Disentangling Faith From Party Politics

a political map of the United States showing red and blue states representing Republicans and Democrats

Over the last number of years in the United States of America Christianity and politics have become so intertwined that in some places they are almost indistinguishable. The rise of the “Moral Majority” and the “Religious Right” have turned Christians into a voting bloc to be used. Now, the political left is even getting in on the act. Christianity bought into a bill of goods that argued that if there was support for a certain political agenda then Christianity would have greater cultural influence.

Disentangling Faith From Party Politics

a political map of the United States showing red and blue states representing Republicans and Democrats

Over the last number of years in the United States of America Christianity and politics have become so intertwined that in some places they are almost indistinguishable. The rise of the “Moral Majority” and the “Religious Right” have turned Christians into a voting bloc to be used. Now, the political left is even getting in on the act. Christianity bought into a bill of goods that argued that if there was support for a certain political agenda then Christianity would have greater cultural influence.

Good morning! May you do what you love today. #MorningMug #MorningBlessing!

I’m hoping to get a new installment of Disentangling Faith out today.

“I am impressed that when the Son of God became a human being he played by the rules, harsh rules: small towns do not treat kindly young boys who grow up with questionable paternity.”
- From: [The Jesus I Never Knew](https://micro.blog/books/9780310295815) by Philip Yancey 📚

I hadn’t thought of this, have you? The idea of Jesus growing up in a small town “with questionable paternity,” is one that kind of shakes me. Would I have mocked him? Would I have held him at arm’s length? Was he treated poorly even as a child?

Trying to wrap my mind around Jesus from the human perspective is proving to be a bit of a gut punch.

I just got thekjd.net set up on micro.blog! I’m so pumped. The Knee Jerk Devotional is officially on it’s own site with it’s own email subscription list! You can also follow it’s dedicated RSS: thekjd.net/feed

Because it’s on micro.blog it will show up on all the channels autmagically too.

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 1:8-12

He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.

Reading all these passages together it strikes me this morning that I don’t necessarily have faith in any of this.

Do you?

Faith is “trust”.

When I take a deep look at much of how I live it is marked by lack of trust. I think, when I am honest with myself I live too much of my life as though God will not remember his covenant promises. If I did believe it, I think I would likely have a greater patience in prayer. I intellectually ascent to the things in these passages. I believe them. But, I don’t know if I faith in any of it.

There is critical distinction between faith and belief. Belief is something of the mind. Faith is rooted in trust which is displayed in action.

When was the last time that I prayed long and faithfully for something? Do I rest in the knowledge that God will work out all things for the good of those who believe? Too often I do not.

This morning I am wrestling with the following, “Do I have faith in any of this?”

A bible open on an a gray countertop

Good morning! May you enter this week choosing the way of love, even loving your enemies.

A coffee mug that says, “Aroha” which is “love” in Māori in front of a welcoming fire.

Good morning! If you’re looking to connect with a faith community I’d love to invite you to our home this evening.

We gather tonight at 5:30 pm for dinner.

6:30 we will spend time in the Scriptures, communion, and prayer.

Our passage: Matthew 5:38-48

9016 Parkland Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

The garage will be open, come on in!

Good morning! May you connect deeply with an authentic community today. #MorningBlessing #MorningMug

A mug of coffee that reads “and so begins the adventure” on a gray table next a coaster that reads, “acts 13 network”

When ball games get delayed two hours and you’ve driven three hours away from home, you end up at Barnes and Noble to drink bad coffee, read, and write.

Journal and a Starbucks coffee cup on a table

Good morning! May you find some rest today. #MorningMug #MorningBlessing

A white mug that reads, “Panama city beach” in a cozy living room in front of a fire

Do you ever have moments where gratitude washes over you?

I love it when that happens.