Stephen Colbert and Christian Citizenship

Comedian Stephen Colbert is arguably one of the most recognizable Catholics in the world.  One of the few times he is willing to leave character is when he talks about his faith.  And when he does, it is reliably profound and worth listening to.

However, sometimes people goof up. And if you are a late-night comedian, these mistakes are public by default.  So while I don't want to dwell too long on the sins of another, I do want to point out what he did ... because it's something we can all do.


The Monologue:

Back on May 1st, Mr. Colbert did a monologue criticizing President Trump.  Now, I've got nothing against criticizing the president - or even using humor to do it.  But Colbert resorted to profanity and really lewd jokes.  I mean, really crass stuff.  That isn't right.

First, take a look at what Saint Paul says about how Christians are to comport themselves:

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." - Ephesians 5:4

That should speak for itself.  But then we can add in what Saint Peter said regarding our treatment of governmental leaders in his first letter:

"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." - 1 Peter 2:17

Remember, that was said of the Emperor Nero - a dictator who killed Christians in droves.  If Saint Peter can demand we show respect for Nero, the same could be said for President Trump.

Colbert has since said he's not sorry.  Well, he ought to be.  The man is also a Sunday school teacher.  He is supposed to be a better example than that.  That's why Saint James warned that teachers will be held to a stricter account and then immediately launched into a discourse about minding our tongues.


A Warning for Us:

Now, it isn't for Nero's (or Trump's) sake that we are told to "honor the emperor".  Pragmatically, honoring the emperor would mean providing fewer excuses for persecution.

However, we should also consider the effect on our souls when we allow our hatred for the emperor to override our moral judgement.  Opposing a despicable emperor has given many people an easy way to justify their own despicable behavior - telling themselves their wrongdoings are in service of the Greater Good.

But as Saint Gandalf famously sad, the Ring serves but one master.  The Kingdom of God is not helped by our sins.  We only hurt ourselves and help the Enemy of our souls.

So when I saw Colbert's monologue, I actually felt a great swell of pity for him.  President Trump may be worth opposing, but he's not worth sinning against.