I am far more interested in politics than I ought to be; the Kingdom of God should be enough. Theologically I am convinced that there's a lot more God-directed movement when it comes to leaders than we acknowledge in our secular world; this comes in that sometimes God moves for our good, but also he allows us to go our own way when we are doing evil. In this day and age, I think the second is far more likely to be what's going on...we want a society of evil (even as we call it good), and God grants us our wish by giving us evil leaders (who far too many people want to call great).
Every once in awhile I think about running for some kind of office. But in truth, I know for certain that I could never, ever be elected. Why?
-I have the looks of a brute and the charisma of a rock.
-I come from a religious background that has basically denied the equality of women in practice if not in theory. While some from Churches of Christ have held office, I gotta think this would be a problem, even if I have become increasingly convinced that we are wrong (at least in part).
-As a Christian who believes in the word of God and the love he shows for all creation, I also am certain that many people I would be wanting to vote for me are likely doomed to hell. That might be a problem.
-My anger with many 'evangelical Christians' when it comes to the fact that 4 out of 5 still continue to support Trump will alienate me from those people who should be my base. Preaching Biblical morality and righteousness ought to be a slam dunk; unfortunately, many of these evangelical Christians wouldn't recognize Biblical morality and righteousness if it hit them with a body slam.
-I despise most country music. There goes 30% of the vote.
-I think that many social programs are likely counterproductive and cause as much harm as good. I also think that there's not a single social program ever created that can fix lazy and stupid, and there are more lazy and stupid people in this country each day. Saying that might offend a few people.
-I believe that the environmental crisis facing this country (and planet) might be existential. As such, that might be a primary aim of any kind of action I might want to take. Considering that a. many think this is a hoax and b. true and effective action will likely cause short-term economic pain and discomfort (even if it ensures long-term survival), likely I would alienate a lot of people, even as I will be shown to be a hypocrite in my actual life.
-You'd think that after 30 years in ministry I would be good at handling people and making them feel important. You'd think wrong. This is the same reason being a hospital chaplain is likely never in my future either.
-I would piss off every donor and supporter and voter that comes within earshot of me within 10 minutes. Telling people what they want to hear has become harder for me as I approach late middle age.
-Israel and the Palestineans can keep destroying themselves for all I care. We should stop sending aid, both military and humanitarian to these places. Christian supporters of Israel who keep misrepresenting Scripture to fund Israeli atrocities cannot be taken seriously.
-I am both pro-choice and think that abortion ought to be rare. Likewise I also believe that LGBTQ people have the right to live as they choose, but that their 'rights' are also sinful. I'm guessing that both of my positions would make nobody happy.
-Most immigrants to this country are better at being Americans than native-born Americans.
-MAGA is an atrocity. The Democrats aren't much better.
-I don't think I'd be a very good representative of the people. I'd like to be thought of as more a spokesman for the truth. That will come across as arrogant.
-Basic health care in this country ought to be guaranteed and the system to pay for it should be overseen by the government. Also, fatties and druggies and people who live inherently unhealthy lives should have to pay more for their livestyles.
I could go on, but you get the drift. It may be that I'm putting this out into the Internets so that should I ever be dumb enough to decide to run for anything, the oppo research by my opponent will be so, so easy. But here I stand, I can go no other way.
