Making sure the church belongs to Jesus Christ, not his followers  

If we blur the distinction between democracy and Christian discipleship, we end up with a church that belongs to us, not to Jesus Christ. What is worse, we practice forms of Christian discipleship that focus more on personal preference and popular response than on the unfinished work of Christ in the world.

After more than two centuries of forging democratic freedom — a journey still in progress — the U.S. is a country where Christians must continue to keep a watchful eye on their true identity.

The question is straightforward: Are we disciples of Jesus Christ, or is it the democratic spirit of the nation that shapes our Christian witness?

At first sight this question seems to make no sense. Surely the central message of the gospel is freedom, and surely this is what the democratic spirit is all about.

Yet there is a distinction, and it needs to be made more clearly today than ever before.

Commitment to Christ
On the one hand, Christian discipleship means a personal commitment to the risen Christ, accepting his atoning grace and following his commandments to love God and neighbor. It also means belonging to the church, the community commissioned by Jesus to announce and prepare for God's reign on earth as in heaven — the first petition of the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6:10).

Commitment to freedom
On the other hand, the democratic ideals that govern our nation are some of the surest safeguards against political and religious oppression ever attempted in human history. The attempt has been costly, and at times bloody. Moreover, it has always been open to abuse. When freedom is the ideal, the bullies of the world are quick to take advantage — socially, racially, and economically.

Shared visions unfulfilled
Making a distinction between Christocracy (the community called church) and democracy (government of the people, by the people, for the people) is not easy, because their ideals are remarkably similar, and both have visions yet to be fulfilled.

The kingdom that Jesus announced and inaugurated will one day establish love among all people, justice for all people, and a righteousness that brings the whole of Planet Earth under the sovereignty of God. Clearly this has not yet happened.

On the premise that all are created equal, the vision of American democracy is liberty and justice for all and the right to pursue happiness free from oppression by secular or religious powers. Just as clearly, this has not yet happened.

Where, then, is the difference?
The difference between Christocracy and democracy can be summed up in a simple question: Who is in charge?

Democracy represents the highest ideals of human freedom and justice, and is founded on the principle that the people can ultimately be trusted to determine their own future. Thus the greatest privilege of democratic citizenship is the right to vote.

By contrast, Christocracy means accepting the dominion of the risen Christ over God's redemption of Planet Earth. For Christian disciples, the highest ideals ultimately fall short of the relationship they have with their Savior. The obedience they owe him ultimately transcends their own freedom.

As the church, we live under the rule of Christ, abiding by God's laws, not ours, even when they use the same words.

Democratized discipleship
If we blur the distinction between democracy and Christian discipleship, we end up with a church that belongs to us, not to Jesus Christ. What is worse, we practice forms of Christian discipleship that focus more on personal preference and popular response than on the unfinished work of Christ in the world.

To some extent, this is understandable. Following Jesus is a rigorous undertaking. It requires lifelong commitment and discipline. It requires heart-searching repentance and costly forgiveness. Going with what is popular is much easier. Why seek the mind of Christ when we can simply take a vote? This demeans discipleship and democracy alike. It makes our church self-serving, not Christ-serving, and it makes light of democratic privilege. Church members are quick to sabotage a vote when they think Jesus disagrees with the outcome.

Discipleship & democracy
The answer lies in keeping discipleship and democracy distinct, but practicing both with integrity.

As citizens, we seek to fulfill the ideals embodied in our democratic principles, working toward liberty and justice for all and accepting the responsibilities of our freedom.

As Christian disciples, we seek to serve Jesus Christ as he completes the work he began in his life, death, and resurrection. Our privilege is to know that all persons will one day receive him for who he is. "To him be the glory forever" (Rom. 11:36).

We honor, respect, and love our nation.
We worship only Jesus Christ.

The preceding article is adapted with permission from Pastoral Formation: An Occasional Bulletin, Fall 2001, The United Methodist Church, Nashville Episcopal Area, Office of Pastoral Formation, directed by David Lowes Watson.