I was a registered Democrat for a long time. I finally couldn’t take the pro-death stance on issues, and left. I am registered a Republican - not because I have any love for conservatism, but because of their support for life issues. I participate in the Republican primaries, and will vote Republican if the candidates are pro-life. If not, I will opt 3rd party.
My distinction is that while I am in the party, I am not of the party. So while I am a registered Republican, I would not say I “belong to” the party. Being a conservative is certainly not the same as being a Christian. No, there are some ideas involved in being a Christian that are in stark contrast to being a conservative.
I see myself as a Catholic Christian, part of the Body of Christ. I belong to Christ and his Church. I know there are a lot out there who would agree with that statement, but I see some of those advocating things that are beyond or counter to that calling. Sometimes, it is because it is “what is good for the party.” Sometime because it is expedient. Sometimes it is so we can “win.” But if that becomes the goal, then who do we really belong to?
Whatever one’s leanings, it is easy to get sucked into the secular definition of things - to get drawn into their definition of right and wrong. A world as envisioned by the “true believers” in either party - those that “belong” to the party - is not a world that has Christ as King. But it is easy for people of faith to be asked to compromise with the ungodly elements in whichever party they have chosen. What is scary is that as these compromises get made, it becomes easier and easier for someone to adopt these alien beliefs because they come as part of the party package.
So remember to ask yourself to whom do you belong. If the answer is the Republican or Democratic or Green, or Libertarian, or whatever party, you might want to rethink your position.
