Evangelicalism and Politics

November 8, 2006

Here’s my take on the Ted Haggard situation. We are all sinners and we had better not lord it over him. Each of us has the potential to surrender to our lower natures.

Having said that, I urge you to read this week’s cover story in Newsweek magazine. Find it at newsweek.com, or on the news stand. Modern evangelicalism should have had enough of temporal politics and needs to return to its first love and the things Jesus cared about: presenting his gospel to our nation and others through his word and by works designed to lead people to himself.

The works are not political parties and agendas like the environment, same-sex marriage and abortion. The works are for the purpose of demonstrating the love of Christ before those who need him. Read John 3:17.

We are wasting our spiritual energy on parties and platforms that cannot save anyone. Here’s a quote I love about the ancient church fathers: aiming for heaven they got earth “thrown in”; aiming for earth, they got neither. Think about this as you consider redirecting our money, talent and time to the kingdom not of this world.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.