www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall churches and politics

Here is a very interesting article that I think some on this board may find interesting. Although it is concerned with local politics here in Kansas, it is an issue that could easily be played out around the country. Just how far can churches and other non-profit organizations go in trying to influence politcal change? And if they go too far, what happens then? Something we all should probably think about.

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/9092043.htm

Here in Philadelphia politics in church is normal. Most politicians here can't get elected without some "preaching" on "social injustice" inside a church. What gaul me is that it is taking place with one party only and when the other party decides to follow suit, all heck breaks out.

JoeS

Dear Don,

You have brought up a serious subject, which has come up in a number of areas in the USA. There are those who seek to keep pastors "in line" with their point of view. This occurs in other countries as well.

I think it is more a question of the pastor's expression of traditional Christian values, than of the "partisan" affiliation. Many pastors have been active in politics, such as Jesse Jackson, Jerry Falwell, and Al Sharpton, giving their opinions on public policy issues.

But the real criticism comes up when preachers strongly emphasize traditional Christian positions. It is of course possible for a preacher to incite real hatred against people or groups based on race, nationality, language or lifestyle. But, a clergyman should be able to cite his Bible verses in support of the traditional position of his Church.

I do not defend those who would incite acts of violence against any person, or group, but it seems to me that some traditonal positions are "incorrect" in our current climate. For example, a recent case from Sweden:



I understand that similar criminal charges have been threatened in Canada.

According to the Wichita article:



There have been two major political systems in the last century that sent informers into Churches to tell the government enforcers what the pastors were saying

--- they were not "liberals-to moderates"

--- they were Nazis and Communists

Sadly, they are among us today, coming to get a pastor near you.

John
Pilgrim and Odd Duck

"coming to get a pastor near you." I don't think so. This is still America. We do have certain freeedoms here and the freedom of speech is one of them.

Anyway, although I certainly think it is a fact that church teachings do influence voters and help form their consciences regarding how they will vote(hopefully for the good) I still think most churches value the right of their members to freely form that conscience and vote on their own. When a voter enters that booth and punches those holes in the ballot it is an exercise of their freedom to make that decision.

Porter

Unless you are a Roman Catholic in certain dioceses and threatened with excommunication if you vote for the wrong man or woman. Although, if I remember my Summa correctly, one is obliged to follow one's conscience, even if that should lead to an unjust excommunication.

Last time I looked, nobody was allowed into the voting booth except the voter.

Whatever decisions you make there remain private unless you choose to share it, or unless there is some sort of mandatory "debriefing." Haven't seen anything of the sort yet, and hope I never do.

Sharon

Thanks, Sharon,

I think that is what I was trying to say and I do appreciate the way you put it.

As for the others' comments regarding the subject of "excommunication" that is far afield from anything I was trying to say. So, no response here and not going there....


Blessings,

In Christ and the Theotokos,

Porter.