Church and Politics

I read with interest recently the article on bishops criticizing the appointment of Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services (http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/1086063.html). The line that got me thinking was the priest's comment that if he didn't criticize her, no-one would and that even Jesus was criticized for doing what he thought was right.

But did Jesus ever confront the politicians of the day? I don't remember him criticizing Caesar or saying that the local governor was corrupt and shouldn't support infanticide. I don't remember him saying that the local centurions should be more lenient on Jews. In fact, the only group I remember Jesus being critical of was the religious leaders of the day. He admonished them for thinking that they knew God. I read that as a warning to all: be modest when it comes to knowledge of God: we as humans can't begin to fathom the intricacies of the Creator, Holy Spirit, and Son.

Some would say that Jesus didn't operate in a world where Christianity was the de facto state religion- and that to compare what he would do today is to compare apples and oranges. I would disagree. I think Jesus was more concerned with something greater than Earthly politics: he was concerned with our souls. When he did talk about the government it was to say there was a separation and that they should adher to that delineation. 'Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and Give unto God what is God's' I take as saying that politics has to do with Earthly needs and wants and what God is about is much greater and much more spiritual.

So, in conclusion I would think that Jesus wouldn't bother with choosing a political party, picking platforms, or arguing over abortion, prayer in school, or stem cells. I think he would tell the religious leaders they don't understand God. And I think he'd tell everyone: Love God over all else and love your neighbor. And be more modest.