Theology informs our politics

I signed up for a daily faith reflection by Richard Rohr some time ago. It’s one of the best things I read each morning.

A recent email reflection included this statement:

“Good theology makes for good politics and positive social relationships. Bad theology makes for stingy politics, a largely reward/punishment frame, xenophobia, and highly controlled relationships.”

So true — every word of it.

The next obvious question though is how does one know good and bad theology? Excellent question.

Some of it is in the eye of the beholder. That has its limits though. We’re not talking about disagreeing over some doctrinal matter in a seminary debate here. We’re talking about people’s lives being impacted in real ways due to a theological foundation. It’s about how we view and envision God. How we understand God has an impact on so much of everything else.

If we believe that God is wrathful and a punisher of anyone who breaks the rules, imagine how that plays out in other areas of one’s life. Imagine how someone who holds these beliefs interacts with others. Do you think this type of person is willing to forgive, or show mercy, or give someone a second chance? I doubt it. Their conception of God will dictate how the interact with the world and with others.

Remember, we are made in the image and likeness of God. While this is true, we are also creatures who will behave in ways that align with what we believe about God.