American Politics and Christians

I am connected with quite a few Americans over the Internet.  Many of these are evangelical Christians.  One of the things that I have noticed is a strong dislike for their president, Barack Obama.  I am not talking about disagreements with policies (which is completely appropriate) but a very emotional reaction against the man.  To read their statements, the main focus of evangelical Christians should be to remove Obama.  The posts I read are very insulting to the man, sharing every piece of gossip and looking for every piece of dirt against the man.  Although they would likely deny it, their words point more toward hatred than to respect.

Of course my American friends could say that as a Canadian I do not know what I am talking about.  I do not have to live under his administration.  Nor have Canadian evangelicals become as involved in politics.  Fair enough.

However, I would ask my American friends how their non-Christian friends and family when they see evangelicals getting nasty toward their president.  Again, I want to say that is completely appropriate to disagree and even work against specific policies.  But that can be done in a respectful way that does not attempt to drag the name of an important leader through the mud.


“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
(Romans 13:1–7 NIV)