Wed
Oct
04
2006

A glimmer of light?

I don’t normally spend much time thinking about politics, but the ongoing talk of Christianity and conservative (read ‘Liberal’) politics means that I have to think about it!

But my natural cynicism in this area received something of a rebuke today in the form of an opinion piece in the Herald by the Federal Labor spokesman on foreign affairs and trade, Kevin Rudd. Mr Rudd is well known as a Christian, but this is the first time I’ve read as much on Christianity and politics from him. He is advocating more involvement by Christians in the sphere of politics – but takes a very different stand from his politically liberal colleagues.

Mr Rudd is basically advocating that Christians should “adopt an ethically informed all rationally engaged critique of all political parties and all politicians”. To what end? To see a more biblical model of social compassion enacted – by normal Christians as well as by Christian politicians.

I’m slightly staggered to actually find myself agreeing with a politician when Mr Rudd says that John Howard’s “brand of Christianity [is one that] celebrates private morality and personal prosperity alone – to the virtual exclusion of equity, solidarity and compassion. It is also a brand of Christianity that carries with it the below- the-radar message that the Liberal Party is the natural party of God”.

I’m happy to publically state that what politics I do profess tend towards the left side of things, but it’s very good to read that Kevin Rudd is not saying that Christians should support Labor, rather that we need to think this stuff through, decide that our personal wealth and prosperity is not the most important thing, and speak up accordingly.

Very refreshing.

Posted by Neil, 4 October 06
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Comment

  1. I commented in a slightly similar vein over on FlyingNerd.com (here: http://www.flyingnerd.com/archives/161) as I was reading “God’s Politics”. The author of that book (Wallis) also suggests that Christians get involved in politics – for much the same sort of reasons argued by Rudd.

    In fact, at first reading, Rudd’s piece seemed to be almost a direct response to Wallis’ urgings that the ‘left’ side of politics needs to try to undermine the ‘right’ side’s ‘ownership’ of God.

    I never got to the end of the book. It got too bogged down in minute detals of American political life and events—but I found the first third or so very stimulating in terms of thinking about a Christian’s role in politics.

    (Interestingly, this all co-incided with the Macquarie Christian Studies Institute’s faith and work award, which was presented to John Anderson. My wife’s jazz band provided the entertainment and, as a favour, I recorded Anderson’s speech (which seems to have disappeared from their site). Sad. There’s a report here: http://nsw.uca.org.au/news/2006/john-anderson-mcsi_30-06-06.htm)

    — Richard · Oct 5, 08:48 AM · #

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