Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?

“Is Jesus A Republican Or A Democrat?”  It’s not only a compelling question, it’s the title of a book by Tony Campolo.  Campolo does a good job of stating the positive and negative distinctives of each political party.  

The Republicans emphasize individual responsibility, a trait lacking in many of our citizens.  The Democrats emphasize collective responsibility, a trait lacking in much of our society.  The Republicans tend to be soft on the abuses of big business and the Democrats tend to be soft on traditional moral values.

 

A lot of people say that Jesus would support the platform of the Republican Party.  Others argue that Jesus would be a strong Democrat.  Both groups are passionate about their convictions.  Both groups are confident in their conclusions.  And both groups are, in my opinion, wrong!

I find it fascinating that during a time when political upheaval was pervasive, when his disciples expected him to be the next big political figure, when the entire Jewish community was looking for a Messiah (a political leader) that would overthrow the Roman government, Jesus refused!

Why?  Why didn’t Jesus lead a revolt against the Roman government and set up a “righteous” kingdom?  Why didn’t he kick out the corrupt religious leaders and establish a new regime?  Maybe it’s because Jesus actually knew how real change, real transformation happens.  (By the way, since Jesus was the most influential movement leader who ever lived, perhaps we should pay close attention to what he said and did.)

Perhaps one thing we learn from Jesus is that global transformation never happens from the top down.  It always happens from the bottom up.  Incidentally, as a matter of well documented historical record, Jesus Christ launched a movement that did indeed change the world. 

How did it happen?  According to the eye witnesses of Jesus’ ministry, he did it by transforming human hearts.  Jesus changed (and, in my opinion is still changing) the world by changing people.  I believe that Jesus is transforming humanity by transforming humans.  He is making all things new by making people new… “born again.” 

Unapologetically, Jesus invites human beings to follow him.  He is the one who offers and gives forgiveness, new life and a new kingdom.  Over the last 2000 years, millions have responded to that invitation.  Every credible student of ancient history agrees that those who believed in Jesus Christ literally changed the course of human history.  Do you want to change your world?  Then take Jesus seriously!  Trust him!  Trust him enough to follow his teachings and example!

Today, around the globe, millions are still responding to his invitation.  Millions are still trusting him with their very lives, with the way they live.  And the world is still being changed, rescued, redeemed.  According to the Bible, someday our redemption will be complete.

I suppose (actually I believe) that republican and democrat politicians make a difference.  Voting is important.  The political process is not pointless.  But of all the good that the political process does, it does not transform the politicians or the people who elect them.  In my opinion, only Jesus can do that.