Politics and Church

A friend of mine asked me this morning if I had watched Steven Colbert last night because she had a question.  I said no, and then promptly went and checked it out.

Here's the link to the full episode:
http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/tue-october-2-2012-jorge-ramos

The gist of the first segment was Colbert talking with Jim Garlow, a leader in the Pulpit Freedom Sunday movement and pastor in San Diego. 

Here's my take...
I liked it when Colbert said: "There's not enough politics in our religion."
However, I both agree and disagree. Throughout the Bible politics are often at odds with God's people, and the prophets call the people to make political stands against unjust policies/practices. The sticking point for me is endorsing a candidate and saying, 'this is who God wants in office.'

Caesar Tiberius

The struggle with 'state' religion started with Constantine used Christianity as a political tool. It was basically downhill from there -- especially when Bishops (later Popes) became not only religious leaders but also heads of state. And when England gave the middle finger to the Catholic church and made their King (head of state) also the head of the Anglican church. So yeah...I'm a little cautious about political endorsements by the church.

That being said, Jesus was a very political dude. He never ran for office, and in fact the closest he ever came to a 'genuine' political statement was when he was asked about paying taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17). His answer was basically: stop being jerks and focus on living how God wants you to.

There is obviously a lot more to say on this subject, but this is my Reader's Digest version.  Thoughts?