Reflections on the Nature of God and Human Partisanship
Introduction
In a world increasingly divided by politics, ideology, and the ceaseless tug-of-war between left and right, a profound statement emerges: “God is neither left or right, Democrat or Republican. He is God!” This simple assertion carries within it a powerful reminder of the transcendent nature of the Divine—an invitation to look beyond the boundaries we draw within society and to contemplate the vastness, mystery, and impartiality of God.
Transcending Human Categories
Human beings are creatures of classification. We organize our experiences, beliefs, and even our communities around categories—political, cultural, racial, and more. These divisions help us make sense of the tremendous complexity of our lives. Yet, in doing so, we often project these categories onto our understanding of the divine. We imagine God as being “for” us and “against” them, or championing our preferred ideologies. But the sacred texts, across traditions, remind us time and again that God stands apart from the constructs of human partisanship.
Consider the words attributed to Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. This passage highlights the chasm between divine wisdom and human reasoning. The politics of earth, with their shifting alliances and sharp rhetoric, are but a shadow of the deeper reality that God inhabits—a reality that cannot be boxed within the confines of left or right, conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat.
God and the Politics of Inclusion
Throughout history, societies have sought to claim divine favor for their own political causes. Monarchs ruled by “divine right,” revolutionaries invoked the will of Providence, and modern politicians often appeal to faith in their speeches. Yet, when we examine the teachings and stories found in the world’s faith traditions, we find a God who persistently calls humanity toward inclusion, compassion, and justice—values that transcend partisan boundaries.
In the Hebrew Bible, the prophets speak out against the injustices perpetrated by the powerful, urging care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. In the New Testament, Jesus confounds the religious and political authorities by dining with tax collectors, healing outsiders, and declaring that all are invited into the Kingdom of God. The divine, it seems, does not endorse parties or policies, but points toward a deeper ethic—a way of being in the world that honors the image of God in every person.
Partisanship and the Nature of God
The temptation to make God into a partisan figure is strong, especially in societies where faith and politics are closely intertwined. It is easy to believe that God stands with our side, especially when our beliefs are rooted in moral conviction. Yet, the history of religion teaches a cautionary tale: when God is drafted into the service of human partisanship, faith becomes a tool of division rather than a source of healing.
The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote that “God’s love is impartial; it embraces all.” When faith communities claim exclusive access to divine truth, or when political movements present themselves as uniquely blessed, the result is often exclusion, animosity, and conflict. The divine belongs to no party and no nation. Instead, God summons all people—regardless of political affiliation—toward humility, reconciliation, and peace.
The Limitations of Political Language
Political language is, by its nature, dualistic. It operates on the axis of us-versus-them, left-versus-right, progressive-versus-conservative. But God, as conceived in most major traditions, is ultimately beyond duality. In Hindu philosophy, God is described as “Neti, neti”—not this, not that. In Christian theology, God is “I Am”—the ground of being itself. These descriptions point to a reality that transcends all polarities and binaries.
To confine God to a political party or ideology is to diminish the Divine, reducing infinite mystery to finite agendas. The divine, by contrast, is the source of all and present to all. God’s concern is for the wholeness of creation, not the advancement of particular political platforms.
Faith in the Public Square
This does not mean, of course, that faith has no place in public life or that believers should not engage in politics. On the contrary, faith can provide a moral compass, inspiring policies that uphold justice, compassion, and the common good. But it is crucial to remember that God is not the mascot of any party. Rather, believers are called to embody divine values—love, mercy, humility, and justice—in their civic engagement.
When faith is used to demonize opponents or justify self-interest, it becomes an agent of division. When faith informs public discourse with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to the dignity of all, it can transform society for the better.
The Call to Transcendence
The statement “God is neither left or right, Democrat or Republican. He is God!” is a call to transcendence—a reminder that the divine cannot be captured by our labels or claimed for our causes. It asks us to let go of our need to enlist God in our political battles and instead seek to align ourselves with God’s vision for the world.
To do so requires humility. It means recognizing that our understanding is limited, that our politics are provisional, and that our highest allegiance must always be to the deeper truths of mercy, justice, and love. It means listening for the voice of God, not in the slogans and platforms of parties, but in the cries of the vulnerable, the wisdom of the humble, and the call to peace.
Conclusion
In a time when political polarization threatens to pull societies apart, the affirmation that “God is neither left or right, Democrat or Republican. He is God!” is more vital than ever. It reminds us that the Divine transcends all categories, all ideologies, and all parties. God’s concern is for the flourishing of all creation, not the triumph of any faction.
As individuals and communities of faith, let us resist the temptation to claim God as the champion of our causes. Instead, let us seek to live in accordance with the values that reflect the heart of the Divine. In doing so, we may discover a unity that defies division, a compassion that heals wounds, and a vision that brings hope to all.
Ultimately, God remains God—infinite, mysterious, and beyond the boundaries we draw. In this truth, there is both challenge and comfort, calling us to rise above our divisions and walk the path of justice, mercy, and peace.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 