Everybody likes to "talk Africa", so I'll take up the task.

When talking about either the AIDS pandemic or rampant starvation, the debate usually revolves around the following points:

Mr. Democrat: We have sooo much money. Why can't we think beyond ourselves and give more to those who are suffering around the world. With money, we can buy retroviral medicines for those with HIV and food and healthcare for those who are malnourished.

Mr. Republican: I agree with you, we have a lot of money and must help those in Africa. Money isn't necessarily the answer, however. The power structures and systems of government in most African countries are corrupt and often downright evil and oppressive. We should demand regime changes so that the money we do offer will reach the people in need instead of the people in charge. We can even offer financial incentives for governments that reform.



Now, lets get this straight-- While I heartily agree with the sentiment of both Mr. Democrat and Mr. Republican, and would certainly endorse many of the points made by Mr. Republican as a more effective strategy, we must realize that both of these arguments betray largely naturalistic and materialistic assumptions.

Since when have we concluded that the grand problems in the world are the result of politics and economics?! In each of those sphere, I would contend that there is, practically-speaking, a right way and a wrong way (the former belonging to conservatives on most every issue), but we are ignoring the greater reality of sin and redemption in this world.

I am a Christian and believe in the true God of this world; not a Marxist who makes the state or "greater good" a god in itself. Therefore, I assert that: (1) All problems originate with the sinful condition that has infected all of humanity since the Garden of Eden, and not with unjust power structures and unfair economic practices. These latter realities are merely symptomatic of the first. (2) The remedy comes through the redemption from sin offered freely through Jesus Christ to all who believe. Anything short of this remedy is merely superficial and will affect no lasting change.

How does this play out in my politics? I am surely not advocating a NCO (National Christianizing Organization), for that surely denigrates the sanctity of both the state and the Church. What I am advocating is for conservative Christians to realize that better policies don't equal good policies. Accountability and the general encouragement of democracy and a free market are good, but not absolutely so. They won't cure the problem of sin, nor offer the eternal hope (and consequently, cultural renewal) that comes through Jesus Christ.

Therefore, let us stop betraying our Marxist assumptions about the universe and resolve to establish a Christian approach to foreign affairs outside of politics--namely, a proactive approach that brings Christians from our country to others to preach the Good News (and in some cases, be reminded of good orthodoxy). People need the Bread of Life more than they do bread. As we do this, we can also use the state/poltical realm to affect changes on the more superficial level. In any case, we must remember our starting and ending points!