A Seminal Discussion

I have long been interested in politics. My parents took me to DC when I was a kid. While there, we visited the office of Senator Herman Talmadge (who prior to being elected to the Senate, served as the Governor of Georgia). When I got back home to Atlanta, I told everyone that I had sat “on the government’s lap”! (For the record, I am aware that Senator Talmadge was a very controversial figure. The picture is for you to see how cute I was, not to in any way endorse his politics or views!)

I registered to vote as soon as I turned 18. I don’t think that I have missed a Presidential election since. I have tried not to miss any election but must confess that I have likely missed some of the smaller, local elections along the way.

One of the key issues in the 2008 Presidential election was health care. Specifically, the debate was about whether or not, or to what degree the government should ensure every American had access to affordable health insurance and health care. It is important to distinguish between health insurance and health care. Having health insurance does not necessarily guarantee access to care nor does it always ensure that the care will be affordable.

I was having a discussion with one of my fellow clergy in which we were considering the merits of the argument. She was in support of a plan in which the government had far more control over the healthcare system. I was reluctant to cede that much power to unelected bureaucrats. At one point, she asked me, “Don’t you want people to have access to affordable healthcare?!” I responded, “Absolutely! But, there is a difference between what the Gospel requires and the Constitution guarantees!”

For the last 12 years, that discussion and my spontaneous declaration have framed my thoughts around the topic of politics and religion. As we continue on this journey toward election day, I will begin to dig deeper into this statement. We will explore the Christian role and responsibilities in secular political policy and discussions.