New Baptist Covenant Celebration

This is one of those times where I wish someone actually read this blog because I really would like to have a meaningful conversation about the New Baptist Covenant next month in Atlanta.

This political-theological meeting - also known as the event of the year among trendy Baptist liberals - gives me pause. For three years in seminary I was taught the evils of mixing politics and religion - Civil Religion. Professors winced at the sight of President Bush or Sec. of State Condolezza Rice speaking at the SBC. Now those same professors cannot get to Atlanta quick enough to be exploited by a group of insidious left-wing politicians.

Now I know that is a little hard for my sensitive liberal friends, but let's call spade a spade. We can talk all we want about peace, love and justice, but this meeting is nothing if not the foundation of an organized Evangelical Left. And I am okay with that.

My concern is more with the seeming hypocrisy. I'll admit, I am no fan of most of the politicians invited. While decrying fair trade bananas or what not, Jimmy Carter wants people to forget that he made a fortune as a peanut broker and benefited from those agricultural subsidies that deny fair trade. Bill Clinton, well, need anyone say anything? And then poor Al Gore who wants a world where the poor suffer while the wealthy buy their way out of their responsibilities. And Bill Moyers, the Democratic operative who disguises himself as a journalist.

Now before anyone gets all riled up, I'm no Republican or Democrat. This is not a political position but a theological one. Must we really tie ourselves so closely with the political leaders
of this earth? Should we not proclaim the Gospel and leave the politicking to the politicians?