Politics and the Church May 15, 2005
Category:
Politics
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Show Description: By now, you are probably aware of the recent brouhaha at East Waynesville Baptist Church in Waynesville, North Carolina. Because of his views on the immorality of abortion, the Rev. Chan Chandler asked his congregation to vote out nine members of the church for failing to vote Republican in recent elections. While everyone, including pastors, has the right to freedom of speech, it is a dangerous thing for a pastor to align himself or his church exclusively with one particular candidate or party. In fact, it sells God short. The mission of God's Church is far larger than any candidate, party, or even government. A Christian's final and ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3.17 makes that clear. A believer's allegiance is to God first. And God's Kingdom is not of this world.
Many issues are important to Christians: war, poverty, taxes, immigration, abortion to name a few. No party or candidate has a monopoly on those issues. More importantly, no government will bring in the Kingdom of God. No candidate will be our Savior. As the controversy grew, Rev. Chandler opted to resign his position at the church. However, the debate, over if, and how, pastors should address their congregations regarding political and societal issues, continues to heat-up. Very simply, the pastor should not be telling the congregation which lever to pull when they vote. Shaping people's views on specific issues? Yes. Endorsing a candidate or party? No.
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