Blessed are the Peacemakers

The Christian Right did more to alienate Christians and non-Christians during this election than ever before. As Christians we are called to bring people to Christ, not to drive them away in His name. By making one or two issues the so called ONLY moral issues in the election they have turned their back on many of Jesus Christ’s own teachings. Jesus was the Prince of peace, not war. He spoke of giving a man his cloak if he steals your tunic. He helped the poor, the forgotten, the people who were not represented. He healed all the sick, not just the rich. He prayed for his enemies, he did not kill them. He asks us to follow him and to do the same as He did. By ignoring those moral imperatives to focus on just one, churches have turned their back on 49% of the people; many are “good Christians” just like them. Churches who pass out literature supporting only these one or two moral points encourage voters to turn away from other teachings of Jesus. Often to the deficit of their congregations’ best interests. Congregations full of people who speak English as a second language, the poor, the unemployed, the people who can’t see a doctor when their child is sick. People who work in dangerous environments because their companies don’t want to pay to keep them safe and don’t have to keep them safe under the current administration. Handing out food at Thanksgiving hardly compares to allowing people to make a few dollars more an hour so they can buy their own food.

I’ve been told many times, “You voted for Kerry? I thought you were a Christian.” They get this idea from these ultraconservative Christian teachings often endorsed by churches. Jesus spoke about people of his time who did this same thing. They were known as the Pharisees. Jesus argued with the Pharisees because they saw only the rules and the laws but not the big picture. They were so focused on the law of washing that they lost the purpose behind it. Jesus then explains to his disciples that (1) they are not plantings in God’s vineyard but are a wild thicket (2) they are blind leaders of the blind (3) they face the judgment of God (pg 194 Augsburger).

So many lifelong, devout, active Christians have felt persecuted by these “If you were a Christian” comments. Several feel alienated from the church saying, “If I must turn my back on my moral beliefs and only endorse this one I don’t want to be a Christian.” I say those people should not abandon their Christianity, they should do as the disciples did. Follow Jesus in spite of the Pharisees. In His light alone you will be saved.

I am not by any means saying that if you are a “good Christian” you would have voted for Kerry. I would then be advocating the same. I do, however, object to this notion that abortion (or any other issue) is the only moral issue. Christians should come together to care about everyone. Not just Christians, or Americans but everyone. My summary is from the Communicator’s Commentary on Mathew pg 66 by Augsburger:

God says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” but we say blessed are the achievers. God says, “Blessed are those who mourn,” but we say blessed are the self-fulfilled. Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek,” but we say blessed are the powerful. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,” but we say blessed are the unrestrained. Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful,” but we say blessed are the manipulators. Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart,” but we say blessed are the uninhibited. Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers,” but we say blessed are the strong. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” but we say blessed are the expedient. Jesus said we are blessed when persecuted for His sake, but we say blessed are the aggressors. Jesus challenges the very selfishness that determines so much of our social behavior.