John, while I’m not smart enough to comment on Ellul I think you hit the nail on the head when you said ...to be regarding all political power as being inherently suspect. Personally, in post-Watergate America, I am always skeptical of all politicians down to even our local levels. I hate being that cynical but it seems like every time I find an official I can stand behind I’m disappointed. Politics is about power and perpetuating that power. I just don’t think it is method the church should get involved in.

Tommy said When are Dobson, Haggard, et al going to realize that they are just being pandered to by the politicians to get elected? I guess that may have been one of the reasons I posted the link. And it is one reason I am leary of if not against the faith-based initiatives funding and the whole marriage of American evangelicalism with the Republican party (or ANY party). If Christians expect to buy influence with their votes, what can you expect from a political party if they give you funding, etc.