is legal, but not good. Politics is getting ramped up for election season. Go ahead and get involved, but don’t walk away from Christ and His Church.

Whatever you do, don’t depend upon politics to save the Church. The Church can only be saved by God, and it can only be faithful because of our faithfulness. No amount of politics will help our salvation, even if it makes it easier to remain faithful in the short term. It hasn’t always worked.