Regarding Mike Thompson’s article in SC May 08
As the Sydney - born son of an American pastor who lived over 40 years in Australia before his death last year, I found a lot of uncomfortable truth in this article. I’ve often been upset at a lot of the criticism that that get put towards the USA. But now see much of it as justified.
Growing up I was instilled with the belief that Christianity equated with the conservative side of politics. As I reached my 30’s I’ve begun to believe otherwise and I think like many Christians, voted Labor for the first time in November.
One of the last conversations with my dad before his death last year I told him of this shift in my political beliefs. He seemed a little upset but respected where I was coming from.
In short I believe America’s foundation as a land where believers fled from persecution in many countries has led to it’s own unique Christian identity. One that I think has many benefits as well as faults. I also now realise the arror in equating Christianity with either side of politics. Almost akin to claiming Jesus would have been in XYZ political party.
I’m sure Dad is pleased to be with the Lord rather than in Australia under Labor

I’m sorry to hear about your dad. You must miss him.

The political thing is very tricky to work through I guess until one can look at the multiple layers of the thing. It probably boils down to our theology of the “church and the state”. I think some Christians try to get their government to do the job of the church, and sometimes their church to do the job of government. It’s a tricky business.

Ultimately no party is perfect, and it becomes a “balance of probabilities” over what is going to do the least harm. That’s the way I see it anyway. If God’s church survived in China I think we need not fear the far milder political dialogue in Australia, and I’m including in that the Greens!

One of the best articles that opened my mind to the possibilities and definitions and parameters of this debate was “Why Christians should vote Green”. I voted Labour and Green at different levels, but that’s another story. I’m not pushing the Green thing again — I’m just saying I think that article makes some good points about how to evaluate any political party and approach politics as a Christian.