The religion of politics

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff

Pastor of the Beagle, Fontana, and Parker United Methodist Churches

John 18:36. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world”.

Acts 5:29. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority”.

I admit upfront that today's message is a difficult one for me. My natural desire is to mingle my faith with my political beliefs. However, I sometimes find my religious or political bias interfering with my pursuit of Christ. The bottom line for me is that I want to pursue my relationship with Jesus. However, when doing so in a political framework I run the risk of offending those who have political and/or religious views that differ from mine.

There are some basic beliefs that I hold dear. I absolutely believe that God prefers peace over war. I absolutely believe that God wants us to love and care for others. And, I absolutely believe that God is a God of mercy and compassion and grace and not a God of war and death and destruction. God is love!

Today's message resulted from my getting two requests for donations last week. The first was from Adam Hamilton, the pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, the largest Methodist Church in the country, located in Overland Park, Kansas. The request was for a donation to aid his campaign for election as a US Senator from Kansas. The second request was for a donation to fund the fight against Christian nationalism.

What to do? As I pondered and prayed about these two requests, I read the passages from today's Scripture. I came to believe that God's kingdom is not of this world and that when there's a conflict between God's word and government, God's Word and Will always win. With that in mind I, in good conscience, chose not to support either Christian nationalism or Adam Hamilton.

Rather, I sent a donation to the Kansas food bank. I support the food bank simply because their primary agenda is to feed the hungry. This is in keeping with one of my favorite passages in Matthew 25, where Jesus tells us that when we serve others, we serve him.

In keeping with the idea of transparency, I admit that I am hopeful and curious about Pastor Hamilton's run for the U.S. Senate. And, I may financial support his campaign, especially if he commits to serving God by serving our country. I hope that his primary goal is to first serve God. In fact, my hope and prayer is that all of us who claim Christ as our Savior, seek to serve God and country with enthusiasm and devotion.

I'll close my message with this. As a follower of Christ I believe that we should care for our country. I believe that we should support those organizations that care for others. And, most of all, I believe that in matters of politics and religion, God comes first. And, because I believe in inclusivity, equality, and diversity, I will continue to support those people and organizations who fight for the rights of others.

Whether we are political or not, we live in a country that is currently in trouble. Many in our country go hungry. Many in our country struggle with safety, poor housing, and limited finances. And, unfortunately, many in our country struggle in their relationship with God. My daily prayer is that those who struggle with their faith can find assurance and fellowship with a loving God and compassionate church.

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If you are ready to worship and serve a loving God who welcomes everyone to His family, please come worship with us. We will give you a warm welcome, a hot/cold drink, and a homemade cookie. And, most important of all, we will give you an ample sample of God’s wonderful and unfailing love.

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We will have Sunday morning services during the month May 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Fontana, Kansas, United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month June 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Parker United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of July 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle United Methodist Church.

We serve communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate with us.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana

United Methodist Churches