Rourke: The following is another insightful post written by James Robison and originally published HERE at The Stream.
By James Robison
The U.S presidential race is heating up with the Iowa caucus just around the corner, and whenever a preacher, priest or rabbi addresses some issue of national and moral importance that our political leaders are involved in, we hear the cry, “Stay out of politics!” That view is dangerously misguided.
I have often said that religious leaders should champion principles rather than parties and personalities. When pastors rush to jump on board this or that politician’s campaign, it risks making the church appear to be an arm of a party or politician. But the solution isn’t to disengage from politics. That’s deeply dangerous. The answer instead is an energetic championing of foundational principles — including the dignity of all human life, the importance of human freedom and justice for all, the danger of unchecked political power and unlimited government, and the importance of living within our national means so we don’t drown future generations under our public debt. Championing these foundational principles means that even religious leaders sometimes will, and must, “get political.”
What if William Wilberforce had decided to “not get political” in the face of the English slave trade? What if Martin Luther King, Jr., had decided to “not get political” when it came to institutionalized racism a half a century ago? Of course they should have gotten political, and we thank God they did. But today, when faced with a culture where the innocent unborn are being slaughtered by the millions and sold for parts, and where those who aren’t aborted face the prospects of a crippling national debt a generation from now if something isn’t done very soon, well then suddenly we are supposed to “not get political.”
Nonsense.
The truth is that all people of faith, and certainly preachers of the Word of God, are obligated to speak out boldly and to stand for their convictions. People with a secular, humanist, God-denying view that assaults Judeo-Christian biblical views and diminishes the importance of America’s founding documents are continually organizing in every community. They force their views on the population through protests and radical political activism while never voluntarily yielding an inch of their “sacred” turf, however unsacred it actually is. They expect the church community to shut up and go back to sleep, and keep our faith to ourselves.
Yes, our battle is not against flesh and blood, and we must toil for our principles winsomely and with grace, but strive we must.
There are some people who love God who have asked me, “James, are you getting too political?” Exactly what does that mean? Am I concerned? Yes. Do I care? Yes. Do I love God and people? Yes. Do I want to assist the suffering, homeless and elderly? Yes. Am I called to help rebuild the walls, restore the foundation, and faithfully present the one reliable standard — the Word of the living God? Yes, and all of this is also why I am compelled to “get political.”
But don’t misunderstand me. Although it is the right of any citizen to endorse a candidate, I don’t think it is the wisest practice for preachers in most cases. Instead, I suggest church leaders exhort all candidates, parties and voters to champion principles essential to freedom. I gladly pray for and with any candidate and have with many during this campaign.
The candidates know I don’t endorse but exhort them to seek the wisdom of Divine Providence. This keeps the door open to communicate concerns, as I have not committed to only one. I will talk to, counsel, challenge, pray for and with any candidate running for any office or holding any office. I will love them all even if I firmly disagree. But understand: I will not be silent concerning issues of life and freedom, becoming an inspire-no-one preacher. As a minister of the Gospel and one called to deliver the truth that sets us free and keeps us free, I will endorse biblical truth, compassion, strong marriages and families, and the importance of everyone assuming responsibility for their actions.
I must speak truth in the political sphere as well as elsewhere, confronting evil and foolishness in government in the same way the prophets of the Bible did. And I challenge all leaders in the faith community to stand up for faith, freedom and life. In spite of the protestations to the contrary, many of the secularists with their grip on the reins of power in our nation’s institutions don’t want an open discussion of the root problems facing our nation and world, so they focus on disqualifying the opponent. If they can get the public to dismiss or disqualify the faith perspective, they don’t have to defend their own inadequate solutions.
But don’t fall for it. Don’t fall for their invitation to practice “freedom of worship” but not freedom of religion both in and beyond the public square. Fulfill your stewardship responsibilities as people born into a republic. If you were a Christian trapped in North Korea, you would have various stewardship responsibilities as member of God’s household. Exercising the freedom to vote would not be one of them. But you were blessed to be born in a constitutional republic. That means that thoughtfully participating in the democratic process is a part of your stewardship responsibilities as a servant of God.
I am grieved to discover that only a small percentage of eligible voters even avail themselves of that privilege and responsibility. It is our nation. Its failure or success depends in no small measure on our involvement. Study the candidates and issues, and vote faithfully for those who hold truth, freedom and sound principles dear.
I also encourage qualified people to serve in public office, whether on a homeowners’ association, PTA, school board, or in a political office at the local, state or national level. We need the best to run and be elected to serve for the benefit of the people. If called to such work, it is the Christian’s duty to answer that call.
As followers of God, we believe in the biblical view of history, in a Creator, in a purpose-filled creation, and of moral absolutes grounded in a perfectly good Creator. We believe that for any law to work properly, it must align with the truths and purposes revealed in the book of the Bible and in the book of nature, both authored by a good and loving God. These include the truth that all humans are made in the image of God and so every human is precious, free and responsible for his actions.
And that truth means embracing and championing the sound principles of truth, justice, liberty and personal stewardship. We also embrace the family as a cornerstone for a sustainable society. We resist political efforts to redefine the family until the idea of marriage, older than any government, ceases to have any meaning.
We also embrace the community of faith as salt and light in this world, not as something to be left in the cupboard of society, out of the public light. We embrace civil government as the protector of our freedom but not the provider of our needs.
If championing all this means “getting too political,” then so be it. We are called to get political, not in a ham-fisted and partisan way that falls for the cult of this or that personality, but by championing foundational principles and speaking prophetically to a government that in so many ways has lost its way. So let’s be a light that helps reveal the way.
If religious leaders wish to get political then they should be required to pay taxes like the rest of us. In fact I believe that all the various religions in this country should pay taxes anyway. They probably account for billions of dollars and pay no taxes hiding behind this religious exclusion. They already gotten too envolve in elecrions over the tears by having candidate speak in churchs.
I agree with Dr Dobson, Christians, pastor and lay people, should have the right to speak just like anyone else does without fear. America was founded on Religious freedom and were given the Freedom of speech. I pray America and Americans will wake up before it is to late. Keep Looking UP
So .. don’t beat me up too much here. Any person of principal should be admonished to speak their mind, without recrimination. We are all however responsible for the effects of what we say. What we say and how we say it is very important. There is insight and there is incite. Insight is good.. Incite not so much, or at least not necessarily. It is presumptuous to say any single leader, regardless of faith or brand of faith, would have the only answer for everyone. I think it might be irresponsible to speak as though one view is the only way to do something. I am not dinging Christianity, I am one and don’t care who knows. Over my years I have seen enough disagreement and disunity in the Christian “Community” and between non-Christian Communities. I’m not even saying Christians should compromise. Certainly not their faith, but perhaps in the way they communicate. What then is a leaders responsibility, Christian or otherwise? I doubt that inciting speeches, which send people off to burn and steal is the way. I also doubt that telling a congregation that some segment of the population should be hurt is the way either. I have seen and heard both near home, and in other parts of the country by supposed religious leaders. I think a leader is responsible for setting the example of behavior and speech, for coaching in general, and for reaching out to have dialogue with those of opposing as well similar views. I’m not sure the political description is even valid. As the author implies, you speak to the issues, and if some of them are political, so be it. Believe or not as you choose, but if you want people to listen, and empathize with what and who you are, to seek common ground, then show them someone willing to do the same for them. That being said it rarely if ever sway anyone much. However if all we can do is agree to disagree, and let each follow his own path without hate and violence, that would be better. That being said I am not seeing that happen much either. There is influence and money in hate that draw even leaders into it’s sway for any number of reasons. I have no conclusion really. I speak my mind, try to be mindful of others, and do the best I can with what I have. Hope that is enough. Regardless, if it’s all I can do, it’s all I can do.
This country is where it is because the pulpit has been silent, no doubt in fear of losing the tax exemption.
PR