A few weeks ago Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the USA, said these words to the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 49th general conference, held in in Nashville, Tennessee:
"To anyone who says that church is no place to talk about these issues, you tell them there is no place better – no place better. Because ultimately, these are not just political issues – they are moral issues."
I like the idea of discussing politics in church and like the thought of presenting a moral aspect of issues from the pulpit. Seems like an appropriate teaching venue. Yet I am not in favor of preachers slamming or endorsing candidates. In my opinion, biased politicking has no place in spiritual messages. What do you think?
There are different aspects of politics. There are moral issues which I think should be preached in church. There are practical issues which are more a matter of judgment. Endorsing a candidate involves not only his stance on the issues but our opinion of his or her character. This is a judgment I feel should be left to the individual and I feel should not be dictated in church.
ReplyDeleteAgree Mike. Jesus seemed to steer clear of civil politics. Seems like should be able to as well. Interesting though, Jesus did seem to jump into religious politics with both feet.
DeleteBottom line, they all are issues. The question is how do we divide them into "political" and "religious" issues? Some issues are a hotbed for making people mad more than others.
ReplyDeleteWhen it is about something "minor", like stealing, is it political or religious?
When it is about something "major", like abortion, is it political or religious?
They are both political and religious. How do we gauge how political or religious they are? How should we divide what issues should not be talked about in church? Or is that censorship?
Thanks for the great comment Oscar! Perhaps the difference is morality deals with right and wrong while politics deal with how to deal with right and wrong?
DeleteSome people argue that the church is a holy temple AND political discussion will do "harm" to the temple. But the argument is based on assumptions: the church is a holy temple. (metaphor is not established fact). The other assumption is that the role of the church is to avoid politics
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Anonymous. I agree with your take. In the end church is not a place to go to but people who bring church to places.
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