Overcoming Political Frustration
By Israel Crocker
November 2008
Some brethren have demonstrated a history of political silence. Such silence has aided in crippling Christian influence upon our society, and has helped to produce the great divide that exists in our country today. It is true that our government constitutionally has no right to establish a religion, which this writer cherishes. However, atheistic Marxists have manipulated an uneducated society to believe that God is not to be mentioned on any government venue. Any country without God will crumble.
Without hesitation the irreligious use methods that are questionable at best, and sink to new lows to accomplish their goal for change at all cost. Their followers gleefully fall prey to demagoguery that promises a utopia through big government and entitlement. There seems to be a dark cloud that looms over the future of this country. “Frustrated” best describes the Christian at the moment. Are we without hope, destined to be overrun by radical atheists? There is a way to fight righteously and effectively. True Christian principles are America’s only hope; and if the Lord’s church does not engage the political processes laid before her, then the land of the free and the brave will be history.
PACIFISIVISM PROMOTED
Confusion over past atrocities by the Civil War and the War Question of World War II, prompted some influential brethren to take a pacifist lead. Great men like David Lipscomb witnessed the Lord’s church divided and taking up arms; Christian killing Christian was something that caused him to believe that a child of God should leave the affairs of the civil government to sinners only.1 Lipscomb embarked on a theory through the Gospel Advocate that would set forth his beliefs. The Gospel Advocate had a tremendous impact with its wide circulation in the South, and Lipscomb made no bones about his conclusive studies. West relates David Lipscomb’s impression on the church of Christ:
Lipscomb’s brethren have differed radically on Christians voting, holding political office and going to war, but so far, none have ever been willing to make these things a test of fellowship.How far Lipscomb’s views have attached themselves to members of the churches of Christ is difficult to say. While Lipscomb was still alive, his influence over a host of young preachers, particularly his students at the old Nashville Bible School, was so great that these accepted his point of view.2
This author does not fault bro. Lipscomb, having never been eye-witness to such massacre; but to go to extremes on any involvement by Christians in government [some even allege police force participation by Christians as sinful] is without Biblical warrant. His influence, in some ways, helped to shape how brethren approach government today; and his view does seem to lead one to be pacifist toward the affairs of civil rule.
“THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’”
Bob Dylan captured the essence of a rebellious counter culture in this hit song. The infamous sixties generation became a breeding ground for antagonism of all authority. The young, many times, are so gullible and easily manipulated (this author was not immune, though not yet born.) Key players for radical change of American ideals saw the youth’s exploitation as a powerful tool for tomorrow’s restructuring. The outcome of that vision seems to be unfolding before our eyes. “Change” was the mantra then, and “change” is the same song today. Only now, half the country cannot recognize the true enemy anymore. A generation of elitist media-clones channel the political talking points of the Left, and have no concept of objective journalism. People have confused liberty and freedom with anarchy and rebellion. The ignorant beg to be used and abused without verbally asking.
USERS AND ABUSERS
This situation did not happen at once; it was through a process of political indoctrination and aggressive atheistic philosophy thrust upon the youth for several decades. A “giant” among these manipulators was Saul Alinsky. His book, Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals, was/is a staple for today’s far-Left foot soldier. This book emphasizes stealth. Rather than being the loud and obnoxious, and needless to say, obvious, this book shows how a young radical can beat the system by taking over the system—at all cost. Alinsky elaborates:
If the real radical finds that having long hair sets up psychological barriers to communication and organization, he cuts his hair. If I were organizing in an orthodox Jewish community I would not walk in there eating a ham sandwich,….As an organizer I start where the world is, as it is, not as I would like it to be. That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be—it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be. That means working the system.3
In essence, the radical change agent should be willing to camouflage his radical ideals, take on the identity of the world that he despises. Then, work from within to change the political landscape unto his new vision. Great has the impact of this Trojan horse charade been upon our culture.
Public schools have been the soap boxes of evolution, atheistic humanism, and the prevailing liberal philosophy. Universities are hotbeds for debauchery, and professors promote anarchy against all authorities. (To be fair, not all who teach or attend these schools are participants of the propaganda. Some are aware and equipped to fight for the right. Many, on the other hand, are not.) Thus, the problem of rampant ignorance and societal digression persists; and again, the future looks dismal.
The true political pragmatist will use any force that will aid in accomplishing the end goal. If he can use environmentalism, he will champion that cause. If they can instill pacifists to protest a war to create civil unrest and bad public relations on conservative causes, then great is their gain in the eyes of the uniformed public. The religious, too, are not immune to being used. Radical community activists have championed humanitarian causes in order to gain the trust of those within communities. The Holy Spirit is not fooled by their intentions.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Cor. 11:14-15)
Hiding behind the façade of good works, as a means of gaining power and influence, is one of the most effective ways of the change agent—in or out of the church. It is hard to criticize the ones who appear to be serving the good of the people; but, as time and scripture often confirms that Satan is a user and powerful deceiver. These activities are only a means to an end. Satan is the ultimate pragmatist.
CHRISTIAN ANTAGONISM?
Christians are not to be antagonists. Christian antagonism is an oxymoron, implying a self-defeating attitude that contradicts God’s ways of peace. God is not about radical change through physical force—that is fascism and the consequence of liberalism. Jonah Goldberg in his book, Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning, points to the historical evidence that Liberalism leads to fascist tyranny.
For what we call liberalism—the refurbished edifice of American Progressivism—is in fact a descendant and manifestation of fascism. This doesn’t mean it’s the same thing as Nazism. Nor is it the twin of Italian Fascism. But Progressivism was a sister movement of fascism, and today’s liberalism is the daughter of Progressivism.4
Goldberg continues later:
The major flaw in all of this is that fascism, properly understood, is not a phenomenon of the right at all. Instead, it is, and always has been a phenomenon of the left. This fact—an inconvenient truth if there ever was one—is obscured in our time by the equally mistaken belief that fascism and communism are opposites. In reality, they are closely related, historical competitors for the same constituents, seeking to dominate and control the same social space.5
Catch that? Fascism has always been laid at the feet of “Christian Conservatives”—the so-called extreme Right. Once again, however, the dishonest are quick to point the finger in the opposite direction. It is the extreme Left that has been the most guilty of hungering for power. They are the ones who have employed all means necessary—even violence—to steal liberty and rights from the individual.
Christians must have true bearing on what the fight is all about. The Holy Spirit tells us:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:10-12)
Definitely, the Christian’s spiritual fight is against those who are in positions of power, and thus, must be armed with the spiritual armor of God.
“To arms” is not the answer, however; neither is causing an uprising that leads to violence. Jesus’ days upon earth were shared by a Jewish political group that believed anarchy and rabblerousing were solutions to Roman political troubles. The Zealots viewed Rome as occupiers; they believed, “...God would help the Jews throw off foreign rule if they undertook armed rebellion against Roman rule.”6 In AD 6 the Zealots lead a revolt against Rome because of their belief that it was treacherous to pay tribute to the pagan Emperor of Rome.7 The revolt was squelched; but the spirit of rebellion continued. Ultimately, the Zealots gained favor with many Jews after Jesus’ resurrection. “Their continual defiance of Rome brought on the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.”8 When asked about paying tribute to Caesar, Jesus requested them to show Him a coin, and noticing Caesar’s inscription answered, “...Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's” (Luke 20:25). Jesus, therefore, has no interest in political upheaval, or social unrest of earthly matters to defend the truth.
At one point a group tried to force Jesus to be their earthly king. “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (John 6:15). Jesus knew that His victory did not resonate in political persuasion or earthly struggles. He resisted their intentions and resumed to fulfill His Father’s will.
The church is armed adequately. Jesus’ kingdom is one that destroys all other kingdoms (Dan. 2:44). Yet, this destructive force is by the truth that undermines the power of the enemy with the removal of ignorance. Political agitation is not the solution. Yet, abandoning or ignoring political issues is not the answer either. If societies are going to be changed for the better, the transformation must be accomplished through peaceful measures. Not the peace that speaks of tolerance and compromise with immorality; but the peace that is created by open dialogue of biblical principles. Brethren need to grow a backbone, both in matters of religious truth and social standards to the general public!
DEALING WITH DISHONESTY
These people, the enemies of individual freedom, have been trained to cheat; and to win power at whatever cost. A double standard is a good start to describe their strategy. They attack those who are trying to maintain some measure of righteousness, and are themselves guilty of the charge they levy (Rom. 2:1). Christians have to face the fact that we are dealing with an uphill battle in the public eye. Liberalism, in any arena, is dishonest and will lie and slander the Godly. They are also dishonest when confronted with the irresponsibility of what they promote. With their craftiness one has to ask the question just the right way. Even then, exposure of their deceit and folly only comes when someone has the nerve to point out the obvious.
They do not believe in rules, and thus refuse to respect any rule. The uphill Christian struggle can lead some to quit the fight and only be spectators. Some feel that our fight is with our hands tied behind us; that “playing by the rules” some how cripples the church. Some may be tempted to cheat just like the enemy. If that happens, then Satan has won. “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Pet. 3:9). “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Rules do not stand in the way of victory as the ungodly believe. “Nice guys” do not finish last—they overcome. The rule to which Christians adhere is that which provides true, lasting victory. God’s rules are not our weakness—they are our strength! It is the rule of God (the Bible) that fortifies the believer. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1). The truth will stand and will shine through any darkness, and will outlast error (Matt. 24:35).
Not everyone who follows atheistic, leftist radicals is aware of the philosophy he supports. The leadership of the political secularists and Marxists has championed itself by “dummying” down the knowledge of its supporting base, and promising government-sponsored entitlements that would seem to fall out of the sky. Their leadership has used greed and selfishness to dupe them. Considering the overwhelming ignorance, the worst tragedy would be Christians taking the wrong approach in managing the upcoming matter.
God is the one who is truly interested in helping mankind; it is He who has confirmed altruistic, self-sacrifice. Jesus is the one who demonstrated true service by washing His disciples’ feet. Such demonstration of true selfless leadership will never be matched! He, also, defeated the enemy by playing by the rules.
GOD’S SOLUTION
What then is the solution to the unfair fight that lies ahead? Has the armor been ripped from us? Has God left us without hope, to be frustrated until He returns? God will not be changed or move from what is true. He will laugh as He sets the wicked in derision (Psalm 2). He will also patiently wait for the ignorant to repent (2 Pet. 3:9). This we know and take comfort; but how does a Christian deal with the present frustration with the apparent political struggle for moral righteousness? We must be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves (Matt.10:16). Christians must realize that we do not change the society through government. We change government by changing society; and we change society one Bible study at a time. Saul Alinsky was correct in his approach in bringing about change from within; only, his intentions were depraved. Jesus told American citizens, which follow in His name, this truth before Alinsky: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The church, in recent years, has gravely fallen short of this command. We have sown to the wind. We may now reap the whirlwind (Hos. 8:7).
TRUTH WILL PREVAIL
How much participation by a Christian in civil government is still among topics of debate among members of the church. Evidently, the sinner’s only theory has removed true Christian influence from the powers that be. The truth and its conservative social principles are relentlessly under attack. The moral decline has broadened. Also, Americans have reached a dangerous complacency that the United States will always be the home of the free and the brave. If the present course remains unchecked, the next generation will have to deal with a loss of religious freedom and individual rights, which the Founding Fathers never envisioned.
Maybe truly suffering for Christianity is what brethren need. The true converts to Christ will stand no matter the circumstances. It seems that adversity and persecution has been a friend of the church, when suffering has resulted from sounding the Gospel. The faithful will become stronger, and the chaff will burn away (1 Pet. 4:17-18).
END NOTES
1. Earl Irvin West, The Life and Times of David Lipscomb (German, TN: Religious Book Service, 1987), 91.
2. Ibid., 110.
3. Saul Alinsky, Rules for Radicals (New York, NY: Vintage Books, 1971), xix. A word of caution: True to Liberalism, Mr. Alinsky uses strong language in this work.
4. Jonah Goldberg, Liberal Fascism (New York, NY: Random House Inc., 2007), 2.
5. Ibid., 7.
6. Everett Ferguson, Backgrounds of Early Christianity (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1993), 498.
7. Ibid., 497.
8. Charles Pfeiffer, Old Testament History (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1973), 602.