Christian Law

I've been reflecting on the recent political actions of Christians, specifically in the case of homosexual marriage here in my home state, and in the Terri Shaivo case. In one sense, it is really good to see Christians bringing their faith beyond personal convictions into the public arena. I am concerned with the fusion of faith into politics. Is the point of our convictions to make laws to enforce our morality in a country that often does not embrace our values, or is it to promote change in hearts?

I am struck by Jesus' unique approach to morality and sin. He didn't come with an external set of laws, but with an internal kingdom that offered constraint from within - a change in the makup of a person, so that their sinful desires changed. The law of love was not one of negative prohibitions, but positive exhortations to fulfill the deepest of human longings.

Maybe this sounds a bit harsh but how different would a Christian government enforcing Christian values be from the Islamic shari'ah law that we fear? I am definitely not set on my views in this relation of faith to politics, but I would hate for people to see the Christian faith as embodied by any political enforcement or party.