Is the Pulpit Political?

Election years turn ordinary Americans into partisan hacks. Rational, calm discussion retreats. Politicians themselves make outlandish promises. They don't just ask us to support their candidacy. They baptize their cause in sacred language. As Vice President Joe Biden, an outspoken advocate of same-sex marriage, told a group of gay activists last weekend, "You are freeing the soul of the American people."

Such short-sighted passions also pervade our churches in election season and pressure pastors to turn their sermons into campaign speeches. So what is the proper relationship between the pulpit and politics? We turned in this video to three experienced pastors for a rousing discussion on a contested subject. Bill Kynes, senior pastor of Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, Virginia, has lived near Washington, D.C., for nearly 30 years. He laments how everything has become politicized and tells pastors they must speak prophetically but not necessarily politically about the issues facing our communities, states, nations, and world.

But Voddie Baucham, pastor of preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, has no such fear of being seen as political, even as he seeks to avoid being taken captive by either political party. He stresses the pastor's obligation to speak truth to power, regardless of the costs.

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Evermyrtle

This is a very touchy subject, politics in the pulpit. I think first of all, this article "stinks!" Ministers of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST need to know the truth about what is going on in the world, especially America. He should advise his congregation to get the truth and vote according to the truth, that they find. It is no further his affairs. HE is to preach the gospel not politics.

As far as the presidential race is concerned, how can a Christian minister suggest either candidate where neither on is a Christian. One of which, I believe, is a regular decent guy but not a Christian.The other an anti-GOD,anti-CHRIST, anti- American. America is in a mess and we must seek GOD if we are to survive.
http://www.missiontoisrael.org/ Ted R. Weiland

Anyone today intent on preaching the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) and not afraid of the powers that be can no more separate politics from his preaching than could the prophets of old. Politics is all about the imposition of someone's morality (or more often than not, someone's immorality). It's because our pulpits have removed themselves from involvement with politics that it's what it is today – poly, meaning many, and tics,meaning bloodsuckers. Time for our pulpits to return to the cut of pastors who filled the pre-revolutionary pulpits.
- Vladimir
  
  Amen, Ted, from the Happy Mormon. The Black Robe Brigade played a huge role in our independence.
  - Mary Wood
    
    I have had several courses in American history and literature and have never heard of this group. Okay, so go ahead and join it, its not against any law to join any club. But the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will never become political. It is virtually impossible, diametrically opposed to the basic tenets of Jesus Christ, as taught by Christ and Joseph Smith, a trend for the LDS completely independent of the U. S. Constitution or its Founders. Good luck with teaching that principle to the evangelicals.
    - Vladimir
      
      The Black Robe Brigade (or Regiment) is a term I first heard from Glenn Beck. He described the fiery preachers who stirred up the colonists to rebel against the British.
      - Mary Wood
        
        Yes. Found on wikipedia: BRR charter members Richard Land and Jerry Falwell. You can count on these preachers to do right by the Mormons. Not.
    - Granny
      
      It was never intended for the church not to be involved in politics. I don't dislike anyone regardless of their faith or lack of. As for the Mormon church I have nothing against them, they believe in God and Jesus Christ and that's good enough for me. You appear to have a great deal of anger in you, why?
      - DWoodPhD
        
        Well, thank you very much for your correct assessment of the Mormons.. I think you would have to have been Mormon to experience the worst, most damning criticism possible on this site to understand why I "seem to have a great deal of anger."
        
        On the political topic: I disagree completely that the churches should be political!!! Christ was apolitical!!! The "Mormon Church" is really a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS. It follows Christ "to the T." Therefore, the LDS Church is by definition, apolitical. The sacrament meeting is a scared event, unblemished by political events or any references to it, other then an occasional prayer for leaders, whoever they are, and a reminder by a priesthood holder to vote and participate in the political process, but never a word about political sides to take. People at church will even back away from you if you bring up voting. At the same time, although one never hears a firery call to action from the pulpit!, I can assure you we are involved in the political process outside of the sacred sacrament meeting, in local civic organizations at all levels. Governor Romney's life is a good example.
      - Granny
        
        You are most welcome, but I made it my business to learn a little about the Mormon Church aka Church of Latter Day Saints since I know nothing about it. The Bible tells us that we must not judge one another and I believe that extends to what church we attend, but then we must understand that our denomination isn't going to get us to heaven, but whether or not we follow God's commandments. I can now understand your anger as I have heard some very nasty comments made about the Mormon faith and I just ignore them. One of my very favorite people who is involved in politics, but is not a politician is Glen Beck who is a Mormon.
        I also agree with what you are saying about politics from the pulpit however, we don't discuss politics at church either as that is God's time.
        You are quite an intelligent young woman. Don't allow people make you angry as it isn't heathly, but now I do understand your anger. May God Bless you my dear.
    - Granny
      
      By the way, Glen Beck is a Mormon and I like him very much, he speaks the truth.
- http://www.answersingenesis.org/ keyboardshark
  
  I'll second that amen, Ted. This is one thing we can agree upon.
- Mary Wood
  
  Interesting you would support politics at the pulpit, Ted R. Weiland. I know rather, on the other hand, that it is "time for the cut of pastors" to look at the churches that are apolitical and to understand exactly what that means, b/c as it stands now, you haven't a clue. I have noticed with you and many seeming evangelicals on these forums that there is never a mention about Martin Luther and the experience he had in Rome, that shocked him so badly (b/c he was trying to be a good Catholic priest) that he brought on his theses which ignited the Reformation. Sounds like cult behavior to me, as bold as any. Those events following was the beginning of all the protestant sects. Yet the "Christians" never bring up their sects, and the horror that accompanied their inception, while at the same time they casually express a semi-latent vehement intolerance of those of us who do share our faith, as the Mormons, a true American church, which you berate, as I have been personally berated by you, and the atheists that are honest about their lack of a testimomy of God. Question: Wouldn't the latter be the "least" of men, in your eyes? Whoa… what does scripture say about that… and what does the scripture say about false witness? Your obvious intent is to bring about exactly that which the Founders, good men all, very well versed in your ways, warned us. We are all Americans and what you have advocated is a return to a monarchical God-driven country, the exact thing we managed to sever in 1775-6. You should read 1776 the book just to reorient yourself to why your plan will not work.
Wesley

the reason our nation is the church refused to be the conscience of the nation. in order to be the conscience of the nation pastors have to to speak out on the political issues of the day. Jesus spoke out about politics of his time when he spoke out about the pharisees and sadducees warning the people to not listen to them. the sadducees can be compared to atheists for they believed in just the material world and denied a resurrection which is really ironic when they asked Jesus whose husband would this one woman who had married all seven brothers without a child to carry on the first brothers legacy. the pharisees can be compared to fundamentalist Christians in that they worry more about lining everything to specifics, but leave out true faith.
Mary Wood

I vote for all churches to be apolitical, just like the U. S. Constitution is atheological. How else can our system of government become a standard to a world of diversity in religions. It is the elephant in the room that cannot be ignored. Good example: Mitt Romney didn't chose Harry Reid as his running mate, he chose Paul Ryan. Why are people so evasive on this point?
- http://www.missiontoisrael.org/ Ted R. Weiland
  
  In other words, you choose for churches to be salt that's lost their savor, good for nothing but to be trampled under the foot of man (Matthew 5:13). And the atheists and non-Christians love to have it so!
  - Mary Wood
    
    No Ted, not in your other words. Matthew 5:13 does not specify any particular group of people, certainly not any group of people who want the safety and security of a set of rules like the U. S. Constitution!
    - Evermyrtle
      
      JESUS was talking to all of us, who chose to follow HIM. We are known as Christians, from HIS time on earth, until HE returns for us.
      - Mary Wood
        
        Myrtle, why are you telling me this. Let me ask you a simple question all biology students ask at some point: What came first the chicken or the egg? Since all creation in your mind is attributable to our Father in heaven, is that question important to you? Remember, chickens are used in the development of vaccines.
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Creation is not something I imagine, it is a fact GOD created the entire universe and everything in it. But the chicken and egg question has nothing to do with being the salt of the earth. That's a different topic. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus is talking to Christians, He's talking about Christians. Salt is used to preserve things as well as add flavor, if it looses it saltiness then its not good for anything. Christians are sent to bring the message of Salvation to the world (in that way they 'preserve' the world, or at least those who accept Christ). I believe that Christians should present the world with the 'spice' of life. As I already stated, when cooking, salt makes the food taste better, it adds flavor. That's what Christians should be doing, making life better.
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Mary, you really surprised me with your "smart alick" answer. I try to never give anybody such an answer, for any reason, but do get them form time to time, BUT you, really surprised me!!! This is the first such comment like that I have read the you made to anyone,of course I don't read every comment on these sites, by far.
      - Mary Wood
        
        Do you mean about the chicken and the egg? Well, Myrtle, you don't really know what "smart alick" is until you have taught a bunch of kids, say about 200 or so kids, in a science class. That is the reason I asked you about the chicken and the egg. You say we need to help others. What do you think science class is for, and where do you think the researchers who are going to make vaccines for the next generation going to come from? You think that is not an important question? Then why is it always a question that comes up in the classroom. Inquiring minds want to know. What would you tell them? Remember, in a public school, one must stick strictly to scientific fact and one cannot bring up biblical scripture. If I brought up biblical scripture from one version of the bible alone, I would have to bring up the other 20 or more versions. Please consider the fact that I have to deal with all this before you claim that I am being smart alick, although I don't mind being accused of being smart, though I am the first to say I don't know it all. : ) By the way, while I do have strong faith, I don't particularly like to share it in the way that you do, I just mention this again, so again to remind you, I believe one should "hold it close, it is sacred, not secret."
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Yes, the chicken and the egg. I have seen it used so senselessly so many times. And really I do know what a smart ass, excuse me, a "smart alick" is, and believe me, I have great talent along that line, I just strive to make some educated comment when I use these sites. I hate to show, to advertise my ugly side a public way. I do beg your pardon for upsetting you. I will try to do better in the future, not to waste space venting my displeasure.
        
        My GOD, my FATHER in heaven tell's HIS people to go out and spread HIS WORD around the world. I do try to do it in as unoffensive way as possible. Anyone who is searching will accept well meant, well worded messages and the scripture that goes along with a few of my own well meant, but maybe sometimes unwanted words. I never mean to be obnoxious.
      - Mary Wood
        
        There are some truths about the situation in our country that needs "venting" and in that category, I would count education of future leaders as the most primary. The general public needs to know what exhaustive elements are present in the classrooms of America. If we don't answer to the problems our standing in the world will suffer more than ever. And it is suffering now. With that in mind, I do not think science and questions teachers have to deal with in a diverse classrooms are at all trivial. At least, not trivial in the fact that students use diversionary tactics. That is, future teachers, future medical personnel, and others, i.e., the people who will be serving the needs of future generations are asking nonsensical questions to divert attention from their lack of accountability. Really, Myrtle, I know you of all people, have no intention to shoot the messenger. :)
      - Evermyrtle
        
        We should be as kind as possible when nurturing another sinner. You can win more bees with sugar than with salt and the bee you win may become a Christian, because of your loving attitude, while you should be bearing the whole truth, don't water it down.
        
        Yes, deplorable conditions in schools should be brought forth to the attention of America's public. It needs to be addressed, not smoothed over. If you and/or I had the perfect solution the government would totally ignore it. It has come to the point if you want your children to get an education you had best home school them. My 24 year old granddaughter never attended public school until she attended a Christian college. Her brother, a gentle soul was bullied until his parents had to remove him from public school and home school him.
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Mary, I really am aware of the conditions of schools. I put two through about 22 years or more, each. One is a college Professor, the other a journalist. Indeed, I have been through it all. As I have already stated we had to remove my grandson from school because of bullying. HE was not a fighter he was and still is a lover.,and is now a minister. Thanks for listening.
      - DWoodPhD
        
        I have personally been through it, up to and including earning a professorship. It was easier to watch others go through it. I would never do it again. I have more fun and respect from my family now that I am self employed.
      - Mary Wood
        
        Why has it been shown that all foods contain all the salt we need for life quite naturally and we don't need to add it to food. Excess salt causes heart attacks. Maybe that is the warning in the scripture. Salt is salt, though, and it is practically impervious to degradation except by extreme heat like the kind one fires pottery, at 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, or simple disintegration in water or liquids. So the scripture must mean the salt becomes contaminated. But the scripture does not say exactly what you say that it says. You extrapolate your own meanings, just like, ummm … the evangelicals claim is done by Joseph Smith, or John Calvin, or Martin Luther, or John MacArthur, or Richard Land, etc. etc. It is all so confusing to me. I just prefer to hear what the our gentlemen have to say on the forum. I also appreciate your comment and look forward to your opinions of our next president and vice president. Romney & Ryan 2012-2020.
      - Evermyrtle
        
        I have often heard it is better to be quiet and thought to be a fool than to open your mouth and prove it. Sometime we need to know when to be call it quits.
      - Evermyrtle
        
        I apologize, there was no reason for such a comment.
      - DWoodPhD
        
        I accept
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Let me see if i can explain the verse a little more clearly.When an animal is killed for food, if it is large enough that you need a way to save the meat, down through the ages, it is packed in salt. The salt draws all of the water and impurities out of the meat, therefore the mean will not spoil. As a child we would butcher hogs for meat. We would hang our hams and side meat out in the "smoke house" and nothing else had to be done to keep it. When we wanted a slice of ham we would just go out to the smoke house and cut a chunk out of a ham, a cured ham.This is what the salt in Matt 5:13 was referring to. It is a cleansing agent, a preservative, We as Christians by our knowledge and faith are required to tell others to lead them away from false ideas, and into accepting GOD and HIS SON. I'm sure that you realize that sometime anti-GOD thoughts, ideas and beliefs can be like like the impurities in that meat. If we lose our faith or our will to help others get rid of their false belief, we have lost our soul cleaning 'salt" . The scripture does not relate to using salt our selves, we are the "saving salt." Of course the meat that has been cured absorbed enough salt that it does not need anymore salt when we cook it. The absorbed salt keeps the meat fresh, it will not spoil in extreme heat. Meat has been cured this way for thousands of years.
        
        I apologize that I did not explain it properly from the first.
      - DWoodPhD
        
        We did the same thing in Fall at our house/farm, with many relatives, each one with a different talent to prepare a different food from the animal.
      - http://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.dixon.509 Jeffrey Dixon
        
        Why is god needing to to anything to save meat? One would think an all powerful god could do that merely by wanting it to happen.
      - DWoodPhD
        
        No education allowed, right Myrtle?
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Our education is shortest, or lacking most in our knowledge of GOD'S ways and HIS desire for our serving HIM and out fellowman.
      - Granny
        
        Amen Myrtle.
  - Mary Wood
    
    Ted R. Weiland: Are you the cult master like David Koresh? You extrapolate way beyond your personal abilities, as he did. I think you should study Joseph Smith. You might learn something from the real Chosen of the real Christians. As to belonging to a cult, I don't belong to any, and furthermore, your false witnessing doesn't engage me to join one or yours. You should not always want to interpret other peoples' words, as though you have perfect understanding. It is unbecoming, if you are striving to be a man of God.
    - http://www.missiontoisrael.org/ Ted R. Weiland
      
      Proverbs 26:4
      - Mary Wood
        
        The atheists and the anti-Christians probably detect hypocrisy, Mr. Weiland. If so, can you blame them for not joining you? Hypocrisy would be your responsibility to correct, not theirs. I would give that advice of Proverbs 26:4 to you as well, besides Exodus 20:16.
- Granny
  
  Quite frankly, I would not choose Harry Reid as a running mate. What point are you trying to make?
  - DWoodPhD
    
    Quite frankly, I totally couldn't choose Harry Reid for anything either. The point is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, the LDS, is apolitical!!! The church did not rail from the pulpit to elect Mitt and they have not issued an opinion at all who Mitt selects for his vice president or any position in his administration. If you don't know, we have a running argument on this forum about whether preachers should preach politics from the pulpit. My position for which I have come under fire, is that preachers have a civil right to preach whatever they want but NOT from the pulpit, since the pulpit is for god's word and not for partisan politics.
    - Granny
      
      I see your point and I understand what you are saying. Point well taken. My pastor doesn't preach politics from the pulpit. These are trying times due to the man who is in the Oval Office and people are passionate. Please forgive and thank you for clarifying what you meant. God Bless.
      - DWoodPhD
        
        Good. I think you have a rare church. We had a forum on zionica a few weeks ago about preachers, politics and the pulpit and almost everyone agreed that preaching politics from the pulpit is okay. I love the peace of the sacrament meeting, it is the main reason I go to church I think. I would not go if it turned into a political rally. Thank you.
      - Granny
        
        I do have a rare church, it is nondenominational and I truly enjoy going. I feel the peace when I walk through the doors and it is nice. If I wanted a political rally that is what I would be attending. I go to church to hear God's word. May I ask you to explain what a sacrament meeting is?
      - DWoodPhD
        
        It is the first meeting on Sunday morning, where the Aaronic priesthood holders of the church prepare the bread and water to serve to us as reminders of our baptismal covenant … you know: like breaking of the bread and blessing the wine (we use water) as Christ served the apostles, showing them how to remember Him at the last supper. It is very much simpler than other churches, for example the Catholics where I was raised, the sacrament is very embellished. I like the simpler version.
      - Granny
        
        We only do this once a month and instead of the water like you we use grape juice. Thank you for explaining this to me. I am truly glad that you have a church that you love. I am glad that we are able to talk about our faith to each other as two adults. I have quite a few years on you, but I have found you to be devoted, intelligent, caring, and informative. Thank you.
      - DWoodPhD
        
        Thank you! The feeling is totally mutual!
      - Granny
        
        Thank you.
Winston

The church shepherd (Pastor) and board of Bishop/Elders have a Biblical obligation to inform and guide those in their church fellowship rightly as to how politicians and politican candidates (especially President, Governors, Mayors) make decisions, policies, and practices which affect their lives as Christians. All things done must be measured and weighed against Biblical instruction (The Word of God to mankind). The Bible teaches believers that we are to be "good stewards" of all God has created and entrusted to man to care for…and that includes the politics of the nation. We should not even consider casting a vote for a non-believer even though governement is mostly secular humanists. We must not stick our head in the sand and let ungodly men/women dictate what is good for us as a nation if they are they have an anti-God heart and mind. We must decide for ourselves. Minimize government, maximize our own livelihood…and trust in God for His Spirit to guide us. There is no other acceptable way.
Wayne

In a word, no the pulpit is not political. At times, when teaching prophecy, especially end time prophecy, it will be by default. No problem there, because the leader of the coming world government will also take faith matters into his hands, thereby combining all things concerning the lives of his subjects. This MUST be taught. But the pulpit primarily is to teach all of Gods Word, including both Testaments and salvation found only in Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. The Gospel then, is the purpose of the pulpit. Matthew 24:14., John 14:6.
- DWoodPhD
  
  I agree with your assessment of what the pulpit is meant to be. Thank you.
aceituna

The pastors need to preach about sin, define it down so the people can see what it is and where it is in our society especially in themselves so that they realize why Christ had to die on the cross in our place. They need to encourage the people to study the issues and vote for the people who will lead our country away from its sinful path. They do not have to name them just educate the people as to the path our country should be on.
Mex Seiko

The church has always been socially aware and deeply involved in the affairs of the people. The nation owes its independence and slaves their freedom to the churches. Since te anti-religion and Atheists are on the rise instead of shielding the churches from the government as purposes by the Constitution, they're shielding the government from religion. But it's all an excuse and a device to stamp out any vestige of faith anywhere.
- DWoodPhD
  
  I don't agree the slaves owe their freedom to the churches. Also, you are wrong about people who call themselves atheists. I think they are more anti any organized religion who have tried to take the reins of government when there is not a shed of a mention in the constitution to permit it.
  
  I will have to look up the graph showing just how involved the Catholic Church was involved with young boys sexually to show you an example of the revealed hypocrisy that I cannot believe you ignore. The stats are easily found on line what is just now in your lifetime is coming to light! God knows how many generations this has been going on. That is one good reason why lots of people are becoming "atheists" Mex. Wake up! Here is one of many sites: http://app.bishop-accountability.org/member/psearch.jsp?op=assignments
  - Mex Seiko
    
    Perhaps I should clarify when I say church I'm not referring to the Catholic church or any organized Christian denomination. For example: I was a Catholic when I came to saving knowledge of Christ as an adult and since consider myself part of the body (the Church) of christ.
    I don't make excuses for the Catholic Church. There are stories of connecting tunnels between monasteries and convents which walls are covered with bones of killed babies resulting from the fornication.
    In England, William Wilberforce, a devout Christian dedicated his life to the abolition of slaves. He was inspired by His faith.
    In the USA the Republican party, formed in great part by what's known as the "Religious Right," when the South attempted to propagate slavery to Nevada and towards the North. From there things evolved into the Civil War. Lincoln's 2nd inaugural address describes the Civil War a God's judgment on the American Land fir the "sin of slavery."
    The American Independence documents contain phrases that are also found in several sermons of the day. The impetus for the independence struggle was to ascribe to God the giving of natural rights rather than men, or the government.
    Atheists come in a variety of flavors depending on the individual's or group's exposure. Even some Agnostics are actually Atheists with an excuse or footnote. There are Atheists in the Scientific Community that just hate the idea of any other god than Science. There's also your political Atheists which are the Socialists or Communists whose god is the state.
    Mex.