Awkward pope moments for both parties

You can't put the Bible in a political box.

If there's a lesson to be learned from Thursday's speech of Pope Francis to a joint session of Congress, it's that God is neither Republican nor Democrat. And those who would claim otherwise will inevitably have to confront some uncomfortable truths.

The seat squirming began early. Conservatives believe the purpose of government is to secure the rights enshrined in the Constitution. But Francis says "a political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk," he said. "Legislative activity is always based on care for the people."

That's a Bernie Sanders applause line!

In discussing war, Francis warned "to imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as a people, reject."

Not all of our people: Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wants 20,000 more troops for the Middle East.

Pro-business Republicans sat on their hands when His Holiness reminded Congress that "if politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life."

House Speaker John Boehner, a devout Catholic, wept at times during the pope's address. But he may have felt a pang of conscience when the pope talked about millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America, where "we, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners." (Boehner has refused to bring immigration reform bills to the floor.)

The pope may have given lawmakers whiplash when he talked about life. "The Golden Rule reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development," he said. Pro-lifers leapt to their feet in applause, until the next line: "This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty."

Record scratch!

Democrats were happy when the pope referred to his encyclical on climate change, "to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity." But it was Republicans nodding in agreement when the pope said, "I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened perhaps as never before, from within and without. Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and beauty of family life."

And right in front of the justices who recently legalized gay marriage, including Catholic swing-vote Justice Anthony Kennedy! Awkward!

While people may have been uncomfortable, no one should have been surprised. The prophets of old inveighed against the kings for mistreatment of the poor. Nathan shamed David for adultery with Bathsheba. And Jesus disappointed throngs of followers by leading a spiritual, not a political, revolution.

The teachings of the Scriptures don't lend themselves to assimilation by either of America's political parties, but that's not what the Bible is for. It's not a primer on government, but rather, it guides the followers of God in building his kingdom on Earth, a kingdom that transcends politics, national borders, languages and cultures, and leads not to entitlements but life in eternity.

— Steve Sebelius is a Review-Journal political columnist. Follow him on Twitter (@SteveSebelius) or reach him at 702-387-5276 or SSebelius@reviewjournal.com.