GOP elitists failed America’s faith, not believers who refuse to back them

[A comment on the post “A God Acknowledging Party- if we strive to build it, will you come” led to this exchange, which I thought would be an appropriate preface for this week’s FOR THE LORD’S DAY meditation, which I will post this evening.]

THE COMMENT

21% of evangelicals voted for Obama, 70% of Jews, 50% of Catholics. I voted for you in 2008 and would have again this year. I believe in everything you are saying and know that probably less than 10% of voting Americans will even understand the vocabulary you use or even know what the Federalist papers are. I know that God + 1 is a majority, but don’t have faith in Americans. Only in Him. So yes, I would join you, but am convinced the republic is lost. Keeping my eyes on Jesus.

MY REPLY

I think we must be wary of putting too much emphasis on the figures from this sham election. Between Obama and Romney people who profess to follow Christ had no choice consonant with their profession of faith. Many just stayed home. Though the GOP wants votes from people of faith, the GOP is in the hands of leaders who refuse to keep the faith when they act.

I also distrust the notion that Americans lack understanding, etc. I think the temptation to think so is the result of elitist brainwashing. If Americans can’t or won’t understand, why does the elitist faction take such pains to suppress people (myself included) who strive competently to articulate and apply the principles of the American founding?

When people are allowed to hear, they understand and are moved to act. They understand because the founding principles correspond to human common sense; what God has inscribed upon the human heart to inform us of the rules of justice and righteousness that apply to all people, even though many refuse to act accordingly.

We can’t know what political strength there is among the faithful until we show enough trust in God to appeal to people boldly and unashamedly in God’s name, and with words and reasoning that draw on His word and reflect His will. This is precisely what today’s politicians refuse to do.

Yet during the early days of what came to be called the Tea Party, I met grassroots people all over the country who acted unashamedly from faith. They were very successful until the GOP’s agents of co-option insisted that the Tea Party’s focus had to be strictly materialistic, not moral and spiritual. Romney’s one note mammon obsessed campaign reflected this rejection of God’s priorities. Tragically, such GOP leadership is now an insidious influence pushing toward the abandonment of moral and spiritual principle.

Finally, I don’t, per se, put my faith in Americans. I trust in the power of God to inspire Americans, if and when people of faith are willing to trust in Him. Until they come together specifically to give priority to God’s concerns, there will be no test of what God is still willing to do for America on account of those who trust in His Name and in His word. The key is not the strength of our faith, but the strength of God’s wisdom and power released by our trust in Him,though it be as little as a mustard seed. (As you know, the Greek word for faith also means trust, a fact we should always keep in mind. Think of Peter walking on water at Christ’s behest.)

A boldly identified Christian political party would be an act of faith. We would have to put our mammon calculators aside. Not altogether out of reach, though. For they would subsequently come in handy, to count the resulting blessings for our country.