This document was authored as a reaction to Pastor Butch Conde's statement published in a major newspaper. This was sent to the Bread of Life Ministries through fax (#372-9234) on May 07, 2004. A copy was also sent to their official email address. A formatted (.pdf) copy of this document can likewise be downloaded at http://www.tech911.biz/yulzpinoy/materials/bol.pdf. Comments are very much welcome, especially those from BOL or from Pastor Conde himself. So far, no response from them yet. Note: this document may be copied and reprinted without prior notice from the author subject to the terms and conditions of the General Public License (GPL).


A Dissection of Pastor Butch Conde's
“KINGDOM OF A HIGHER WORLD”
yulz© (2004) email: yulzpinoy@yahoo.com


Preface: The author has felt a great burden for people who seem confused with the teachings of some Christian leaders with regards to the relationship of politics and Theology. This letter/commentary attempts to give a fresh insight on the subject matter.


Specifically written for Pastor Butch Conde and for those who share his belief, this writing is inspired by two verses in the Bible:

  1. Open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 27:5). Without such rebukes, there will be no reformation.

  2. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: (Isaiah 1:18a). If we can reason with the Lord, surely we can reason with any pastor, don't you agree? I also strongly suggest you read the entire chapter of Isaiah 1.

I assume we are grounded on the same belief that the Bible can't be wrong, and that it is man's varying interpretation that can go awry. The question is, are we willing to acknowledge our human frailty when reproved? Are you willing to acknowledge such limitation and be able to apply corrective measures based on sound biblical doctrine and not tainted with human philosophy, if ever you have erred in your interpretation and thus rebuked?

With all due respect, please review your statement and you will see that your arguments are largely based on norms and history. It generally does not conform to Biblical foundations nor do they convey the rightful relationship of politics and Theology.

Below is a dissection of your statement along with my commentary ultimately leading towards an admonishment that you be enlightened and allow the flock that was entrusted to you by the Lord to participate in our revival as a nation at this critical point in time.

Quote: We all want societal change. Our elected leaders have appropriated varied ways of reforming the country without significant progress. Even the previous involvement of religious leaders in politics has not made a marked difference. Clearly, the solution to our national woes will not come when Church leaders get into partisan politics but when they build up their congregations spiritually. (Bread of Life Ministries)

You have to understand that our form of government is democratic (government by the people, esp: rule of the majority) republic (a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law). Therefore, living in a democratic republic nation such as the Philippines is already partisan (a strong support of a party, cause, faction, person or idea) by structure.

In an electoral process, we are partisans one way or another. We have to choose between parties. If we choose the lesser evil instead of a former church leader, aren't we still part of the pie within the voting population? It really boils down to whom we cast our votes. Further, previous involvement of any religious personalities in politics as you have mentioned do not bear much weight in the country because they are outside of the bureaucracy either as spectators, protesters, cheerers or jeerers.

Civil service is at the core of the Bible itself. As Christians, we know that our predicament as a nation could have been avoided if we have righteous governance. We know that corrupt leaders exist because either we do not choose (bachar in Hebrew) our leaders appropriately (as part of our democracy) or simply none among the good plants are willing to make a sacrifice for civil service (I Samuel 8:18, Judges 9:8-15).

We should make a stand and actively participate in shaping the course of our nation by choosing upright leaders in government. The word “choose” here can be translated as cheirotoneo in Greek from cheir which means by hand and teino which means to stretch; to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand) as used in II Corinthians 8:19. This is in contrast to procheirotoneo which means to elect in advance or to choose before as used in Acts 10:41.

Let us choose people in government positions like Nehemiah who was appointed (tsavah in Hebrew) to be the governor in Israel. He guarded Jerusalem from the likes of Sanballat and Tobiah. He also made considerable reforms against corruption and bribery because of the fear of God (Nehemiah 5:14-15). It is noteworthy to mention that Sanballat has sent an open letter to Nehemiah (6:5) with a statement against him and to his cause.

Other references that can be found in the Bible:

General

The Blessings of Civil Righteousness

Wisdom and Integrity Essential to Rulers

Duties of Rulers

Warnings to Rulers


Quote:

Perhaps you have heard the story of the Keeper of the Spring.

There was a man who lived high in the mountains who had the responsibility of keeping the spring pure. He removed the trash, dead animals, and rerouted contaminated streams in the vicinity of the spring that gushed clear water. But the town beneath the mountain was short on money and, to balance the budget, decided to cancel the man's salary. They argued that people seldom saw him, and the stream would probably remain pure by itself. And it did, for a short while. But within a few weeks the stream was filled with fungus, and an epidemic spread throughout the village.

No doubt some members of the town council advocated measures to clean up the water supply with the latest chemicals. These measures were of some value; the epidemic slowed. At the next mayoral election, candidates vied for theories by which the "water problem" could be solved. The wisest among them suggested that they rehire the Keeper of the Spring, for it was on the top of the mountain that the contamination took place.

(Quoted in Erwin Lutzer, Why The Cross Can Do What Politics Cannot, 1999; quoted again in Kingdom of a Higher World, Bread of Life Ministries, 2004)

Take another look at your quoted story and you will see that it ultimately refers to God's plan of redemption. The promise of the Cross is salvation and those who remained faithful will be rewarded. Its full realization is after the second advent of Christ. Is such faithfulness bound within the four corners of a congregation? Certainly not.

A perfect government will only take place after Christ's second coming until everything that were written in the book have been fulfilled (Luke 19:12-27). Pay extra attention to the reward of being "rulers" of five (5) and ten (10) cities respectively. Do they not refer to political exercise and civil governance in the new world (see Isaiah 9:4)?

Haven't you thought of the fact that the “Keeper of the Spring”, also known as the Master in other contexts is in absentia and that he has tasked His servants to occupy till He comes? How can you reconcile this with some Christian leaders who remain reclusive to the real world and to the various governments they are under that evolved over time?

Albeit the flaws of the political system during His time, Jesus was not spared from being part of it. Neither are we today. Still, we can never invoke Christ's position relative to our political exercise as He came for a specific purpose which is to provide salvation to mankind while we are tasked to occupy till He comes.

Note also that Jesus specifically mentioned that Pilate has no power against Him except if it were given from above (John 19:10). Therefore, it is ultimately God's business to interfere in earthly political systems in order to bring His people closer to righteousness. Time and time again, we can see Him raise civil leaders from all walks of life even those from a religious background.

Quote: As salt and light of the earth, Christians need to practice the Good News as A PEOPLE OF COMPASSION, EXCELLENCE and INTEGRITY. We need to be an inspiration to our family, neighbors, and co-workers. In the end, this impact will effect the societal change we desire. An actual example in U.S. history shows this principle well. ...The Bible in Galatians 6:9 reminds us, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP. (Bread of Life Ministries)

Indeed we must not be weary in doing good. Yet, doing good does not mean we are limited only in certain areas where we can exercise it.

Your examples are noble and among the various expression on how to confront issues that affect society in different points in history. However, past events or actions do not determine what an entity can or cannot do as they are not based on infallible measures.

The Bible does not deny the existence of religious leaders who also worked as civil servants nor does it categorically prohibit its practice. There are several examples in the Scriptures that refer to pillars of our faith who worked in the building, rebuilding and preserving of their nation. David was king, Daniel was prime minister and president, Nehemiah was governor, Moses was the great leader and national hero, etc., etc.

Quote: Christian Church leaders' involvement in the current political scenario is a big tragedy to the Church. This involvement in political partisanship has misrepresented the Church and muddied her spiritual testimony. A retrospect of the "JDV DEBACLE" [Jesus' Declaration of Victory ???], wherein the name of the Lord was sadly and erroneously dragged to endorse then presidentiable Jose de Venecia (JDV), has not done enough to rectify Christians of the dismal effect of misapplying church involvement in political partisanship. The incorrect exegetical use of Scripture to support this participation is a perilous disregard for biblical scholarship and church history. It counters the spirit and intent of the "Non-Establishment Clause" in the Principle of Separation of Church and State -- a conviction for which men and women of God in history died. (Bread of Life Ministries)

There are at least two schools of thought here. First, the involvement of some Christian organizations in a political exercise, whereby they extended support to a candidate who eventually loss in a democratic election, was viewed as a tragedy to the Church. Second, The loss was a result of disobedience and the experienced degradation of our country as a nation was a consequence of such.

Additionally, a justification was already given aired on national television on various programs related to this.

Quote:

Don Ratzlaff wrote: Too many of us Christians confuse political convictions with spiritual convictions. We assume people of one Lord, one faith and one baptism must also promote one political agenda. That assumption leads the church into trouble. When the church confuses spiritual and political convictions it is tempted to use political power to forward a "spiritual" agenda. (Christianity Today, Feb. 23,1993) – Bread of Life Ministries

The apostle Paul has emphasized his privilege as a Roman citizen and sometimes use this to illustrate spiritual truths as in Acts 23:1 wherein Paul uses a noticeable word, politeuo, "to live as a citizen." He adds, "to God" (to Theo). That is to say, he had lived conscientiously as God's citizen, as a member of God's commonwealth.

We are sojourners in this world and as such must occupy till He comes. Paul's appeal to Caesar is among his rights as a citizen of Rome. This is similar to our causes removed by certiorari, criminals by habeas corpus, and as appeals often made to a higher court. If Paul was able to invoke his rights as a temporal citizen, why shouldn't we? If according to Agrippa Paul could have been set to liberty had he not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:32), why did he? I am acknowledging your scholastic capability and with that, leave the answer to you on how you can relate these questions to our present day situation in the country.

As citizens of a democratic country, we have certain rights and privileges that we can invoke at any time such as our right to convene (even in a political exercise), our right to express our thoughts and ideas and our right to choose our leaders. As Paul never did violate any Christian principles when he invoked his right through his Roman citizenship, there is no evidence that we are violating the teachings of Christ when we invoke our rights as citizens of our country.

Our failure to act or decide sensibly based on God's precepts (see The Blessings of Civil Righteousness above), especially in times of distress, can potentially push our nation deeper into greater trouble (I Samuel 12:13).

Again, we must choose (bachar in Hebrew) leaders appropriately as we exercise our suffrage and be responsible in paving the path for our nation's recovery, economic progress and success.

Quote: The Bible clearly states that even our Lord Jesus was not lured into politics. John 6:14-15 says, After the people saw the miraculous sign ..., they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet...." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force WITHDREW.... Later on, when questioned by Pilate (John 18:36) Jesus said, MY KINGDOM is NOT OF THIS WORLD. If it were, my servants would fight... (Bread of Life Ministries)

In response to this, let me include a portion of a previous article that I have written entitled “Should We Vote Christian Leaders Seeking Government Posts?”.

About the teachings of Christ himself, didn't he give us the example of not to be involved in politics saying, give to Caesar what is due to Caesar and to God what is due to God? If that is your stand, then I have to reprove you considering you got it all wrong. To assume that there is a prohibitive clause in Christ's statement which aims to isolate Christendom away from the realities of civilization is misleading. The statement was given purposely by Jesus as a defense to those who are trying to trap him whether or not to pay tribute to Caesar. Wise enough, he clearly showed us that our responsibility to God does not overlap with our responsibility to our leaders in government offices.

The purpose of Christ's coming was not to establish a political regime but a spiritual kingdom. We cannot expect Him to focus on politics at that point in time, as that will deviate from the very reason why He came.

It is sad to think that there will always be individuals or groups around who will use the same line of discussion to ensnare us in our talk as we support godly leaders willing to provide their service to the government and to our countrymen. People like them will do anything just to twist the facts. Are we willing to associate ourselves with their wickedness instead of standing in our faith to God and uphold sound Christian teachings and exhortations?

It is important to understand that though Christ did not engage in political activities as that will violate His unique divine purpose of providing salvation through His death and resurrection, He has clearly recognized the existence of political systems wherein all constituents are never isolated. He also clearly delineated our responsibilities as believers of a Supernatural Being and as social and political beings ourselves.

While we are in this world, we will always be part of our society. Though we have a responsibility towards fulfilling our obligations to God, we are not without responsibility to bring our country into moral distinction in accordance to our faith and obedience in Him.

The apostle Paul has urged us to edify one another. We should not pull each other down like crabs do less we become nothing different from the unbelievers. While it is desirable to reach out to our brethren for them to gain better insight, I encourage each Christian to avoid quoting Scriptures taken out of context just to throw negative and baseless criticisms seeing that this practice has the potential to trigger unfounded prejudice or injury to other believers causing them to sin.

We have to comprehend that there is absolutely no basis for believers not to be engaged in other social functions or offices apart from their religious standing, provided that the functions of the church does not overlap with that of the state. The Bible has so many examples related to leadership. If indeed we are believers just as we profess, it will be prudent for us to revisit the foundations in choosing those who will lead us based on Scriptures. Let us not go and just choose someone based on worldly measures and suffer the consequences later on. Each vote counts in an electoral process and we should not waste it.

I hope and pray that this document will help us realize that Christian leaders are not bound to be reclusive. They can be productive in serving God and serving the country as well as long as they are willing to do so and that they have our support.


Quote: ...you seem confused as to the distinction of MEMBERS of the church rightly gifted for government positions should get involved in the political arena. However, MINISTERS who hold offices in the church should not. Holy Scripture plainly defines that the church has two major classifications: the ministers of the gospel and the members of the body. Ephesians 4:11-13 declares that the Lord Jesus gave some to be apostles, ... prophets, ... evangelists, and ... pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. (Bread of Life Ministries)

You might have not received the right information as of the time you wrote your article, let me inform you that nobody among the candidates for the presidency holds a current office in a particular church. You have to double-check your sources and see if they are reliable.

In addition, we can see a reference in the New Testament to Erastus (Romans 16:23) who seems to be a person of honour and account, one in public place, steward or treasurer. It was no disparagement to the chamberlain (oikonomos in Greek) of the city to be a preacher of the gospel of Christ.

Further, Romans 13:4 tells us that civil servants are ministers (diakonos in Greek which means an attendant, a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor). This word is mentioned 16 times in the New Testament including this verse.


Quote: (as God's people doing works of service) for the betterment of all. (Bread of Life Ministries)

You were not able to elaborate on this detail. In contrast, the Bible teaches us that there are instances mentioned in the Scriptures related to the actual participation of God's people in the course of their nation's history.

Quote:

Alexis de Tocqueville, the famed French statesman who personally studied the phenomenal rise of the United States wrote in Democracy in America, It was religion that gave birth to the English colonies in America. Religion in America takes NO DIRECT PART in the government of society, but it must be regarded as the first of their political institutions. (Os Guinness, The Great Experiment, 2001)

Then he noted something vital regarding the role of ministers:

The American clergy in general. are all in favor of civil freedom; but they DO NOT SUPPORT ANY PARTICULAR POLITICAL SYSTEM. They keep ALOOF FROM PARTIES AND FROM PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

The latest parliamentary elections in South Korea exhibited this principle strongly. According to the Korea Herald, "the religious leaders are careful not to divide their congregations by telling them for which person or political party they should cast their vote." In fact, out of the 12 million Christians who make up the 50,000 local churches, only 230,000 voted for the Christian political party and not one Christian candidate won. This turnout reflects a degree of MATURITY in the Christians' mentality of conscientiously choosing their national leaders.

Alexis de Tocqueville further remarked:

In the United States, religion exercises but little influence upon the laws and upon the details of public opinion; but it DIRECTS THE CUSTOMS OF THE COMMUNITY, and by regulating domestic life, it regulates the states.... (Os Guinness, The Great Experiment, 2001)

- (Bread of Life Ministries)

You have mentioned earlier that “the incorrect exegetical use of Scripture to support this (political) participation is a perilous disregard for biblical scholarship and church history. Is it therefore more correct to have an exegesis based on the annals of American and Korean history than quoting from the Bible itself?

Is this the same reason why you have scarcely quoted from the Scriptures on your article entitled “Kingdom of a Higher World” and instead filled it with quotations from various books with very limited authority in Christian doctrine?

Guiding you back to the rudiments of our faith, let the Bible speak for itself. The Scriptural passages contained in this letter and commentary serves as a good starting point.

Quote: We need to remember that the most powerful movement of God in history did not happen in the palace of Herod but in the quiet manger of Bethlehem. Our Lord Jesus Himself chose this way as THE PATH OF REAL AND LASTING CHANGE. (Bread of Life Ministries)

Again, the various offices held by Jesus Christ while on earth, or say, the power given to Him by the Father does not allow Him to be involved in the political scenario during His time as that will deviate from the divine purpose of His mission.

The path of real and lasting change will only happen when He comes back. Meanwhile, we are to work towards God's agenda of bringing nations to repentance and salvation.

Quote: I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is MY CHIEF DUTY AND JOY to accomplish HUMBLE TASKS as though they were GREAT AND NOBLE. For the world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, BUT ALSO BY THE AGGREGATE OF TINY PUSHES of each honest worker. -- Helen Keller (Bread of Life Ministries)

Some may be inspired by such wisdom from Hellen Keller, yet, not all are called to be like her. Each of us are called to perform certain roles and offices. Not all can be Moses and not all can be blessed Mary. Still, we ought to strive and do with passion and dedication whatever functions entrusted to us by the Lord whether they concern spiritual things or our role as citizens of this present world.

When someone commented that the preacher who runs for president is better of staying with his congregation, this is what I have said: “Don't worry, there are now thousands of him that were raised. They continue to grow in number day after day. Now, it is our nation who ails... will a good man just shut his eyes, pretend he does not see what is happening around, and be contented with the halo that was supposed to be on his head?”.

In the end, I pray that this document can help in opening the minds of many. Leadership nor ministry is never confined within the four corners of our respective congregations.


References:

The Holy Bible
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia Brittanica
Nave's Topical Bible
Strong's Dictionaries of Hebrew and Greek Words
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
The American Heritage Concise Dictionary
Thompson Chain Topics
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible
Kingdom of a Higher World, Bread of Life Ministries


Comments are very much welcome. You can reach the author at the following email address:

yulzpinoy@yahoo.com



last revision: 09 May 2004, 4:45am (GMT+8)