Torch, Spring/Summer 2008

Spring–Summer 2008 19 nglish is a dynamic language. The meaning of a word can change positively or negatively based on its cultural context. “Criticism,” for example, at one time meant to apply a standard in commenting upon an action, object, or event. Today, however, it is often assumed to mean that something is being negatively described. That same negativity has landed on the word “politics.” What originally meant “to distribute assets and resources with authority” now often infers the use of chicanery to gain an advantage one does not deserve. Into this unsteady arena steps everyone who seeks public office — a dangerous and precarious position that should not be taken lightly. And when that person is a believer in Christ, the stakes are raised even higher. How should their political communication differ from that of the politicians surrounding them? As a small-town mayor for 12 years, I have learned those of us who minister in non- partisan, local offices have a distinct advantage over those who must compete on the state or national levels. For one, we are not expected to hold to a particular party line and do not have to answer to party politics for support. We are, of course, asked to maintain integrity in what we say and do. The communication at this level needs to avoid making promises that are not in the authority or power of the person to accomplish. Our communicative task is to use the resources available to us to benefit our communities and to provide aid wherever we can legitimately do so. On the state and national level, however, the Christian in politics faces a greater challenge: how to abide by biblical principles that are not popular with the media and, often, their constituencies. Many proclaim quite loudly that someone’s personal life and public life are separate and should not be expected to be consistent with each other. Sadly, we have seen the results of that position as we deal with public officials who have failed morally and ethically yet still remain in their elected offices. The obvious conclusion for Christians in politics is that we are to be guided by scriptural principles in both public and private life, and our faith should always inform our actions. A common assumption, though, is that candidates cannot be elected while standing by their beliefs. In reality, that assumes that God will not bless those who do His will and is even powerless to overcome popular opinion. Either or both assumptions seem to suggest that God is really not in charge of putting the right people in positions of authority according to His plan. E Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential runner-up Mike Huckabee speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, in Washington D.C. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)