by Ingrid Schlueter and Rev. Wayne Sedlak
Excerpts from Renegade Prophet? A Look at the Teachings of Tony Campolo
to be released by VCY America Press. Copyright 1997 VCY America, Inc.

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What did Dr. Campolo have to say on the subject of Christians in politics when he spoke in front of the (American) Baptist Joint Committee, October 6, 1996?

      "May we be cautious about those who would use political power to advance the interest of religion. I'm afraid for America. I'm afraid for its future. And what is ironic is I am afraid for America because I fear what my fellow Christians might do."1

If you heard him address the Baptist Joint Committee you would think that he is opposed to involvement by Christians when it concerns economics and public policy. It would be more accurate to say that Campolo is clearly opposed to religious involvement in government if those involved are fundamentalist Christian conservatives.

Dr. Campolo shared his feelings on the "Religious Right's" involvement in politics on January 24, 1997.

      "Nothing's more dangerous, as Peter Gomes* would say, this is his line, than people who have an overdose of virtue. See, people who have an overdose of evil, usually have a guilty conscience. People who have an overdose of virtue, who are convinced that God is on their side and when they speak, that scares me, you see, that scares me."2 (*Campolo is quoting the homosexual pastor at Harvard Memorial Church.)

Dr. Campolo expressed his distaste for Christian conservatives in political power in his address at the Summit on Ethics and Meaning. Campolo was clear that he is convinced God is on his side, and that his view of the Kingdom of God is the correct one.

      "I worry about a culture that is looking to books like The Bell Curve and De Sousa's book which personally insult all of us by talking about people of color in this way. That is not the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is a brotherhood and sisterhood that brings people together and makes them one."3 (emphasis added)

Tony Campolo is very much interested in public policy and in politics and he presents his views as biblical, meaning they are what God would have us do. Tony Campolo would have us believe he is speaking for God as he presents his political agenda. And it is, clearly, a political agenda.

      "We will have new student movements in our hands. Students will win people for Jesus Christ, change the political and social structures and provide opportunities for those who are new creatures."4

It is instructive to note a key question which Dr. Campolo asks his students:

      "What policies (social) would help those changes take place and how can I go back to my colleges and universities and impact the politics, not only in school but also in surrounding communities so that those policies can be translated into political action?"5

Dr. Campolo has expressed his deep hope, his "prayer" that Bill Clinton will re-visit the issue of nationalized healthcare.6 Campolo wants to see Christians (i.e. those who believe like he does) influence the government on environmental issues. In his book, 50 Ways to Help Save the Planet, he makes it plain that Christians should wield as much influence as possible:

      "Let elected officials know that you are watching their performance in light of upcoming elections. Let them know your specific concerns. Do the same at a state and federal level. Congresspersons and senators are vulnerable to your influence. Let them know if you approve or disapprove of their environmental performance and tell them in specific terms what changes you seek. Write letters to the editor during election season to address the track record of specific candidates. Publish leaflets or guides for election week, showing where the different candidates line up on caring for the planet."7

Yet, in stark contrast, Dr. Campolo stated forcefully before the Joint Baptist Committee on October 6, 1996 that Christians should seek to influence society not through the coercive power of the state but through sacrificial love. He thanked the Committee for their stalwart stance on the separation of church and state.

      "I'm worried because Christians have organized themselves and have become a power bloc and want to impose their will on America,"8 Campolo said.

We might ask whose will is being imposed on America when Christians obey Campolo's admonitions to elect left-wing environmental politicians? Tony Campolo wants his will imposed on America.