Making America Great

There is something in us that believes things will get better. Even in ‘glass is half empty’ people like myself, there is still hope. I think that is why we put so much weight on the shoulders of politicians. We continually hope that this one will do it, make it happen, whatever ‘it’ is. So when we are faced with a seemingly no win situation, we continue to work for an answer, because we cling to hope; it’s all we have.

I see very little to hope for in this year’s presidential election. The candidates on both sides present very troubling choices to me. I want a candidate on a white horse who will not only promise a better future, but who could actually bring that to pass.  I’m afraid there is no such person. In all the years of our country’s short history we have never had a perfect president.  Sometimes it’s important to remember that. We hang all our hopes on one individual, and because they are human, they continually disappoint. This year, for many of us, the disappointment begins earlier.

As a follower of Christ I find myself in a paradox. On the one hand I believe that God is sovereign. Nothing surprises God. He has a plan and purpose for His universe, and that plan will win out. God’s time is not mine. But the Bible is very clear, He has a time frame. I believe in God’s time. I believe in His promise that He holds everything in His control even though it doesn’t much feel that way. His plan will be accomplished regardless the outcome of America’s next election.

On the other hand, I find myself looking for that perfect President to help God along. I think somehow that if we could just find the man or the woman who cares enough to really make America great again, our lives would be better.  Yet, even as I say “great again” I have to wonder, when was that time?  When have we been as great as my idealism remembers? Regardless, I keep looking, and continue to be dismayed and surprised that America doesn’t seem to be going anywhere promising.

But isn’t America God’s nation? The fact is, you won’t find America anywhere in the Bible.  There are those people who believe that America is the new Israel. Seriously. They believe God transferred all of his promises from Israel to America when they blew it. God scattered most of the Jews to the ends of the world, turned His back on them and a few centuries later placed all His hopes on America, home of the brave, land of the free, base of religious freedom. But wherever they found that idea, it wasn’t in the Bible. 

Just because our country was established by white, Anglo Saxon Protestants doesn’t mean it was founded on Christianity.  Judeo –Christian morality perhaps, but not Christianity. Our founding fathers were not evangelical Christians. A quick reading of their biographies will tell you that. Those who believe that “making America great again” means “making America Christian again” are totally misguided. We never were. Interesting how the world believes American is Christian, when most Americans do not.

But ideally, a lot of what we built this country upon has Christian value behind it. And a country with the freedom to practice your religion was a wonderful idea. As were all of our freedoms, especially the idea that our citizens have a voice in what happens (even if those ‘citizens’ were white, protestant men – bit by bit we are getting past even that). I believe God planned for, pushed along and continues to use America for His purpose. I don’t believe America is God’s country.  Most Americans don’t believe that.

Trying to make America more Christian (“great again”) is just wrong. Countries don’t become Christian, people do. And laws don’t make people Christian either. Christianity isn’t something you are forced to wear, or even something you put on by living a certain lifestyle within a certain government. Pro-life laws won’t make American any more Christian. Neither will a ban on gay marriage.  And certainly turning Christianity into a set of laws has never worked.  Politics and religion have never made very good partners, usually both end up twisted in some way. Contrary to popular opinion, Christianity isn’t about laws, or even being good.

Christianity, though viewed so, isn’t a religion. Religions are man-made. Religions have rules and regulations, traditions and mythology, few successes and many failures.  Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. A personal, freely chosen decision to give one’s life to the Sovereign Creator of the Universe. And the New Testament says that in that relationship “the righteous requirements of the law are fulfilled through us.” (Romans 8) God takes residence in a Christian’s life and, if that person opens up their life to God’s power, they can live out God’s law by God’s power.  That is very different than trying to live out God’s laws on our own.  And it is the very opposite of legislating morality on people who do not believe.

To push a Christian agenda on a non-Christian is insane. Christians cannot live out this “agenda” apart from God’s living it for them; how on earth do they expect people without God to do so?  It makes no sense. No wonder people look at Christians like they have two heads. We live in a democracy, and the majority wins. So if the majority of people believe in pro-choice, then that will be the law of the land. If the majority believe in gay marriage, then so be it.  What would make America Christian is if the majority of citizens were Christians, and, they are not.

So, as a Christian, what do I look for when I vote?  I believe there are certain values that America has held, regardless of Christianity.  I share many of those values – justice, freedom of speech and religion, equal rights for all, regardless of race or gender, a belief that human life is important and to be valued. Following this I would look for a candidate who is fiscally responsible while looking out for our less fortunate and preserving the dignity of every citizen. I can stand behind those things. I also believe every American should have the right to make their own choices, and bear the consequences of those choices. I don’t think legislating morality is the answer. I don’t think our government should be our parent – though sometimes (speed limits, safety belts) it is a necessary evil.

I do not look to see if a candidate is a Christian or backed by the Moral Majority or Evangelicals. Well, maybe I look, but it’s not a deal breaker. I do not have to see perfection, because I am far from perfect. I might wish American politics could be more like the TV series West Wing, but I do understand that this type of thinking is romantic idealism.  None of our politicians have the benefit of being confined to a well written script. Life happens and our leaders are human beings who make choices just like us.

What I’d like is someone who wishes to continue my freedom to follow Christ without fear of persecution, and not someone who wants to persecute those who do not believe. And sometimes, like this coming election, I may not see a candidate on either side who best fits my ideal.  What do I do then? I still vote.  I choose the lesser of the evils in my mind. My job is to try and choose the best possible candidate out of the choices given.

I vote because it is my duty as a citizen. I want to be part of America, so my responsibility as an American citizen is to vote, to participate in the process.  I have to make a choice, based on my beliefs, and cast my vote. It is as irresponsible to simply not vote (or write in Mickey Mouse) as it is to move to Canada, or threaten to. This is our country. It is a country that allows us to have our say. Not many countries in the world have that opportunity. This responsibility to vote doesn’t just exist when there is a candidate most like me. Every time there is an election, I am to study the candidates and issues and make the best, educated choice I can.

We, the citizens, make America what she is. We make America great by being involved, voting our conscience and respecting our leaders. We make America great by opening our eyes, holding ideals, but being realistic. We make America great by living our lives in an honorable and honest manner. For me, that means letting God live His character out through me – or striving to do so.  Presidents come and go; we, the people, have the staying power that makes our country something to be proud of.