We are in the midst of a political year

I was 10 years old in 1968. At that age, I had rather eclectic television viewing habits. Before and after school I would usually watch a children’s program called “J. P. Patches” on Seattle Television station KIRO Channel 7. If time permitted, I would watch both the local and national news as well. Yes, at that age, this sort of thing interested me.

I remember watching specific news reports from that political year. I did not understand why people were doing what they were doing. There were a lot of angry words exchanged and a number of violent actions that I can still recall. I remember asking myself a simple question about all of this over and over again. It was why?

Today, some 48 years later, I still ask that question with all that is happening in the realm of politics. Isn’t this just maddening? What one person finds logical can seem like lunacy to someone else.

Speaking of disagreements — I had a conversation with someone this week via the Internet. He claimed that Jesus’ teachings were “spiritual” in nature and had nothing to do with politics. I respectfully disagreed.

Yes, in the United States, we live in a land that promotes the separation of church and state. However, Jesus lived in a time and place where religion and politics were tightly interwoven.

One such example: It is my understanding that in Jesus’ day the position of the Jewish High Priest was decided upon by the occupying Roman government. That had enormous political implications within the religious structure. Jesus made a point of openly being critical of those within this system. How would this not be political on some level?

Yes, even though Jesus said that his kingdom was “not of this world,” he still called for us to “wash each other’s feet.” You can’t compartmentalize this kind of thing, or at least you shouldn’t do so.

So, one of Jesus’ key teachings is that we love one another through actions. This should be interwoven into the fabric of every aspect of our lives.

In light of this, can we discuss and debate — even with great passion — without degrading those who hold a different point of view?

I hate to think that this love should be treated with so little regard when it comes to “the more practical matters” of politics.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.