WHY the "TEA PARTY" is UNCHRISTIAN by Andrew Strom

Oooohhh kaaay. I am just a little confused.. Is not our brother an Aussie? Or from down under? While I certainly share his sentiments. Why is he getting riled up over an American political party?

Brother Andrew has ministered in america for MANY years and has had a great burden for america. He was close to even staying and becoming a citizen I believe at one point. He loves and really has a burden for Christians in America.

Yes. Andrew lived in KC from early 2004 until the later half of 2006. He held many meetings here and cofounded a homeless ministry for a while. He lived here for about 4 years give or take and is quite familiar with the US.

While I understand the sentiment which Brother Andrew Strom is sharing, I strongly disagree with some of his points and the basis for his conclusion.

Disclaimer: I do not consider myself a "Tea Party" advocate at all. I have never attended a "Tea Party" rally. I have never aligned myself with the "Tea Party" in any official capacity.

One problem that I have with the scrutiny of believers who participate in voicing an opinion or selection of workers in this unique "government of the people and by the people" is that there is a common accusation that such individuals believe that "political answers can solve America's problems" (Andrew's point #5). The believers that I know who understand the issues are completely aware of the SPIRITUAL needs in this country and that they are NOT solved by political means.

America -- like the rest of the world -- has a SPIRITUAL problem. The people of America need to cry out to Jesus Christ. Period. There is no doubt in that.

At the same time, there are practical seemingly "worldly" standards by which we often consider issues of morality/immorality and righteousness/unrighteousness. An unsaved person or a collective nation can hold a moral or righteous position on an issue even without realizing the spiritual basis for it.

When I was a teenager, I spent many weekends ministering in the government projects located in my town. One day, I spoke with a pregnant woman who admitted that she was about to have an abortion. I explained the spiritual reasons why abortion is wrong, but she didn't understand those reasons (for they are spiritually discerned). However, I also mentioned the physical process of an abortion to that woman. A couple of weeks later, I saw that woman again. She did not have her scheduled abortion. I had hoped that it was because of the spiritual reasons that I gave. However, she told me that the reason she didn't have her abortion was because of my description about how developed her child was at this point in gestation and how I had told her that she wouldn't be able to ever know how her son would turn out.

Abortion is a sin. Yet, it is also a policy.

There are two ways to deal with abortion.

On a spiritual plane, we present Christ to others. We should be doing this ALL OF THE TIME! A consequence of what happens when individuals meet the Lord is that they will give up any embrace of abortion because they know the heart of our Creator.

Simultaneously, on a public policy plane, we can choose individuals who oppose abortion for service positions (from local servants to the White House). While they may not necessarily be believers, they take a moral or righteous position on an issue that has a spiritual basis.

In this article, Andrew is meandering into issues of public policy (like government health care) even while simultaneously proclaiming the spiritual basis. This is no different than what believers who vote in elections do. They educate themselves in issues and prayerfully vote according to a clear conscience before God.

Knowingly or not, Brother Andrew is taking positions on issues that are based in policy. Unfortunately, he is stating a very surface-level perspective which inadvertently insinuates that those who are opposed to government health care mandates are somehow in favor of denying health care to the poor. This is a light yet incorrect perception of a very deep problem. There is no question about a need to help the poor. When we are instructed to help the poor in the Scriptures, we aren't told to give it to Rome to disperse among the poor. We are told to proactively and cheerfully give from ourselves directly to those in need (and not by compulsion or through a government mediator).

Thus, a major issue is about the extent of the government's involvement (or mandates) to "help the poor" and whether or not a particular plan is the best way to accomplish it. In terms of the current health care legislation, it isn't even about the government's roll in helping the poor but in the government's mandate that people BUY insurance. I know Christian doctors who are opposed to current health care regulation (that often PREVENTS them from helping the poor) yet believe in helping them in other ways. One doctor that I know travels to Mexico or off-shore (via Mercy Ships) where doctors aren't bound to strict regulations in order to administer simple, life-altering care. So, the issue on Point #4 isn't quite so simple as "Christians want to deny health care to the poor."

One very important thing to remember is that the "Tea Party" is not a massive organized entity like the NAACP, LULAC, or an organized political party. It is more or less a movement with little oversight. The binding belief for the "Tea Party" derives from the original Boston Tea Party in 1773 concerning the concept of "taxation without representation." Most individuals who identify themselves with some of the issues raised by the "Tea Party" movement (including a few believers here on SermonIndex) are upset with tax dollars being raised and spent by elected government officials on policies, procedures and other things that are contrary to the views of the people who they are supposed to represent. For instance, many do not want their tax dollars spent on the abortion of babies (like it will be expanded "for the poor" under the recent health care legislation).

I agree that there are individuals who exhibit attitudes and behaviors that are quite unchristian or do not reflect the heart of Christ. Yet, that is true in many Churches (and even Christian web forums) too. I have known "spiritual" individuals who will grow extremely angry and even talk behind the backs of others if a person doesn't embrace the things that they teach proclaim. Now, I don't think that it is correct to judge or stereotype an entire movement or organization -- no matter of how loosely it is organized -- based upon the views of a few that are repeatedly demonstrated on the news. It would be like considering SermonIndex to be a community of Calvinists because a few members have boldly and loudly proclaimed their views as such.

I could go through each point that Brother Andrew presents, such as the allegations or stereotypes that the Tea Party is "pro-war" (there is a big difference between war for wars' sake or believing in justice or national defense via military actions), or that Christians are meandering into "Nationalism" when they hold to issues that might also be embraced by Tea Party people.

I don't know the extent of Brother Andrew Strom's knowledge of the people who are involved in the Tea Party. I don't know if he has firsthand knowledge or has an opinion that is based upon things that he read in newspapers, online or watched on television news.

I will say that a Tea Party rally was held just across the Bay from us -- in a very Liberal area that is hostile toward Conservatives and Christians -- and the reporters commented that they can't recall a rally that was ever so peaceful, clean and where people just got along. That same rally was presented on another station as being "fringe," "radical" and "extreme." A few weeks later, there was a homosexual "pride" rally -- completely with all manners of ungodliness, immorality and nudity -- in San Francisco and no members of the media (that I read) mentioned words like "fringe," "radical" or "extreme."

Now, I am not telling anyone to go out and join Tea Parties or other political, moral or social causes. I am just saying that I believe that it is possible to see this world as needing Jesus Christ while also understanding that this fallen world doesn't know that it needs Christ or that Christianity is the basis for morality and righteousness (which exalts a nation). I believe that it is possible to know Christ and seek His face in regard to any participation in this world in which we live (temporarily).

Bearmaster,

I didn't say that the "Tea Party" is Christian. That wasn't my claim nor the essence or point of my post. Nor was I attempting to take up Brother Andrew Strom's "challenge" either.

This is especially true because it would be incorrect to label or stereotype any group -- from the Tea Party to the Boy Scouts to a local congregation to the Church as a whole -- based upon a perception derived from the purported conduct of a few.

However, I could go through individual policy positions that the Tea Party groups embrace and how they reflect a Christian view of morality over immorality and righteousness over unrighteousness.

I think that we can agree of a need to PRAY diligently and fervently before we make any decisions (such as voting) or involve ourselves in any group. This, I believe, is more helpful than trying to impose our own interpretations, opinions or wide-reaching and imposing limits that we would spread according to a personal conclusion for such situations.

Frank,

Again, I wasn't taking on any "challenge" because that was obviously not the intent of my post.

However, the "limited argument" (as you call it) would never be needed if well-meaning believers didn't stereotype or label an entire group based upon a personal assumption that it is reflective of the group as a whole.

When a believer turns to ACCUSATIONS of a group and subtly inserts the assumption that all or most believers who vote, participate in service, etc... think and behave a certain way, then I believe that they have given in to an age old "who THEY know" -- or how they think others feel/think/pray/stand/believe fallacy.

Now, I am not attacking Brother Andrew or anyone who shares his opinion. I have read many of Brother Andrew's posts and I agree with most of what he writes. In this case, I do not agree with everything that he writes here. He makes valid points on the base spiritual issues. That is not in question. However, it is in the operation of those things and how they relate to believers who may feel led to vote or respond in which I disagree.

Of course, we should be careful about proclaiming anything to be "biblically sound" when such things are based upon our own opinions that aren't expressly, clearly and exactly spelled out in the Word of God. Every division in the Body of Christ began when one believer (or a group of believers) felt that something was "biblically sound" that others did not.

As sincere children of God, we all believe that we are following sound doctrine. If we didn't, we wouldn't be sincere believers. This is my constant prayer. I believe that this is true of others including many of those that I might disagree with.

It is always dangerous when a believer will not allow another the grace to wholeheartedly seek God for answers in such issues that are either non-essential to the faith or not expressly clear in the Word of God. Even if they claim that something is expressly clear, the fact that there is disagreement among sincere believers makes such a claim moot.

In this case, we should impress believers to seek the Lord before involving themselves in such groups. We should prayerfully and honestly present our issues or concerns -- especially those that aren't based upon rumor, deduction, reports, stereotypes or assumptions -- and allow the Holy Spirit to have His work in leading and guiding believers. I understand that there are some who have said that "God led them to a truth" that believers should not vote. At the same time, I have heard others claim to be "told" the opposite. The same is true of many other issues as well.

On a personal level, I prefer to avoid allowing someone else's claims distract me from prayerfully and purely seeking the Lord on every such matter for myself and that His Spirit would guide me in all truth. I can listen...and pray about what they say. However, that is sufficient in how I would allow someone to influence me. I pray that only the words that they speak that reflect the heart of God (rather than the flesh or intellect) on such matters should influence me.

For some reason the thoughts of the Wehrmacht belt buckle and it's slogan, came to mind, Gott mit uns

Interesting post by Andrew. I think much of the spirit of what he said is right, though I do disagree with him as to some of the specific things he said. Some of his generalizations are unfortunate. But, be that as it may, his essay reminds me of an old Art Katz saying: "You are far too American."

And being "far too American" is definitely where many Christians are in this country, no matter what political affiliations they have. We don't realize that the "politics" of the kingdom of heaven are far too radical for both the right or the left. And many Christians on all sides do not realize they are being co-opted by the powers that be to simply play the same old tired game that has been played for centuries now. Being uncritical and undiscerning, they lose the ability to truly speak and say something significant.

For example, in the recent healthcare debate in America, I did not come across one Christian who espoused Jesus Christ as our true healer, and that men ought to look to Him continually for healing. Perhaps there was a Pentecostal or two out there who reminded people that provision for healing was provided in the atonement--- by His stripes we are healed. But I didn't run into any such Pentecostals personally.

Nor did I hear anybody point out the fact that insurance companies aren't actually the ones that are refusing to provide medical services. Rather, it is hospitals who are refusing to provide medical services. Insurance companies just an attempt to make the cost of health care more affordable. But at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of hospitals to show mercy to others, including the poor. They should be the one's who make healthcare more affordable. We shouldn't even need insurance companies. Yet for all the rhetoric I heard, nobody on either side of the isle so much as pointed a finger at hospitals for being a major part of the problem. For the issue wasn't really about helping the poor receive affordable healthcare. It was really just a power grab plain and simple.

Were any of these things argued by anybody of significant voice in the church? A people who are supposed to be discerning above all others, and able to see into the heart of these issues? Not that I'm aware of. And why? Because we have been co-opted by the powers that be to play their game. They could not make any such an arguments at the end of the day because, as Art said, "they are far too American."

Again, a generally good article that strikes a good chord with me. But I feel the note is perhaps a little too flat. And I feel some of the points Andrew made were a little too Australian.

**edited/revised**

The author of the original post is correct in stating that the Tea Party is not a Christian movement, however, it is not for the reasons he suggests.

(1) The misuse of John 18 is tragic. Read the verse in context and you will see why Jesus says His kingdom is not if this earth. In verse 35, Pilate tells Jesus, “Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me…” Thus Jesus is distancing Himself from the earthly nation of Israel which will be destroyed in 70 AD (Matthew 24) Another reason is given in the next verse, “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.’" His kingdom is not of the earth because it does not wage war as the earth does; in this context using the sword to free Jesus. The phrase “of this world” is referring to its method of operation, not its location. Remember, John the Baptist stated, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Besides, if Jesus’ servants had physically fought to keep Him from being handed over to the Jews, how would things have gone for those of us who look to Jesus for salvation? If “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34) then there is nothing in this passage to suggests that Christians cannot be nationally-minded.

(2) The problem with the wars that the American government has perpetrated in the last few years is that by our Constitution, they are illegal. War, in and of itself, is not sinful. Don’t forget, “The Lord is a warrior; the LORD is His name.” (Exodus 15:3) The wars are being used by both major parties to bankrupt and destroy this nation. The truth of the matter is that these wars are another manifestation of God’s judgment against the church in America. Sadly, many professing Christians support these unnecessary military efforts, but until the Church gets right with God, it does not matter one iota if professing Christians support or oppose the warfare.

(3) and (4) can be considered together. The exact opposite of what the author is suggesting is actually the problem: professing Christians in America are just as socialistic as their secular counterparts. There is no biblical imperative that the government should ever take care of the poor and needy. Jesus calls His disciples to this type of ministry and we are to rely on His provision to carry it out. Governments do not have money of their own and they cannot make money (by creating a product) thus they must take money from those who have it. Our Constitution allows taxation to finance a limited amount of activity but when the government exceeds those limits they are stealing money. This means the author is unknowingly suggesting that it is a Christian concept to steal from one man to help another? God loves a cheerful giver and He does not want us to give at gunpoint. Yes, there are people who genuinely face tough times and that is a perfect opportunity for the Church to minister God’s love, but leave the government out of that equation.

(5) Quote: “The USAs problems are almost entirely SPIRITUAL.” Amen to that! Nothing will end the political malady that exists in American until the Church gets right with God. This however, does not preclude the need to legally work within the political system. “The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1) The same God who gave His Law to His people, still moves the hearts of kings. Is there anything that prohibits Christians from engaging in law and politics?

So while the author speaks truth when he states that many professing Christians are being misled by the Tea Party, the way he gets from point A to point B is a mystery to me.

Grace and peace,
Matthew

Hi Frank,

I am not attacking Brother Andrew. As I said in my post, I agree with him on much of what he writes in other articles and even the "base" of this article in regard to spiritual things and admonitions to focus on Christ as the answer to spiritual problems in this country.

Moreover, the initial quote was not directed entirely at Brother Andrew. But, yes, it is true that he made a set of accusations and claims in the article that lumped together the people of the Tea Party or Tea Party "evangelicals" as being guilty of the things that he listed.

In his post, Brother Andrew accused the people involved in the Tea Party movement as being "an Unhealthy Mixing of Christianity with Nationalism," "Being Basically the Biggest Supporters of WAR in America," "Siding with the Rich and Against the Poor," "Denying it to the Needy," "Pushing the Idea that "Political" Answers can Solve America's Problems," as well as the subtle accusations that were interlaced within the body of his post, such as "Utterly distorting what real Christianity is all about," How un-Christlike," "they seem utterly against the cause of the poor and totally for the Rich and the 'Big Money' interests," "Fighting on the side of Big Business against the "little people" who can't afford to pay," "They come across as ugly, mean-spirited and anger-filled."

Those are the accusations that were levied against the group. While I have never attended a Tea Party rally, I know many people who have. Many of them are believers in Christ. They are very unlike the image portrayed in this article. They care for the people in the country they live, but their hearts are on the Lord. In fact, there are a few people who are members in SermonIndex who have either attended some of those sort of rallies or embraced some of the views of the Tea Party (e.g. taxation with representation and standing against immoral abortion and homosexual policies being pushed upon the people of this country, etc...). Again, they do not resemble the picture that is painted by some in the media, the image painted by members of the Far Left or the claims by some in the Church.

As for bringing this up with Andrew:

I have no problem with speaking with Brother Andrew on this issue. However, I don't visit his website and I am not on his mailing list. I do count him as a brother regardless of any disagreement on an issue like this. Regardless of the size or scope of his ministry, his study/education of this subject or the people that he comes into contact with, I don't think any more or less of his position because of it either. And, of course, I never questioned whether he was "qualified" to speak on this subject in the first place. My email is included here and he can also feel free to contact me if he feels led.

By the way, I am sure that there are individuals who may be guilty of the things that Brother Andrew said. However, I feel that it is inappropriate to extend such a broad blanket over either the Tea Party or members of the Body of Christ who might embrace some of those views on matters in this society. Most of the Christians that I know are Christians first and foremost. If they had to choose between Jesus or America, there would be no doubt who comes first for them. Yes, you can say that I may only know 10-12 who are like that (it is actually many more), but that would still break the stereotype. And, of course, the question has to be asked about those who make the accusations first. How many Tea Party folks (especially Christians) do they personally know who fit such a mold? Why must the burden of proof among believers always lay with the accused?

It reminds me of a divisive young man who used to attend a Christian organization that I enjoyed fellowship with during college. This young man wanted to "lead" the organization. However, he was involved in all types of gossip, backbiting and slander (of the "spiritual" kind) which often lessened the impact of any word he tried to share with the group. Because of his conduct, our student organization pastor and leaders didn't allow him to have his way. The Lord was working in mighty ways during college in and through the group. We had wonderful Bible studies, prayer meetings, evangelism ministry and weekly meetings. At that point, the group meetings were standing room only and many students were coming to Christ.

Because this was a registered student organization on campus, we were required to have elections for leadership. This young man ran for every office during every election and never won. Due to the gossip and backbiting that had become an issue, the pastor didn't want to allow any room for division. Still, we tried to help this zealous young man in other ways, including maturity and even ministry.

However, during one meeting, he tried to create a coup d'etat. He brought some of his friends to the meeting unannounced, stood up and interupted a leaders' meeting. He gave a word about how "God told" him the word "Ichabod" and how "God told" him that "the Lord has left the group" and how the organization was filled with "the Jezebel spirit*" (*coincidentally, the same thing that a local pastor who wanted more influence in our group had preached and spoke with this young man about). He repeated that "the Lord is not in this group" several times during his diatribe.

When he was finished, someone asked him what the Jezebel spirit consists of. He had no answer. I finally asked him about his claim that "God told" him that the Lord had departed the group and it was filled with the Jezebel spirit. I asked him if he was still a part of the group. He had to admit that he was. So, I asked him, "Did the Lord leave you? Did the Lord depart out of your life? Since you are a part of the group, are you having problems with the Jezebel spirit?"

This young man quickly changed the subject into all of the specific things that "God told" him was wrong with the organization. Namely, he was upset that we were so involved with ministry on campus that we weren't out doing more activities elsewhere. He was also upset with some of the requirements to be a "leader" in the group (which was set up by the school and not the group). And, most importantly, he didn't like the fact that the group held a car wash as a missions fundraiser...saying that we should have met to wash cars for free as a ministry. In other words, he was "told" that God had departed the group over superficial differences of opinion that he had with the pastors and leaders of the organization.

Why am I saying this? I know individuals who are in the Tea Party. They aren't like the description of the first post. They seek the Lord, follow hard after the ways of the Lord, and reflect the heart of God to others. They may disagree with certain elected officials on particular issues of policy...or in specifics about how that policy should be dispersed. However, they are Christ-centered first and their involvement -- like many believers -- is motivated first out of love for Christ, then love for their families and then love for their neighbors, the unborn, etc...

I hope that this makes a little more sense.

QUOTE:
______________________________________________________________

(4) -HEALTH CARE - Denying it to the Needy-. (-Related to # 3).
I am not talking about "ObamaCare" here. I have no comment on
ObamaCare one way or the other. What I am talking about is a
general attitude amongst Christians. I cannot tell you the number
of emails that I've gotten from believers who want to deny poor
uninsured Americans any decent Health Care. (I guess because
they are lower-class and can't afford it).

Do you know that millions and millions of Americans are being
denied basic Health coverage that is totally taken for granted in
other countries? And that it is the CHRISTIANS who want to deny
it to them? And do you know that there are multitudes of Americans
who wind up bankrupt or losing their home simply because they
can't pay their medical bills? Does that sound like a "Christian"
ideal to you? Does it sound like something that believers should
be fighting for? -Fighting on the side of Big Business against the
"little people" who can't afford to pay? What kind of "Christianity" is that?
____________________________________________________________

I find this troubling.

In our area, which is among the poorest in the nation as for the percentage of its population being on welfare, the medical profession tells us they cannot refuse service to anyone. They are required by law to render services to people regardless of their ability to pay. Of course, they will try to collect but many refuse to pay.

Thus many people abuse the system.

But this is policy, politics, if you will.

What about teaching people they should instead turn to the LORD for their health well-being, instead? Would this not be more scriptural then lamenting the perceived disparity in medical services' availability dependent upon pay?

Personally, I am very much alarmed with the gov intrusion into the medical profession. It would be far better to allow the principle of supply and demand to govern it. What I really fear in this Obamacare is that when a body gets infirm, is no longer productive the gov will mandate euthanasia because it would be too costly to care for this person. Many people complain about the cost and for justifiable reasons but this possibility of euthanasia scares me.

NOW if the gov insists on fixing the way medicine is practiced the shortest route would be to target the lawyers that are abusing, destroying it with lawsuits. Put a cap on how much a victim can get and limit the amount a lawyer will earn from such a lawsuit. Simple. EDIT: Doing so will lower health costs, rendering health care's availability to those who think they cannot afford it. Malpractice insurance is horrendous.

Yet...are we to not get entangled with world? How can a body survive even alone when it wants to tell you you cannot allow your children to operate farm equipment or work on the farm? (This proposal has been withdrawn due to the outcry of people.) And it tells you that you cannot sell raw milk! Sometimes I think the gov is issuing stupid rules in an effort to strangle the ability of people to care for themselves, which is something deeply ingrained in the American people. When they have disallowed, destroyed people's ability to look after themselves they become dependent upon the gov which will make it easier for it to manipulate its citizens.

As I look at Scripture nowhere do I find that any gov limiting its citizens to self-sufficiency as what we are seeing today. Hmmmm....maybe this portends something far more sinister then mere gov intrusion into the lives of its people?

My thoughts.

PS: And no, I have never attended a "tea party". I know little more beyond that it exists.