The Greek Philosopher, Plato, in his book, The Republic, argues that all political systems were innately corrupt. Looking at our current government and politics, I would say that he is right. A person of faith, I believe, cannot enter politics and not have some degree of temptation to the �dark side.� What I have studied so far, most politicians have succumbed to this temptation and it goes back to even biblical times with the examples King David and King Solomon.
Also, most have heard the quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,� by Lord Acton. It reminds me of the Lord of the Rings and the �Ring of Power� or the �One Ring.� Even a good natured hobbit like Frodo could not resist the stronghold that the ring possessed. Therefore, political power tends to absolutely corrupt, even the best of us.
Now addressing the current issue of religion, particularly the Religious Right or the Christian Right, they have an agenda of �taking this nation back for Christ� as quoted by Mike Huckabee. Now, I believe this nation needs to morally get back on track and I, myself being a Christian believe the Bible teaches those ethics and morals that is so desperately needed. But, God doesn�t need our help to take back a nation, all the earth�including the nations are His already. But, going back to my argument of political corruption, I believe that even though these Christian political organizations have good intentions, they would end up being corrupt if they ruled in the White House. It goes back to 1 Samuel 8 when the people of Israel wanted a king like all other nations. And, so God did grant them their request, but it ended up bad when they received Saul as king. God never intended Israel to have a king, because He says in 1 Samuel 8:7: ��they have rejected me as their king.� I believe God was hesitant to give them a king because he knew the hearts of men, particularly kings.
A theocracy would not work in our current (supposed to be) Republic because this type of government tends to be intolerant of all other faiths. Say, a Catholic became president but he/she believed that there needs to be a law that says you have to pray, �Hail Mary,� in school and at public events. Now, I don�t mean to offend any Catholics reading this, but as a born again Christian I don�t believe or want to pray that sort of prayer. Thank God, for the First Amendment where it states: �Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof��
Separation of church and state was an ingenious idea of our Founding Fathers, because it allows all to practice their own faith without the government meddling in their First Amendment rights. All people of faith in the United States should be thankful to have this right and that they are not in, for example, North Korea, where there they have a one state religion. According to ICC�s (International Christian Concern) Hall of Shame Report, North Korea is number one on Christian persecution.
What does a Christian do? I address Christians only because they are a majority in the United Sates, and also there is a movement called Kingdom Now or Dominion theology in the evangelical and charismatic circles and their influence is big. They do not believe in separation of church and state and that concerns me. Christians just need to keep doing what they are doing in their families, churches, and communities because this is where it all starts anyway. Being a good example and an influence is what Jesus did; notice he did not seek office during his ministry on earth. Also, being an activist is a good thing, especially speaking truth to those in power, as Jesus did. Christians cannot change the White House because the corruption has long been established there, like the Ring of Power, it will only poison and consume them.
