Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance, says there are dangerous consequences for religion when houses of worship get too political. Do you think clergy should be allowed to engage in politicking from their pulpits? Where are the lines? Leave a comment below.
Sorry, you need the latest version of the free flash player in order to watch the video clips.
I go to my spiritual leader for spiritual guidance...
...‘Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’
Matthew 22.1-20
cbc
When clerics forgo spiritual counsel and assume the mantle of political persuasion, they cease to be clerics - they're hacks - not wonks, but hacks - no matter their intent. A religious leader, with pulpit endorsements, insults their flock. In essence, they're saying, "your faith is not viable or authentic enough to make the right choice; consequently, I, or my betters, will make it for you. I fear the consequence of such activity is the strangulation of theological (and political) dialogue within religious bodies - not to mention across religious lines. Our world needs increased communication - not polarization.
Politics divide and separate in parties among which there is antagonism and fanaticism. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave a clear answer: “Render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's” (Mt 22/21). We cannot serve two masters at the same time. Politics should be far from the pulpit. From the pulpit only the Word of God should be preached. Politics cannot change people’s hearts. Only Jesus Christ can save us and make us new creature. It will be good to have born again people in public places but I am afraid that the corrupt society is so strong that not Christian has the strength to bring some change. Most of the times Christians who entered in politics lost their saltiness and flavour.
GEORGE KANTARTZIS, P.MELA 20, 601 00 KATERINI, GREECE
My personal answer is a that a preacher, or Pastor should have the same rights as any citizen as long he, or she makes it clear it does not come from the Bible. If one person is clearly a Christian, and the other is not then. We should all vote Christian. What I think, and what the law states are two different things. The seperation of Church, and State is not in the Bible, but letter writtien by a chritian, and stated out of contexts. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. The United States of America was founded by Christians, and the Word God is used in many of the foundation of the United States of America. Pictures out side the Court houses in D.C are all pro-God. Only the blind can not see what is in front of their eyes. Freedom of Speech is one them. Why can a Actor, or t.v person have more rights then a man of God. providing that the person really is a man, or woman of God, Not a wolf in sheep clothing. I am tired of bring a second class citzen. They came in the Mayflower to have freedom of religion, not freedom from Religion. Talk about Civil rights.
God Bless America Vote yes Prop. 8
I agree!
I don't want the agencies of this government telling my church how to preach the Bible. On the other hand, I don't want any institution of faith dictating how I should vote either. God gives me the right to decide Whom I will serve. The state endows me with the privilege to support the candidate who vows to work in my best interest. The United States of America was NEVER a Christian nation. We are a nation of people with many claiming the Name of Christ - NOTHING MORE! So, let the Church be the Lord's Bride, and let the state be the Democratic Republic we create and maintain for the best interest of the people.
There is a very clear separation of state and church in the Constitution and our Declaration of Independence, as well as in the Holy Bible, for a very good reason. When church and state become one monstrous beast over the people, for the people, made up of the people, the church and the state wind up compromised and weakened. Soon each becomes so absorbed in the other, the irreparable damage done to both destroys both and all the people with it.
Many people like the last comment have this whole "church and state" so confused it's amazing. The rebellious spirit of pride is rampant in this country. Notice that if a person is concerned about the government telling them how to preach, they have already let the truth of our great land go unrecognized. The term seperation of church and state came from a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote, implying that we need to guard against the government having a "state church", controlled by the government. It certainly didn't mean that we as Christians weren't to be an influence in politics.
When we make decisions about who we vote for based on what it will benefit us personally, that's exactly what we have going on right now. It's time "the man of God", real Godly men leading by example and without compromise, let their flocks know what the terms "sluggard", "gluttenous", "slacker" and "lazy" really means and how it fits in todays society. That's why over half the people in America are overweight or obese.
People are thinking they are going to be rich because of the person who was wrongfully elected by people looking for a handout and a free ride; looking strictly at what benefits they could get, not what damage it would do for our country.
This mentality was founded in "welfare" by LBJ in the sixties, actually an extension of the FDR influences in this country, when the government was made to be seen as the "saviour" of economic times, during the depression years. The American people have become so confused by the watered down gospel that it's sad. They look to God as the "slot machine in the sky". Put some in and hope for a jsckpot. We as a nation are sick and only repentance and turning to God will change our direction. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to get this off my chest and hopefully some people will take it to heart, if it applies to them.