Jim Wallis comments on a new publication endorsed by a number of religious leaders called, “Come Let us Reason Together.” I haven’t read the article, and make no claims of agreeing with everything in it. While I am not one to post political stuff and really don’t have much of an agenda myself other than attempting to do what Jesus would have me do… I do really appreciate Jim’s words on this one:

… we need a better understanding of the role of faith in public life. Political appeals – even if rooted in religious convictions – must be argued on moral grounds, rather than as sectarian religious demands, so that the people (citizens), whether religious or not, may have the capacity to hear and respond. Religion must be disciplined by democracy and contribute to a better and more moral public discourse. Religious convictions must therefore be translated into moral arguments, which must win the political debate if they are to be implemented. Religious people don’t get to win just because they are religious (in a nation that is often claimed to be a Judeo-Christian country). They, like any other citizens, have to convince their fellow citizens that what they propose is best for the common good—for all of us and not just for the religious. Clearly, part of the work to be done includes teaching religious people how to make their appeals in moral language, and secular people not to fear such appeals will lead to theocracy.

We have to find a way of living the kingdom and being Jesus to each other that is not offensive but loving. Can we be Christ and live out our convictions from scripture, trusting that the Spirit of the living God will do the transforming? Do we have to start with the wielding of the “Word?”