Canadian and Corinthian Politics

There are some similarities in Canadian and Corinthian politics...depending on what you think of apostles and Canada's current Prime Minister.

First, it looks as though a cabinet re-shuffling is in the works, even to the point of being a re-structuring. This means that people who have been in charge of certain areas of governmental responsibility get moved to being in charge of other areas. Some see this as a demotion and promotion (or, sometimes, "change-up"). If you move to a higher portfolio, you get promoted; a lower one, you get demoted. Of course, this take hinges on the assumption that politics is about personal achievement and reaching higher on the political rung. It isn't. Echoing a bumper sticker that says, "It's called work for a reason," I say, "It's called public service for a reason." Serving in government is not a strategy or stepping stone, though goodness knows Canada has had its share of stepping stone PMs and MPs. The shuffle is therefore spun as an effort to re-energize or re-vitalize the slowing government; it's an offensive move by Stephen Harper to maintain control.

A similar situation erupts in Corinth. The Church has become factious, with people claiming to follow different leaders, no doubt in an effort to elevate themselves in the competitive, economically driven city of Corinth, even from within this new community called "church." Paul writes a scolding letter (1 Corinthians) reminding them that apostles are the lowest of the low, servant to all. They build only with the materials of Jesus Christ. Paul builds a foundation and calls others to build on this foundation with him. Of course, some think Paul is struggling to hold on to his influence and power.

The question ultimately boils down to what you think of St Paul or Stephen Harper. Harper could very well be trying to maintain as much control and power (whether over the country or his own party, some pundits will debate) as possible, or he could be trying to serve the country as best possible. St Paul could very well have been wanting to maintain his control of a group of in-fighting members (reminds me of another political party), or he could be trying to help his fellow Christians repent and live in a new way. Or, as I expect, it could be both: Paul wanted to maintain control and serve because Paul knew he was the best candidate to lead the Gentile Christians in Corinth (he will shortly write, "Follow me as I follow the example of Christ"[1 Cor. 11:1]); Stephen Harper thinks he's the best person to serve Canada and wants to stay as the chief (What else have those Stephane Dion ads been about?).

Of course, this does not conclude that Stephen Harper is right. That's why people vote.