The “Christian” Coalition issued a press release condemning Speaker Nancy Pelosi over the Air Force jet controversy. Regardless what one thinks of the issue, the question that seems important is: why is the Coalition speaking out on this? They make no religious argument and do not explain why this is a “Christian” issue. This is particularly important since former Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert also used a jet (however, it was a smaller one than what Pelosi asked for, though he lives closer to Washington D.C.).
It seems like the real focus was not the issue but the letter after Pelosi’s name. Maybe they should rename themselves to the “Republican Coalition.” Or, perhaps it is time to actually get serious about putting Christian priorities ahead of politics. Oh wait, the Reverend Joel Hunter tried to do this for the Coalition but they rejected his leadership.
For more thoughts on why Christians should be careful about putting politics ahead of Christianity, check out my book: For God’s Sake, Shut Up!: Lessons for Christians on How to Speak Effectively and When to Remain Silent. There is a whole chapter on politics and Christians (and I think the others are worthwhile as well).
It seems like the real focus was not the issue but the letter after Pelosi’s name. Maybe they should rename themselves to the “Republican Coalition.” Or, perhaps it is time to actually get serious about putting Christian priorities ahead of politics. Oh wait, the Reverend Joel Hunter tried to do this for the Coalition but they rejected his leadership.
For more thoughts on why Christians should be careful about putting politics ahead of Christianity, check out my book: For God’s Sake, Shut Up!: Lessons for Christians on How to Speak Effectively and When to Remain Silent. There is a whole chapter on politics and Christians (and I think the others are worthwhile as well).
I was actually somewhat surprised Pelosi gets a jet. But I assume those are the perks that come with having a Secret Service detail and being in-line for the Presidency.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked for John Lewis, he was #4 in the Democratic Party at the time, and Lewis flew coach each and every weekend on his trips from DC to Atlanta.
Some Congressmen had driving services that chauffered them to-and-from their townhouses only 3-4 blocks from the Capitol. Others like Lewis had a staffer pick him up on their ride to work in the mornings...
Thanks for the comment and the first-hand insight! There does seem to be a big difference between the Speaker and everyone else. I think this case probably demonstrates some of the waste in Washington, but at the same time we do need to keep our public officials safe. What is sad, though, is that the “Christian” Coalition has become so partisan that it is unable to offer an effective prophetic voice when problems do arise.
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