Ten Commandments of Talking Politics

Confession
September 9, 2008 2

As part of the Higher Calling Blogs network, I was asked to abide by the Ten Commandments of Talking Politics.  I really don’t like getting into American politics on this blog as an attempt to get to the real political issues of the kingdom and how they affect our daily lives in a holistic way—that we may live quiet and peaceful lives serving our true King.  There are legitimate and necessary reasons for Christians to talk shop when it comes to the American political scene and the media behemoth behing it, so I encourage you all to follow the Ten Commandments of Talking Politics.

1. Do not worship political theories or parties. (You shall have no other gods before me.)
2. Do not worship political figures or images. (You shall not make for yourself an idol.)
3. God is not divinely endorsing your political opinion. (You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God.)
4. Do not use God to prop up your politics. (Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.)
5. Honor your father and mother. (Honor your father and mother.)
6. Don’t be cruel. (You shall not murder.)
7. Be pure. (You shall not commit adultery.)
8. Be honest. (You shall not steal.)
9. Defend the truth and the facts. (You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.)
10. Be prepared to accept the results. (You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.)

Each candidate has made promises that, realistically, neither will fully keep (number 8!).  How do you think each candidate will affect our daily lives as Christians?  Be creative and not an idealogue here.  Comments to the effect of: "Obama will destroy the American economy so we’ll all be homeless and starving" or "McCain will open up eight more fronts in the War on Terror so the women should get used to not having men around after the draft" will be kindly and peacefully rejected.

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2 Comments

    Thanks for taking a stand on this, Thomas. I never understand why everyone seems to accept all of the campaign promises we hear. We’re not electing a king. Whoever we choose will have to work with the legislature and the courts (indirectly), if he wants to get anything done.

  • Ugggh … thank you so much for this, and I’m sorry that I didn’t comment earlier.

    I think that every one of these is ruthlessly violated constantly (maybe not “honor your mother and father”). Perhaps especially the idea of bearing false witness.

    Over and over again, candidates accuse each other of all kinds of things. Often, these charges are simply and flatly false.

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