News Flash: Politicians Say Stupid Things

I've been listening to too much talkback radio. It's clear. I've become a chatterer. Unsurprisingly there's been significant chatter about politics of late. Perhaps what is surprising for Australia is the insertion of religion into that political debate.

First off there was Kevin Rudd's already infamous comment during his farewell speech;

It is probably not the occasion for high statements of theology, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed if I didn't add something, given it's been the subject of comment over the years in which I've led this party. But to the great God and creator of us all, I think him- or her- as well.

There was a telling moment during a Compass special on the Anglican diocese in Sydney last year. The thrust of the story was the conflict between evangelicals and Anglo-catholics. While evangelicals were shown to be young and vibrant, the typical Anglo-catholic church was empty, aged and surprisingly out of touch with reality. Special mention was made of the rainbow on the pulpit symbolically representing the open arms this particular High Anglican church had for homosexuals. Though the minister did admit that he was unaware of any homosexuals in the congregation.

I'm not sure why some 'Christian' politicians feel so uncomfortable in their skin? Or perhaps why they feel the need to bow to public opinion. It's not as if getting theologically vague brings swathes of people into churches. Christians end up disdaining them and begin putting the word Christian in inverted commas when talking about them, and non-Christians mock them.

Perhaps the best summary of former Prime Minister Mrs Kevin Rudd's gender confusion was on Good News Week last night as Paul McDermott joked;

Maybe Kev is just covering himself in case the big guy upstairs with the white hair and beard has been replaced by a woman as well.

Now NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has dipped her toe in the murky religious/political water. When discussing her support of same sex couples adopting, KK was asked how this view held with her Christian faith. Rather than saying the truth;

It doesn't.

KK instead tried out this trusted 'anything goes' cliche;

If I look at the gospel message, it is one of acceptance, it is one of love... Jesus sat with the sinners and the saints and he was not a man of judgment but rather a man of love.

When the press then asked her later if she was calling same sex couples sinners, KK replied.

That's not at all what I meant to say. My point is this - is that Jesus loved all. He loved all and he accepted all. And for me that is the strongest message that comes out of the gospel.

Perhaps what she could have said is;

Yes. They are sinners. But so am I, and so is everybody. Really, if Jesus sat with anyone he was sitting with a sinner. And Jesus is on about judgment - judgment of sinners. But he is also on about providing the means of escape for those sinners by taking the punishment on their behalf by dying in their place as the judgment of God against sinners was poured out on his innocent son. Are same-sex couples sinners? Yes. Are heterosexual couples sinners? Yes. We're all sinners. And God's free gift of salvation is open to all who are willing to admit their sinfulness and trust that Jesus died to restore them to relationship with God.

I always thought when people spoke about keeping a clear distinction between church and state they were wanting governance representative of the people free from external constraints. Turns out it's because politicians are theologically liberal people-pleasers.

1 Tim 2:1-4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.