Some of my friends have been inspired by the recent general election (and surprise outcome) to join a political party. I've been thinking about it too, but I have a dilemma.
There are two large parties which are the only two real contenders for forming a government in our first past the post system. I naturally lean toward one of them and that is probably the party I would join. It doesn't entirely represent my political views and has done things in government which I have violently disagreed with. But what's the alternative? Joining a party which has no hope of forming a government, or even a coalition, given the tiny number of seats currently held by the smaller parties.
And then I pause, and I ask myself, why do you have to join a powerful party? Why join a party which has to develop policies to win votes rather than because they're the right policies for the country? I sound naive even to myself when I ask that question. It's not about right and wrong, Emma (as if that were so easy to determine anyway), it's about power. But of course, if you aren't trying to win an election, you can say what you think is right rather than what you think will win you votes. I was reading an article in the paper this week about how political parties are a bit like DJs playing the music they think the punters want to hear rather than developing their own playlists of the music they love. The writer was urging politicians to take the risk of being who they are and perhaps creating a new fan base who share their passions.
The church used to be a very powerful institution in this country. Everyone born here was considered Christian by default and baptised into the church; church leaders exerted power and influence; church attendance was high and Christian beliefs were a mark of respectability. Some people bemoan the fact that it's not like that any more: between 6 and 10 percent of the population are in church on a Sunday morning; the majority of children growing up today know nothing of the Christian story; people don't necessarily want to hear what Christians have to say. The church is in a relatively powerless position. And some Christians would say that that's a very good thing.
Some would argue that Christ never exerted power from on high, instead choosing to live amongst us as a human being with all the limitations that being human brought with it. They would point out that he grew up in a humble family and never travelled far from the place where he was born. Jesus was drawn to people who were weak and marginalised, and he called them 'blessed'. The first shall be last, he taught his followers, and the last shall be first. Finally Jesus died a cruel death, abandoned by his friends, while his enemies cried out: "If you're the son of God, save yourself!" Jesus' great victory was won through defeat. He didn't overcome death by overpowering his tormentors but by submitting himself to them - and then, on the third day, God raised him from death.
Choosing the weak rather than the strong, the margins rather than the positions of power and influence - that's a tough choice. Why would I choose to be on the losing side?
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