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Christianity Today, March, 2008 |

Hating Hillary

Getting to the bottom of a cultural trend that has seeped into the church.

A Christianity Today editorial | posted 3/03/2008 09:40AM

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What's more, vitriolic language directed at political figures does not, to use the Pauline metaphor, attract others with "the aroma of Christ." It just creates a stench, making it more difficult to nurture relationships with those who want to meet Christ and who happen to support Clinton. Such talk easily slides into denigrating those on the other side of the political spectrum—who may just be on the other side of the aisle on Sunday mornings.

None of this precludes vigorous and pointed disagreement in the public square. Neither John the Baptist nor Jesus nor Paul was always meek and mild when they challenged the principalities and powers. But when vigorous political discourse turns into bashing of public figures, it perpetuates a great lie: that they are merely the ideologies and symbols attached to them. When a candidate's ideology is mistaken for his or her personhood, it masks a crucial truth: that each person, no matter their political views, bears God's image and matters deeply to him.

While pundits see candidates as punching bags, evangelicals are supposed to see candidates as, well, people. As we ponder how candidates are "fearfully and wonderfully made," we may haltingly come to realize that the most bold and courageous thing we each could do this election season, no matter who we vote for, is this: Love Hillary.

Related Elsewhere:

"Do Evangelicals Really Prefer Hillary to Obama? No One Knows For Sure" is also posted today.

Our full-coverage section on the 2008 campaign also includes "What Does Hillary Believe?" and "Hillary's Spiritual Formation."

CT Liveblog has more news and commentary on the campaign.

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March 2008, Vol. 52, No. 3

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onlyspam2008

Posted: March 16, 2008 4:45 PM

What is truly amazing to me, other than grace, is the current misunderstanding that most of the Christian right has taken in relationship to faith, government, and politics. I must have been busy at my church feeding the poor or healing the sick when Jesus announced He was a Republican. Was it on FOX or Rush? I watch CNN so I must have missed it. I think most fundamental Christians have developed premature Alzheimer’s because they seem to have forgotten that most of the Civil Rights gains occurred because of the Black Church. And, to the best of my memory, they were few Republicans. Furthermore, most of the liberty and equality women enjoy did not happen because of the social conservative position. What is equally troubling is how many anti-abortionist support the war in Iraq. (Is it acceptable discipleship to wait for humans to be born before we approve the use deadly force?) Please do not assume by my last comment that I am for abortions, I am just expressing my understanding of Chr

Charlie Ray

Posted: March 15, 2008 6:02 AM

Words have the power to shape the heart???? My Bible says that out of the HEART proceeds all sorts of evil. This silly bit of pelagianism is irritating and downright appalling coming from a so-called Evangelical magazine. The truth is that sin has corrupted the heart and out of the heart the mouth speaks. In other words, we do not have the power to shape the heart. The heart is desperately wicked and in need of regeneration. And even AFTER regeneration, the process of sanctification is also a gift of God working in us. That does not excuse us as free moral agents from accountability for our words and actions. However, theological precision is a must if we are going to preach the Gospel. Biblical psychology is a misnomer if this is the theology behind it. Charlie Ray www.reasonablechristian.blogspot.com

dayle

Posted: March 13, 2008 1:26 AM

Thank you for saying what I have been thinking!!!! I am amazed by the ignorance of my brothers & sisters in Christ. Rather than looking at the facts concerning each candidate, so many are sucked in by the media and the "mood of the day." Many believe what is essentially gossip rather than educated points of view. ~We need to each seek out answers concerning each candidate for ourselves and stop labeling them in generalized terms. It is absolutely true...what is in our hearts does spill out of our mouths. A few years ago, a friend lovingly pointed out that I was guilty of such contamination as I spewed out venemous comments about George Bush. I came to understand that despite whatever I thought, Jesus would want me to view things differently. Praying for our leaders is far more pleasing to God. I am grateful for the wisdom of my friend because I was not modeling Godly behavior for my son. I am teaching him to be informed and most importantly respectful.

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