Writing about politics is a dangerous business because things change so quickly. However, in this election year, religion is playing a much larger role than usual. While Rudy Guiliani was an early leader in the Republican field, his appeal to religious conservatives has always been doubtful, both because he is not a conservative Christian and because of his personal history. Meanwhile, Baptist minister Mike Huckabee improved his standing in the polls late last year, because of his appeal to the religious core of his party.

Mitt Romney is making history as the first Mormon candidate to be seriously considered, and in December he gave a controversial speech about why his Mormonism should not prevent people from voting for him. Romney equivocated, on the one hand reminding Americans that religious tests for public office are prohibited in our constitution. Yet, in the next breath, Romney declared that he believed in Jesus as his personal savior, implying that voters who want to elect a Christian can expand the “religious test” to include his brand of Mormonism.

Asked about Romney’s Mormonism, Huckabee carelessly replied by asking, “Don’t Mormons believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers?” Although he later apologized, the remark reflects the belief of many that Mormonism is outside the realm of accepted religion.

Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, efforts have been made to discredit Barak Obama by accusing him of being a “closet” Muslim. Such rumors have circulated widely on the internet, and surfaced publicly in some e-mails sent by Clinton campaigners in Iowa.

Lessons and opportunities abound in this election year. First, it is a mistake to associate Jesus and His church with a particular party or set of policies. Republican Christians urge the importance of sound policies dealing with social issues such as abortion, homosexuality and an aggressive approach to terrorism. Politically liberal Christians are more concerned about issues like health care, torture, and global warming. Both sides invoke Jesus in support of their views. We would do well to listen carefully to one another’s concerns. Jesus is not the property of any political party.

Second, we should re-examine our expectations for a president. He is commander-in-chief, not pastor-in-chief. Too many religious conservatives have uncritically supported the adminstration’s policies because they believe that God is guiding a praying president. All human leaders are fallible, and their decisions deserve scrutiny. One can be a loyal American and also question the wisdom of American policy.

An election year is a time for Americans to make decisions that will shape what kind of nation we are becoming. Interest in politics and our nation’s future provide golden opportunities for churches to host forums where these issues can be discussed. Adventists have unique insight into the character and destiny of the American republic, and plenty to say about preserving our ideals of civil and political freedom. Dare we stand up publicly and warn of the dangers of too closely uniting church and state, God and politics, faith and patriotism? Let us seize this wonderful teaching opportunity, reach out to our communities and plan programs to educate and inspire.

The Public Affairs & Religious Liberty Department has a limited number of speakers available for such special programming and can assist churches with resources for planning such public events. Call 805-413-7396 or e-mail mrliberty@churchstate.org. Let’s think creatively together about how to use current political interest as a teaching and evangelistic opportunity.