Another Proposer in Action - Why We're Involved in Politics (part 3)

The other "great proposer" that comes to mind has been written about so many times by so many different people, one almost hesitates to bring him up again. But one aspect of Martin Luther King's life is rarely gets mentioned: and it relates to this idea of being a Proposer.

King manifested the same two characteristics I mentioned previously about Wilberforce. First, Christianity was the basis of his worldview, and it fueled his quest to abolish discrimination. This is evident in one of King's better known writings, Letter From Birmingham Jail. There King distinguishes between just and unjust laws. The difference? "A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law." King shared with Wilberforce that stubborn quality of all great Christian influencers of culture: he actually believed the Bible was true, and he didn't seek to hide it.

Second, while politics was an important part of his crusade, King didn't simply attempt to get his way via political power (Impose). He appealed to the hearts of all Americans, seeking to persuade them of the evils of racial segregation (Propose). His commitment to nonviolence, developed in the early years of his effort after the front porch of his house was destroyed by a bomb, is the most obvious example of how King aimed to change hearts, not just laws.

And that was his understanding of the church's role in society. In 1963 King wrote, "The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority." (my emphasis)

Looking at both Wilberforce and King makes me think. In what ways can I be a Proposer in 2008 America? Many issues concern me, such as family breakdown, rampant abortion, lack of personal responsibility, and denial of truth, just to name a few. But in addition to supporting political efforts that affect these issues, how can I further appeal to the hearts and minds of people? I find I need to learn how to make the case that there is a better, Jesus-based way to live than what we're doing now. I may need to get better educated, learn how to paint a picture people can understand and relate to, and (perhaps above all) engage.

As the election draws closer I may take a stab at doing so right here, and I'd love to hear how you think I'm doing.