Last Saturday, several potential Republican candidates gathered in Iowa to talk politics. No surprises here. I even enjoyed the focus on social issues, as I find faith and its implications a vital aspect of society. But one concerning takeaway from the event from my perspective was the growing attitude that God only supports one party. Or to put it another way, potential candidates seems to argue Jesus is a Republican.

But is Jesus really a Republican? It doesn’t take much reading in the Gospels to find he would be opposed to certain practices of both major American political parties, ranging from war to poverty to taxes. While I certainly intend to vote my values in the next election, the idea that Jesus joined the Republicans after the last election concerns me.

Plus, there is a key issue beyond the Republican and Democratic banter that must be considered by those who follow Jesus. Jesus was all about a kingdom not of this world. If he had wanted to take over his nation’s government, as God, he certainly would have had the power. But he taught respect for governing authorities and focused his efforts on helping the marginalized through his teachings and actions.

The more those who follow Jesus today do these things, focusing on the Good News that transcends the politics of our time, the healthier our lives, churches, communities, and countries will be, regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican holds the Presidential office after the 2012’s election.

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DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell), and Thirst No More (October). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.

Image credit teenormous.com.