Sally, over at RevGals, offers this Friday Five Meme: Well it may or may not have escaped the notice of many that over in the UK we have been awaiting the results of the General Election.... it has been the most closely fought election for many years, and the result... a hung or balanced Parliament, with no outright winner... and it has got everybody talking...

So what do you think about the mix of faith and politics:

1. Jesus a political figure: discuss... Absolutely a political figure. We would do well to remember that and embrace his radical politics of love, compassion, and generosity.

2. Politics in the pulpit, yes or no and why? Oh, I think so....BUT rarely have I encountered a congregation that wants this. Most just want to be comfortable and have a little something to reflect on but no politics from the pulpit. That said I am not a fan of promoting MY politics from the pulpit. I do think we ought to speak about political issues of justice in our area/world. To that end I have offered a bit of food for thought on issues relating to refugees, immigration, fair trade products, the global economy, and our role, known or unknown, in contributing to both the problems and the solutions. Basically I suggest that we (Americans) constribute to the problem through the things and food we buy, thus supporting corporations that pay folk a substandard wage. We also support a changing global economy when we buy Fair Trade merchandise and organic products which pay a living wage and support the well being of the planet. That's about as political as I have ever gotten.

3.What are your thoughts on the place of prayer in public life... Wellllll...I think prayer is important. I also think it is important to honor different understands of God/faith - especially in the language we use. Prayer needs to be sensitive to issues of race, faith, gender, disabilities, and other "isms" in this world. I have done a lot of public praying, particularly at the opening of city council meetings. For these meetings I use only the word "God" or "Holy One" and pray for the wisdom of our leaders as they make decisions on behalf of the town.

4.Is there a political figure, Christian or otherwise that you admire for their integrity? Ram Das, Mother Theresa, Cardinal Bernadine (Chicago, he died some 12 years ago), current Presiding Bishop for the Episcopal Church, Katherine Jefforts Schori.

5.What are your thoughts on tactical voting, e.g. would you vote for one individual/party just to keep another individual/ party form gaining power? While I haven't done this, I might.

Bonus- is there a song which might sum this all up- if so post a video or a link... Can't think of anything at the moment....

Comments

altar ego said…
Glad you mentioned KJS, I was thinking more typically political when I did my ff.

I was asked to open a fund-raising event with prayer for a local political party group a few months ago, and that was tricky! Doing the dance can be a challenge.
ellbee said…
I like your comments on prayer. I think that is one place we can do damage in the community- when we step all over toes through insensitivity.
angela said…
I didn't think of Christian leaders as political people, but you are right, those in high profile positions really are. I need to look up some of them you mentioned--okay all but Mother Theresa.
Jan said…
I so agree with you about KJS. Glad you're home posting again. I didn't feel knowledgeable politically to do today's FF.
Diane M. Roth said…
great answers, I wish I felt like I had time to do the Friday Five again...

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