In 1945, as World War II was ending, Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoeller was freed from the Nazi death camp at Dachau by American troops. He had been there since 1938.
Reflecting upon his experience, Niemoeller wrote:
Niemoeller learned a hard lesson: that one must speak up for the truth and against injustice before it is too late.I Didn't Speak Up
"In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak for me."
God has given to Christians the responsibility of speaking out publicly on issues of righteousness and justice as well as religion. Christians cannot in good conscience do what their opposers say they must do: keep their religion to themselves or keep it between the four walls of the church. They cannot let themselves be badgered into silence because others tell them their religion has no place in politics or the public arena.
If your religious beliefs do not affect your views and actions in every aspect of your life, including work, play, and politics, then what can I say? You clearly have not internalized what you say you believe. In truth, you do not really believe it! If you did, you would not only embrace it, but live by it.
All of the prophets in the Bible were quick to speak out on issues of social justice and righteousness. They not only rebuked those who transgressed the laws of God and worshipped idols, but saved special venom for the religious and political leaders who abused the needy while they enriched themselves:
"Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; they all love bribes, and follow after rewards; they do not do justice to orphans, nor is the widow's cause brought to their attention" (Isaiah 1:23).
"The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).
Of course, people do not like their sin being revealed. "You shall be hated by everyone for my name's sake," Jesus said. (Matthew 10:22). "This is condemnation, that light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
I believe that state-operated gambling, which will prove a detriment to society, would not have been passed if Christians had cared enough to stand up and vote against it. Even more shocking, there are resolutions cropping up around the country like Proposition 161 in California, which would legalize doctor-assisted suicide. Once such a law is in place, it is only a small step to the termination of the aged, infirm, mentally ill, and retarded without their consent. To many, anyone who is religious is classed as mentally ill.
Elsewhere, the legalization of homosexual marriages is being proposed.
Much of the legislation in this country is pushed through by special-interest groups which represent a very small segment of society. If Christians would stand up and be counted, would get organized and stop fighting among themselves, they could stop much of this degradation of society.
Am I saying that all the ills of the world have a political solution? Not at all! But I am very definitely saying that Christians should wake up, smell the coffee, and get busy being the Light of the World.
Copyright 1996 Paul A. Hughes
Last updated January 2002. For more information, comments, or suggestions, write westloop@yahoo.com.