Should he not focus on the word of God rather than spew his opinions.
2006-07-02 06:25:55 · 33 answers · asked by Veteran who served proudly. 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I would find a church where the pastor sticks to forcing his religious beliefs on you, not his political one too.
2006-07-02 06:29:05 · answer #1 · answered by Rex R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The separation of church from state prevents the government from promoting, or suppressing a particular religion or indeed religion at all. It does not bear on the conduct of churches as it relates to issues, unless the church involved practices political support of candidates directly with funds and benefits etc. This doesn't mean that the pastor can't endorse a candidate, because this is just an opinion and this is (and has to be) protected by the first amendment.
The same applies to the anti-war diatribes from the pulpit.
As someone once said: "I don't agree with what he says, but I will fight to the death for his right to say it"
For myself, if the stream of invective is bad enough, you are probably not the only one thinking that this isn't what he is there for. Find out what the commonality of opinion is. If there are a bunch of you, consider meeting with him or with elders if you church has that system. A polite, well worded letter with a lot of clear legible signatures carries a lot of weight as well.
If you find that you are on your own in the congregation, well...
You have a decision to make. Is this the congregation for you ? You may have to vote with your feet if all else fails.
2006-07-02 06:38:15 · answer #2 · answered by Bufford M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your pastor is exercising another liberty we have in the "Freedom of Speech". The trouble is that many are asking questions much like you have and saying that if a Church chooses to tread on the realm of Politics and effect politics then they should not be tax exempt as Church's are, in keeping with Separation of Church and State. The reason for the separation goes back to England where in times past the Church dictated governmental policy and practice. Your preacher should be more concerned with sharing Christ to his congregation but unfortunately so many preachers are more speakers than they are ministers and even worse they assume a position of ultimate power in the Church and thereby they feel that they can and do set Church doctrine. The separation of Church and State can be abused on both government's side and on Churches side and unfortunately folks like you are caught in the middle. Share your concern with your deacons or elders, in confidence for they are the main ones that can control the pulpit in a church.
2006-07-02 06:34:01 · answer #3 · answered by alagk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would defy anyone to show me where a separation of church and state is mandated in the constitution. The constitution only defines that neither the state nor the government will not establish a state religion.
The forefathers wrote this into the constitution to avoid the problems created in England by the Church of England which we still see in progress today in Ireland where an uneasy truce stands between the Catholics and Protestants.
This Pastor has the right to make any statement he wishes at any time whether in the pulpit or not. I will not defend his actions, but I will defend to my death his right make his statements.
2006-07-02 06:33:25 · answer #4 · answered by rhutson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The separation of church and state only applies to our government. Unfortunately, your pastor can spew anything he or she wants from the pulpit. I suggest you find a new church that teaches the word of God rather that the word of man.
2006-07-02 06:27:31 · answer #5 · answered by Michael F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find another church. Any pastor that can bad mouth our country and our military is not a true man of God. The separation of church and state was based on the Religious wars that started when Martin Luther pinned his Edict of Worms.
2006-07-02 06:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by andy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a very good pastor apparently. If he was offering comfort to help people understand why the war it would be understandable. If he is preaching against the government, then maybe he is overstepping the bounds.
I would confront him, and ask him what he thinks he is doing.
What he is doing is trying to influence his congregation. He probably doesn't realize that he may actually be scaring his flock.
I would find another place to worship, and write a letter to his superiors.
But, if you attend a mosque and not a church, and you are referring to your imam as a pastor, then I would turn him in to homeland security.
2006-07-02 06:44:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because he is no in government. Separation of church and state means that the government cannot favor one religion over others. Your pastor is free to preach as he sees fit, as long as it is within the set of beliefs of your church. If you don't like how he preaches you are also free to look for another church.
2006-07-02 06:29:20 · answer #8 · answered by slackster1998 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches that are "not for profit" organizations cannot endorse politicians with out risking losing their status. You pastor should pray for a quick resolution and stay out of politics.
Catholic churches don't tell what party to vote for but do say vote for a pro life candidate
2006-07-02 06:35:55 · answer #9 · answered by Luchador 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should, but the separation of church and state is intended to keep the government from telling you what to believe in and to keep organized religions from telling you who to vote for. The rest is a gray are that is often debated. If you have a real problem with it, report them to the IRS. If the church is using it's position to preach politics, they can have their tax exemption status taken from them.
2006-07-02 06:29:18 · answer #10 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋