Nietzsche, Politics, and Faith

I've posted previously about how I am having to wade through some of Nietzsche's work in writing my current book.  Thankfully, I've pretty much gotten through what's necessary at this time.  I say this because I don't like Nietzsche.  One quick glance at the following quote will give you an insight as to why:

We exercise our power over others by doing them good or by doing them ill–that is all we care for! Doing ill to those on whom we have to make our power felt; for pain is a far more sensitive means for that purpose than pleasure:–pain always asks concerning the cause, while pleasure is inclined to keep within itself and not look backward. Doing good and being kind to those who are in any way already dependent upon us (that is, who are accustomed to think of us as their raison d’etre); we want to increase their power, because we thus increase our own; or we want to show them the advantage there is in being in our power,-they thus become more contented with their position, and more hostile to the enemies of our power and readier to contend with them. If we make sacrifices in doing good or doing ill, it does not alter the ultimate value of our actions; even if we stake our life in the cause, as martyrs for the sake of our church, it is a sacrifice to our longing for power, or for the purpose of conserving our sense of power. (The Gay Science reprinted in Nietzsche Ultimate Collection, Kindle edition.  location 17791)

Take a good hard look at that statement.  Read it several times if you need to so that you might grasp what it is saying. 

Then, take a good hard look at the politics that you see practiced in our nation.

Tell me that either Nietzsche nailed the human condition or that our politicians follow Nietzsche to a tee.

This is one of the reasons I abhor politics and I believe that the Church needs to keep itself as separate as possible from it.  The Church is not about power--it's about becoming powerless!

In a conversation with someone a few weeks ago, a man commented about how he is leery of those who believe they have the Truth.  He argued that for the most part whenever someone believes he or she has the absolute Truth, they use it to make a power play and exert their power over others.  (Nietzsche to a tee.)

I responded, "This is why I have come to a high appreciation for Jesus.  He knew He had the Truth, and instead of seeking power, He sought the cross.  He sought to die for others and become powerless."

That caused a pause in the conversation; a pause  followed by an admission that such a comment deserved some careful deliberation and thought--especially in light of the obvious conclusions.

And one of those conclusions being--when the Church (in whatever form it takes be it the Religious Right or the Christian Left) begins to dabble in the political realm and seek to bring the Kingdom of God through power, it is misguided.