You may have heard about the handful of pastors over the weekend who decided to defy IRS regulations and use their pulpits to publicly endorse candidates
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/29/pub-pastors-participate-pulpit-freedom-sunday/
For those unfamiliar with what this can do to a church, it has been IRS policy that a church risks losing its tax-exempt status if the pulpit is used for this purpose. I’ve typically been of the mindset that the Church has too embedded itself into politics in general, believing in effect that we unwittingly communicate a message that our faith is more based upon legislating morality and values through politics than making known the life-changing truth of Jesus and the character of God. (See my earlier post on the Church and politics, if you’re interested.)
What do you think about this stance over the weekend? I can see some valid arguments from both sides, but I’m curious as to how you see it.
Hi, I'm Scott and this is my bio attempt. God has a sense of humor... I work at a church. That's not the path I figured coming out of grad school, but when He called, thankfully I didn't try to win a battle of merits between my plan and His. So, how'd that play out? Well, in 2001 I left commercial real estate and went on staff at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. This place captured my heart the first time I walked in the doors. God, thanks for letting me do this for as long as you let me do it!
interesting stuff indeed! now how does this affect Georgia churches? by law, we are not tax exempt in the first place, correct?
Well, we are exempt from Federal tax, which is where this stand was really pushing the issue, but you’re correct, we still have to pay state sales tax and stuff like that. That’s the stuff we’re not exempt from.
It should be well noted that JUDAS ISCARIOT tried to use Jesus’ ministry as a platform for political and military uprise.
He was in extreme error to say the least.
Jesus rebuked Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane for trying to use force on Jesus’ captors putting to rest any misconceived notions that this was some uprising.
There are many other examples where Jesus went to great lengths to distance himself and his ministry from being considered political or military.
I am sickened by many things in the pulpit and find this “vain revolution for political freedom of speech” particularly irreprehensible and contrary to the teachings and overall impetus of Jesus’ ministry.
As a sideline note I would also like to point out that none of the candidates are running for office of priest or pastor.
To criticize one politician for being “pro choice” or in favor of stem cell research while giving full support to a candidate who advocates fully the use of war, torture, and nuclear armament not only for defense but also as a ” first strike” option, is garbage and contradicts all that Jesus came to establish as his message and legacy.
I would like to add another thought that sacrificing a church’s tax exempt status is extremely irresponsible when considering that the minister is being entrusted with money that did not come from him nor belongs to him.
(see all the biblical listings for stewardship).
I would like to charge and challenge all elders and/ or board members to challenge and rebuke your pastor if you feel he is abusing his post of shepherd for the sake of spewing politically in a place that should bring respite from all of this rather than becoming a platform for it.
Scott,
I’m a little late to the party here, but catching up on my RSS feed after vacation and Catalyst.
I’m terribly uneducated on this topic, but here are a few thoughts:
-There is a legitimate freedom of speech issue here, I think. Why should other non-profits be able to endorse a candidate but not churches? Seems that churches should be treated like other non-profits. I think these pastors are fighting against censorship, and I’m all for that.
-The point is moot. Even if the IRS were to change its policy, I would never want to see churches start advocating specific candidates or political parties. In fact, I can’t imagine much worse. Talk about sideways energy and losing focus! We are here for one purpose alone, and we should bend over backward to make sure that democrats, republicans, libertarians, and independents ALL feel welcome in our midst.
Good to see you on Thursday, even if it was way too brief!