Does "Evangelical" equal "Republican"?

The blog I wrote yesterday stirred up a feeling of sadness and wonder....and a little frustration, about the state of our current "evangelical" community. Why does being "evangelical" also mean "republican", particularly in the south? I know that certainly used to be true for me during my legalistic college days, mainly based on the issue of abortion, and more recently gay marriage.

Christians should, however, be the first ones to defend the rights of those being discriminated against, or even less fortunate. There is a biblical narrative about helping the poor, consistent throughout scripture. There is a biblical narrative about the Holy redeeming the unholy. The current "evangelical" church is good about going to other places, foreign countries, inner cities, etc. for mission opportunities, but what about the everyday needs of our neighbors. What about daily fleshing out the consistent message of Christ? What about the homeless we pass on the street? Where is the "evangelical" church for those people?

Why aren't the greatest known activists Christians? Why aren't Evangelicals known for feeding the hungry, serving the poor, really loving their neighbor, (including the one's they disagree with) instead of being known as a judgmental, hypocritical people? Are these unfair accusations? Or have we just not chosen to love enough? Have we just not chosen to care enough for those around us? Have we just not chosen to put others needs above our own? Have we chosen to judge and divide instead of unify? Is this why the "Christian" people are more unified, and find our identity, in our differences (Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc) rather than by our core beliefs?

Have we chosen to oppress rather than redeem?

One of the greatest growths our Christian culture has experienced was after the plagues in Rome. Christians were the ones giving up their lives to serve those dying and afflicted by the plagues. Christians were sacrificing their well being for the well being of those around them...true love. The results were astounding. We are still reaping the benefits of those who choose to take care of the needy rather than save themselves.

BTW, the abortion rate is the lowest it's been since 1974, the year after it was first made legal. This is NOT due to any political or legislative action. Roe vs. Wade is still in the books. I propose it is because hard working volunteers have put themselves out there to educate and love those in need, or have been deceived, or have been irresponsible, or have been abused or raped... The many who have formed women's shelters for the purpose of serving and educating women and girls in need have made the difference. This is how I choose to fight abortion. ...by supporting women's shelters that lovingly educate rather than judge, almost all of which are Christian-based...doing exactly what the church should be doing - it's great! This is a great example of the Holy redeeming the unholy.

Politics and legislation can not teach morality or educate our children on how to make good choices. That is the responsibility of our families and our churches.

Let me address gay marriage for a moment (I realize the depth of this subject and the difficulty in discussing it, but here I go): I've struggled with this a lot. As a Christian I oppose gay marriage. Marriage is an institution of the church. As an AMERICAN I support civil unions. Unions are not an institution of the church and yet give the basic rights that married couples are afforded.

According to Answers.com:
Civil Union is a ceremony between same-sex persons which conveys to them certain aspects of marriage for purposes of that state's laws (but not those of other states or the federal government). Rights are conferred in respect of property and probate law, adoption, insurance, hospital visitation, and wrongful death actions as well as insurance and state income tax laws.

I don't agree with the gay lifestyle - but if I believe that everyone is created equal and therefore must be given equal rights...how can I deny these basic rights to any American? If we deny rights, through legislation, because it fundamentally goes against what we believe, then we are treading on some very thin ice concerning our future rights. We MUST protect the rights of all Americans, including those we don't agree with to ensure our rights will be protected, as well.

We must approach this issue, as Christians, outside of the political realm, and choose to love those we disagree with; we must ACCEPT those we disagree with. The Holy Spirit is the only one that can change a sexual preference, not a legislation or judgmental rhetoric. Our doors need to be open to our neighbors, regardless of sexual preference. We must stop trying to oppress and discriminate against our gay brothers and sisters.

When we close Sabbath every Sunday night, part of the ceremony is lighting the braided candle (the Havdalah, pictured above) which represents the separation of the Holy and the common (or unholy). We talk about how the Holy is not meant to oppress or look down on the common, rather it is meant to redeem the common. We have not been set apart, as the people of God, to look down on, judge, or oppress the gay community, we have been set apart to redeem the gay community. We can not do that through discriminating legislation.

So, I guess I'm left with the question, again, why does "evangelical" equal "republican"? Is overturning the abortion law and denying American citizens basic rights really more important than meeting the needs of the poor, protecting the rights of every American and therefore protecting our freedom. Is that more important than providing an affordable health care to so many without, who are dying every day because they can't get help? Where are the Evangelical activists standing up and fighting for the rights of the poor, homeless, sick, and needy? Where is the redemption in this sort of philosophy or politic?

I would love to see a swing in thought....that "evangelical" equals "educated voter" in the realm of politics. I believe Obama can make that transition easier for anyone who will take the time to educate themselves on the issues, rather than listen to whatever the news media (namely Fox news) propagates.

I put these questions out there to my fellow evangelicals because I do believe we can change. We can be the instruments God uses to redeem the common. For my brothers and sisters, whom I love, I ask....am I wrong? Am I totally off base?