It Was Bound to Happen

Wednesday nights, Denise and I host a Bible study at our home.  Toward the end of last week's, the topic of conversation turned to politics; specifically, who our new state representatives would be following the upcoming district realignments.  A few names were brought up, and I mentioned how I had met all the individuals in question and found them to be warm individuals.  One participant asked where I had been to meet three of our elected officials.  I replied I that I had met them at "last month's meeting," referring to the Democratic central planning committee meeting held each month.
"You're a member of the planning committee?" They asked.
"I attend the meetings," I answered.
"Well I've never seen you there." They responded with an odd look on their face.  Here it comes, I thought.
"I go to the meetings...."
"Republican?"
"Nope..." I smiled.  The room fell silent as the proverbial pin dropped. Then the question was asked.
"How can you be a Christian and a Democrat?"
This a question I'm not unaccustomed to, nor am I unprepared for it.  I laughed, and gave my standard "there's more to politics than gay marriage and abortion" response.  Given that we host a Southern Baptist Bible study, it was a response that took many by surprise.  It led to a quite spirited debate about the purpose of government and our elected leaders.  All in all it went as good as could be expected, with some even agreeing on some very left-of-center views, such as the need for a living wage standard.