I find it fascinating that both political parties in this country seem to want to legislate morality. The Republican Party has long been known for this but the democrats seem to be joining the show. The more conservative elements of our government have tried to legislate morality with laws concerning abortion and same sex marriage. The more liberal of our politicians have jumped on the moral legislation band wagon by trying to pass laws banning speech that might offend some one and any activities such as dodge ball that might be deemed hurtful.

Why is it that so many want to legislate behavior rather then change character, especially those who claim to be Christians? Disciples of Christ should know that legislating behavior has poor results at best. Legalistic religion does little to improve the human condition. There has always been a basic attraction to creating rules of behavior. While this sounds and often times feels good it just doesn’t work.

I think that we who claim to be followers of Christ would be better served to focus on spiritual formation in the image of the one we follow rather then seeking to change our society through political means.