The Battle Cry Of A “Politically Homeless” Christian – Episode #26

As a Christian, have you ever felt like you just don’t belong to any political party? Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians… they are just all feeling a bit extreme and tribalistic like. If you are like me, you are feeling a bit “politically homeless.”

In today’s podcast, feeling inspired by a recent Babylon Bee Podcast featuring Bridget Phetasy, where she discussed a recent article she wrote called “The Battle Cry of the ‘Politically Homeless,’” I thought I’d talk about this article from my perspective as a Christian, and my own political journey. So, be sure to listen!

In Bridget’s article, Bridget talks about our political polarized society with its toxic tribalism. Political affiliations have become more about identity and branding rather than folks merely sharing similar political ideologies. 

Here are some great quotes from the article that I talk about in today’s podcast:

…You may have once fancied yourself a good progressive,while also having the opinion that there are only two genders. Or you may describe yourself as a staunch conservative, but tend to think racial targeting by police is a problem. Or the cardinal sin: you may have decided to vote for a candidate you felt better represented your concerns.

…Upon voicing on social media what you think are fairly normal, moderate views, you find out something you didn’t know — YOU ARE THE ENEMY. And not just the enemy: you’re evil.

…Both parties demand totalitarian-like devotion to their ideology and if you’re indifferent, apathetic or nuanced in your approach to politics, you’ll end up in the wasteland of the center — tribeless, unprotected and increasingly insulated.

Bridget Phetasy

Abraham Lived In A Tent

I believe as Christians, we should drawn inspiration from our father of faith, Abraham. From the moment Abraham was called from Ur to go to the land God would one day give him and his descendants, Abraham never had anywhere permanent to live. Abraham lived in a tent, forever moving from one place to the next, without ever setting up anywhere permanent to live. He lived out the remainder of his days as a nomad.

If as Christians we are called to be pilgrims in this world who are just passing through, then how is it that we can tether oursives to any political identity? An identity that opens us up to simply being manipulated and co-opted by others.  

By assuming a political identity and officially affiliating with any party, we are essentially pledging a loyalty to support whatever candidate that party puts forward, and whatever policy that party wishes to write into legislation. In doing such, there is little room for constructive dialogue inside the party, let alone outside the party. 

It is expected that party men will simply fall in line and vote and support whoever the party puts forward, and whatever platform that they ultimately adopt.  Party affiliation becomes more about forming a colliation of power than simply associating with like mindeded individuals. 

The Fear Of Being Political Outsiders

While both sides increasingly weaponize reason and peddle conspiracy in order to defend insanity, millions of sensible, moderate Americans grapple with the choice to join a tribe, tune out, or go insane.

Opt to tune out and you’re ‘carrying water for Nazis’ or a ‘cuckservative.’ Join a tribe, and you have to completely abandon your ability to think critically. No matter what — everyone seems to be going crazy. The exhausted majority could be the key to combating polarization and saving the world.

If only we weren’t so afraid.

Bridget Phetasy

If we refuse to give into the tribalism of our nations’ politics, and identity ourselves with any of the major parties, we expose ourselves to risk. We expose ourselves to being left out, marginalized, and ignored.

But that’s ok. It’s “outside the city” where Jesus is, being crucified. Instead of tethering ourselves to a political party where we are safe and secure, we must risk identification with Jesus Christ. As Christians, we aren’t supposed to be attached to any political party. We are supposed to be crucified with Jesus Christ, and joined together with Him.

And Jesus Christ alone has all authority on heaven AND earth. It’s to Him all nations and its’ political leaders and parties are supposed to bow a knee in submission.

Political Representation

If our government is to be a representative form of government, then we must see to it that they represent us, and what we value and believe. And if they don’t, politicians should not assume that they just have our vote because they wear a jersey with an “R” or a “D,” and say all the things they think Christians want to hear. We must refuse to simply be another voting block.

Our vote is a sacred thing, and we should refuse to give it to somebody that requires us to hold our nose in order to vote for them. If you have to hold your nose to vote for someone, you would be better off not voting. Otherwise, you’ve simply given into the tribalism of the day. And there is more virtue in not voting at all over that of simply “wasting your vote” on someone that doesn’t really represent you to begin with.

So the question is, are you afraid? Afraid to stand outside the gate, where Jesus is? Or, would you rather find safety in the tribes of this world?  Should we as Christians not belong to one tribe? Only one tribe alone ought to have our loyalty. And that isn’t a tribe named after the Republicans, Democrats, or Libertarians.