Critical Engagement

Kuo’s current disillusionment stems from the realization that the GOP cynically manipulated Evangelicals and had little interest in advancing the issues he held dear. Now, however, in the face of this disappointment all he can advocate is that Evangelicals take a two year “fast” from politics. Hegemony or withdrawal are two theological options embraced at various times throughout church history. Yet neither of these options honors what I believe to be central public tasks of the Church. The hegemonic view entails forging a permanent political alliance that undercuts the Church’s loyalty to God while the withdrawal option violates the Christian commit to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Kuo has done the world a favor by exposing the cynicism of the Bush crowd. But he has not given Evangelicals any real guidance on how to enter public life in a way that truly incarnates Christian discipleship.

[via Faithful Democrats, HT: Jesus Politics]