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ELECTIONS APPROACH next year in the United States, and the Supreme Court now has stated clearly that congregations and their pastors may freely speak concerning politics and candidates. This legal action reverses an earlier restrictive mandate known as the Johnson Amendment. We once again, as Christians, may freely indulge in this gift of freedom secured by the sweat and blood of members of this wondrous society and its military might. If we’ve abandoned that privilege in the past, we must deeply reconsider our political responses. You see, Christians have an important role in the world. We are called to consider various political platforms and examine candidates’ discourse, to see if they align with our faith expressions. Then we are called to work toward a just system and dutifully exercise our right to vote. First, realize that the Church still has great influence. According to the power of God expressed through the Holy Spirit, Christians are certainly freed to give voice in all matters according to the proper interpretation of Holy Scripture. This is not always an easy task, however, given that some theologians use eisegesis when searching for scriptural authenticity in order to justify liberal causes. Over many centuries, this error has brought the Church repeatedly to internally consider issues. The turmoil has brought us conflict amid consensus. This struggle has happened both internally and externally in the Church. By the power of the Holy Spirit, however, from this rather tumultuous process we have historically decided those matters which seemed meritorious for the future of gospel proclamation and human response. Similarly in civil government as it now exists in our nation, state, or local powers, the same pathway exists. Political conflict and consensus are present, but a bright future can yet form for this nation. However, we realize that gross confusion exists. We ask ourselves, “How should Church influence society and its laws?” By sermons alone? Or by sermons and civil action? Can we of the Church rightly participate in marches and |
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Black Robe Regiment - Allegany - July 2025 Editorial |
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demonstrations? Do we hold the right to even contemplate civil disobedience? Some persons wrongly state that according to the U.S. Constitution, there should be strict separation of Church and state. Indeed, this throttling legislative language may be read into our founding document, but it rightly applies restrictions only upon the government. The Constitution, as truly read, forbids the government from establishing an official, national religion… and does not in any way restrict the Church or any congregation or Christian… from influencing the workings of the state. Therefore, we may advocate, demonstrate, support and influence political candidacy! For this historical reason, we in these United States should find that full and active Church participation in the American political realm is greatly encouraged. This holds true whether the issue before us is taxation, jobs, healthcare, abortion... or simply putting in a new traffic light up at a local intersection. How far can we Christians go with our freedoms? As a pastor, while I choose not to endorse a particular candidate or party from the pulpit… I address political issues before our congregation, our nation and the public. In this I stand firmly within the traditions of my Church denomination. |
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Christians and Voting... |
