Christianity transforming politics

Submitted on May 29, 2003

Send to friend Look up the word politics in a dictionary and you will read "the art or science of government" followed by "the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy." There are other related definitions given and then, lastly, the defining words, "the total complex of relations between people living in society." It is unfortunate that the word politics has become so closely associated with the workings of government because this draws our attention away from that last definition. While we need to be concerned with how government-related politics affects society, we also need to be aware of the role politics plays in our everyday lives. This is important because politics can often be at odds with the guidelines of love that Jesus gave us to follow. What is fortunate, however, is that government-related politics gives us a good view of what politics is and how it works. Politics is about influencing others to the point that they help you achieve your goal. Candidates for government offices court voters. Lobbyists court legislators and government bureaucrats responsible for assigning contracts and writing rules and regulations needed to implement laws adopted by legislators. The process is very much like a game, and the winners are those who are most adept at playing at it. Although political rhetoric is replete with references to improving the common good, the undercurrent is more often directed to achieving the personal interests of those who play the game. The deregulation of the energy industry in California, for example, was good for Enron and other energy providers, who orchestrated it through the political process, but not for the people of California, who suffered soaring energy costs and shortages of energy supplies, which resulted in blackouts and brownouts. Likewise, the pharmaceutical industry has used political influence to carefully craft legislation and government regulations to push drug prices beyond the reach of many Americans. This industry is now working to make it illegal for Americans to have their prescriptions filled by Canadian pharmacists. This would close a loophole that has enabled many older Americans to obtain the drugs they need but cannot afford to purchase in their own country. Those who truly have the best interests of society at heart can play the political game but often lack the clout needed to achieve their ultimate goals. The Right to Life movement, for example, has had some successes but, after 30 years, abortion still remains the law of the land. As they vie for the attention of legislators, these voices - too often without the support of others who should support them - are small and weak in comparison to those of multi-trillion-dollar corporations and industries. Because life for most Americans is good despite the political games played from Washington, D.C., to state capitals to cities and towns, the majority of Americans take an apathetic view of government. Aside from presidential elections, most elections typically draw only one in four registered voters to the polls. And there are still a good number of Americans who don't even bother to register to vote. This apathy is also evident in other areas of society where politics is at work. In the business world, workers are quick to see that the people who get the promotions and the largest raises are usually not the most talented workers but the ones who are most adept at playing the political game. When promotions are based not on performance but on the ability to cozy up to the boss, companies tend to end up with lackluster leaders and demoralized workers. This ultimately can affect not only employees but also stockholders and customers. Politics is a "what's in it for me" way of relating to others. It is often rooted in self-centeredness and selfishness. It is far too easy to fall into its trap. Jesus calls us to a "put-yourself-in-the-other's-shoes" way of relating to others. His way is rooted in love, compassion and generosity. It is an all-inclusive rather than an exclusive way of relating to others. If what we call politics is "the total complex of relations between people living in society," then Jesus Christ has given us a clear set of truths and a personal and grace-filled "way" to transform all the relations of our life. In all of our relationships, we should strive to be free of politics-as-usual and to fully embrace the way of Jesus.