I realize that most of what I post has to do with the political climate in the United States. Unfortunately, there’s not much positive or cheery to write about. I personally believe that we are more divided as a country than at any other time since the Civil War, and it manifests itself every day.

For some reason, however, I thrive in the world of political opinion. I have no political connections, no experience in politics, and have only occasionally met a politician. The only time I listened to a political speech in person was at a park somewhere in upstate New York more than 30 years ago, when former Congressman Jack Kemp (R.-NY) spoke to a small crowd. The only thing I remember from that moment was thinking, “I’ve never heard someone talk so much and say absolutely nothing.” Probably true about most politicians.

But this blog is about faith, culture and politics, so I try to remember, where it makes sense, to tie my opinions about politics to my faith.

It’s not like the Bible ignores political matters; they’re scattered throughout the gospels and Pauline letters. We read about tax collectors, judges, soldiers, governors, kings and councils. In some cases, we see political or legal decisions being made.

One of the better known decisions recorded for us is Jesus being hauled before the Roman governor, Pilate, after his arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin. The crowd, including the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law, wanted Pilate to execute Jesus (they weren’t allowed to), but Pilate told them he found no basis for their charges. In fact, he wanted to release Jesus.

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” (Luke 23:13-16)

But the crowd was having none of it and repeatedly shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Several times Pilate asked them, “Why? What crime has he committed?”

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” (Mark 15:14)

Pilate then realized that things were getting out of hand (“an uproar was starting” says Matt. 27:24) and he made a purely political decision. He washes his hands in front of the crowd, declares that he is innocent of Jesus’ death, and puts the responsibility for it on the crowd (which they boldly accepted). He then hands Jesus over to them. Why?

“Their shouts prevailed …” (Luke 23:23)
“Wanting to satisfy the crowd …” (Mark 15:15)

To understand why the shouts of the crowd prevailed you have to know that Pontius Pilate was on the bubble, so to speak, with the Roman emperor Tiberius. Pilate had deeply offended the Jewish people several times since being appointed Roman governor, and he knew that if word got back to Caesar (Tiberius), he could very well lose his official role as imperial procurator. He needed to keep the peace to preserve his power.

Those two phrases—”their shouts prevailed” and “wanting to satisfy the crowd”—could be ripped from today’s headlines, couldn’t they? The crowd shouts, “defund the police!” and the city council, “wanting to satisfy the crowd,” defunds the police. The crowd shouts, “prisoners will get COVID-19!” and the local AG, “wanting to satisfy the crowd,” releases the prisoners—much like Pilate releasing Barabbas.

The rule of law was meant to be a stabilizing influence on a society’s life together. Unfortunately, mob rule is emerging, which destabilizes society. Not much has changed in 2,000 years, has it?