It has been interesting to see a Christian party trying to form to fight the next election in New Zealand next year. Being a Christian Socialist it does not affect me much but my prediction is that it wont work and it wont last. I don't think most political commentators understand that most Christians are very suspicious (and uncomfortable) with the way Bishop Tamaki presents himself and his American brand of religion. Most Conservative Christians are white and middle class in new Zealand with a sizeable minority of pacific islanders and Asians. Compare this to Tamaki who models himself on an Black American style of church (which is just the opposite of N.Z Christian culture) and surrounds himself with what comes across as pretty macho Harley driving guys. I don't have anything against the Destiny Church (I'm a Tokoroa boy just like Tamaki and Richard Lewis) but the mood I feel in the church is a massive culture clash between the run of the mill Christian and Destiny which is to large to overcome in regards to mobilizing voting. The reality is that Christians once again will vote as a block for the National Party in an attempt to force out the labour government. I on the other hand will continue to vote for Labour and the best Prime Minister we have had in my lifetime!
May God save us from the Destiny Party (in what ever mutation!)
