I have to differ with Gerri. What one person sees as the "love of power (engaging in politics)" others see as the witness Scripture requires that Christians give to what is right. The common comparison is with the German Christians in World War II, who stayed out of the politics of genocide and thus passively contributed to the murder of 12 million-or-so Christians and Jews. I love my country and am appalled and frightened by the depth to which we have sunk, not only in politics but in our national conscience and morality. I will witness to that, with the power God gives me. And I am grateful that my beloved LCMS is fearlessly witnessing to a government that is trying hard to make us violate our consciences and doctrines. Of course, we can witness with love, not with spit and vinegar, but witness we must ... and sometimes emphatically. God help us all to serve in our own ways and to His glory.