I hate politics. I will repeat that so you know how badly I hate politics. I hate politics. Get my drift? If it wasn’t for wanting to know a little bit of what is going on in the world, I would not listen to FOX News (I’m sorry but I don’t trust the legacy media and the other stations? I’d rather not comment on). I have decided to limit myself to watching the news.
So why am I wading into the cesspool of politics? I’m not. I’m making a comment on a recent decision that was made. Pastors can now talk about politics from the pulpit. I honestly don’t know if that means endorsing someone. I could care less. Why? Because here is my answer…two words: Aaaah NO!
You heard me correctly. NO! And it may make me a pariah among my fellow pastors. And it may make me persona non grata. But read my lips: NO! In case you have any doubt, would you like me to repeat that? Probably not. 🙂
Why am I being so snarky and adamant about that? Well, I’m glad you asked. For years, and I mean for years (so many I can’t count them), I have steadfastly refused to preach politics from the pulpit. It was illegal, for one. A church could lose its tax-exempt status if found guilty. So, obviously, I would refrain. Little did they know I could care less about losing tax-exempt status. I wasn’t going to preach politics anyway. Why?
BECAUSE THE PULPIT IS NOT THE PLACE TO DISCUSS POLITICS! IT IS THE PLACE TO TALK ABOUT JESUS-HIS DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION AND HOW HE CAN CHANGE ANYONE’S LIFE WHO COMES TO HIM ALONE.
Granted, a changed life does affect (or should) how we treat others. But to take sides or to endorse a particular candidate? Read it again: Aaaah NO! “But Bill! Don’t you talk about abortion or same-sex attraction or some other issues plaguing our culture?” Yes, yes I do. But I do not see them as social issues; I see them as moral issues. They rank right up there with lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, etc. You know…the sins Moses mentions in Exodus 20 and Jesus talked about. Speaking out about sin is the right thing to do. Speaking out about and/or endorsing a political candidate is not. This world…and yes most churches…are divided politically. Why in the world would I want to widen the rift when God has left the church to do His (not a politician’s) work in this world?
So…permission or not, the people of the church I pastor will never hear a political message or endorsement from the pulpit. They WILL HEAR an endorsement of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who came to die, be buried and to raise again and to change lives and to make us new creatures. Case closed (and I’m done talking about it). 🙂
Amen, Bill, and amen again! The only message that will matter for eternity is the one God gives us in His Son, Jesus. That should be the focus of every minister who preaches from the pulpit. Blessings always!
I totally agree, of course, Martha. Paul said he would preach Christ crucified. I’ll go along with him. 🙂
Hadn’t heard this before, Bill! Like you, Dick never did and never would preach politics. There are enough other public outlets for that and so few for preaching the gospel.
It just feels like a step in the wrong direction.
It is a step in the wrong direction Pam. I also think it will muddy the water as to what is acceptable and what is not.
I agree, Bill. Politics has invaded everything, and the church needs to stand apart. During President Trump’s first term, one of our pastors made a joke in the pulpit that insulted both Trump and the people who had voted for him. The church wasn’t prepared for the explosion that followed. My objection, which I expressed directly to him, was that such a joke both ridiculed about 85 percent of the congregation and focused attention on politics instead of Biblical teaching. It also denigrated those of us who had struggled throughout the 2016 campaign with how to vote. Since then, the church has studiously avoided politics, and I dread the thought of opening that door.
Thanks Glynn for that honesty and heart-wrenching comment. It is a fine line no doubt and treading that line is getting tougher. I agree with your approach though in that it denigrated some. That will always be the case when politics is brought up. Thanks again for this comment. It explores and illustrates the difficulty.
I know your heart and know you have preached on various topics that tend to rise up on the “agenda” that particular parties push, abortion being one. However, I think there may be a time, and I believe that time is getting much closer, where the church may have to take a stronger stand against such things. However, our number one responsibility is to show the Love of Christ. A stronger stand does not mean militant. A stronger stand means holding to the foundation of the truth and when asked, not being afraid to share that truth. Even if it may be viewed as “political”.
I know your heart and because of that I will let your comment slide. 🙂 Just kidding. You are right though. There may come a time when a stand will have to be taken.
Totally agree with Bill, and I thank you for not talking about politics from the pulpit. I also hate politics, because you can not make rules and laws for moral values, that takes a change of heart that only God can provide. Nothing would make me happier than to see a politician say, I went before God to pray about this, and no matter what the popular vote is, I am following my Lord and Savior. However, I have not heard that from any politician.
Thanks Gail for the encouragement. I like your last thought and I would have to say I have not heard that out of the mouth of any politician yet either.
I speak, ok mostly I write, because no one ever listens to me. ;), about things I love and things that interest me. Politics.. have always failed me. Religion (mainly Jesus) has never failed me. It’s that easy!
It will happen every time on the first. It will never happen on the second. You choose well.