While I agree with Roger Gench's repudiation of "identity politics" in America (celebrity culture permeating America's most "hallowed" institutions), I have to say that the rest of his article is theologically and biblically inept. Before addressing the positive claims of Gench, it should be noted that his appraisal (or lack thereof) of the 2008 presidential campaign seems quite out of touch, given the ubiquity of pseudo-religious language on the part of both candidates. This renders his question of whether it should matter what faith a candidate has as quite unrealistic. The fact is it does matter. The religion of Americanism, besides any other affirmations about Christianity, is always close to the lips of presidents.
As to the theological and biblical failures: First, Gench uses the examples of Assyria and Babylon to prove that "what counts is whether a candidate can promote the common good" and that therefore we should not question the beliefs of the candidate. Yes, of course, no litmus tests, but that's not because beliefs don't matter! Gench would do well to recognize that God used Assyria and Babylon to punish Israel for failing to promote the common good in the way God laid out for her in the Torah, not to promote the common good themselves! Second, Gench simply misuses Romans 13; nowhere does the text say we are to obey the authorities, only that we are to be subject to them. There is all the difference in the world between these two, as Jesus' trial and execution at the hands of the authorities make clear. Moreover, Romans 13 must be read in the context of the passage that begins in 12:1, telling the church how to be a people remembering God's mercies and therefore not conforming to the patterns of this world. Lastly, Gench's idea of seeking a balance of power by "walking in one another's parades" is leagues away from the parade Colossians tells about. In that parade, Jesus, who attained victory on the cross, leads the powers in triumph as a conquering king would lead those who rebelled against him and were defeated. Simply, Gench's discussion of the authorities fails because it does not look anything like when the Bible speaks of the powers and authorities. Moreover, it fails to note that the common good, for the Christian, and, if Jesus is Lord, for the world, will look like the way of Christ and the justice the world needs will be most readily understood by gazing upon the cross. … Darren Belajac
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary |
