Is it right for our church's Pastors/Ministers/Priests to try to influence our political affiliations?

Question

I mean, I'm there to listen to the word of God, not be instructed how to exercise my voting rights. Maybe, I missed it somewhere in the readings.... Did God instruct us on how to vote? What political party to be a part of? (I'm registered as an Independent by the way)

In all fairness, no Pastor ever directly said to us "vote for this party , just consider the issues at hand and vote with the party that coinsides with the principles of the Bible"... However, I got the drift.

Answer 1

That depends on whether the church wants to retain it's tax exempt status. They can encourage you to vote, but if they are partisan about it, then they are endangering their IRS status. If you really don't like it, and the church board/pastor will not change his ways, report the church to the IRS for investigation. Churches rarely lose their status, which saves them paying thousands in federal taxes, but it does happen.

The separation of church and state is fundamental to the American constitution and our way of life; remind your church that they cannot do both things; or biblically, the cannot serve God and mammon.

Answer 2

No, they shouldn't as a result of the separation between Church and State, however, it is their responsibility to inform their flock of morality and the right thing to do. So, while they cannot directly influence political affiliations, it is their responsibility to lead the people in the truths of the faith. If this means protesting abortion, then so be it, but there is always that line that they cannot legally cross.

Answer 3

We have a first ammendment that FORBIDS the establishment of an official religeon, whichis why Bush's christain buddies are working so hard to change it. Putting anti abortion judges on the supreme court, faith based initiatives and making people panic over gay marriage and promoting "family and christain values" are all violations of this. Any church that tells you how to vote or denies sacrament or service because of who you are is one you need to stop supporting. Unfortunately, the ONLY way to stop the religeous right, as in any religeous organization is to take their money away. Imagine if everyone just believed in christ, prayed on their own, and did charity work?? Bush, Robertson, Buchanan and the rest of the christain reich would have mass exoduses of their bowels!!-:)

Vin

Answer 4

A minister's responsibility includes advising his congregants about what the Bible teaches on the issues of the day. If that is influencing the vote then so be it.

Answer 5

In as much as Religion is the perfect con. It is government protected, tax free, and the product they sell never has to be delivered until you reach a place that doesn't exist. These Pastors and such are con artists and should have no influence on anything important.

Answer 6

They have no business telling you what political party to be involved in. Do some bible study on what god thinks of you and this modern day government. You will be surprised.

Answer 7

if you go to church then you read the bible right? According to the bible is how you should vote the principles are all there no murder ect.... you need to try to pick the canidate according to their veiws not your own right? Brain washing millions for many years!!!!!!!! You could never have a mind of your own!! no homos, no abortion, just do what I say do not think for yourself!!!

Answer 8

That is only done in predominantly black churches. It does happen in white churches, but it is rare. It is right for our pastors to point out ungodly character in political leaders and issues-its their job.

Answer 9

because we have a secular society which seems to at times be in direct opposition with christian teaching, we do need guidance from our clergy as to identify those who would lead us more properly....in line with the bible.

that said however, it is against the law for a church to openly support one candidate or party over another. that robs them of their tax-exempt status if they are turned in and found guilty of doing such.

it is difficult though, even with clergy support, to identify a candidate who truly believes and who will do only what is right for the church and it's followers. lots of false claims out there of who is and who is NOT religious.

-eagle

Answer 10

Let that which is Ceasar's... No man who is concerned with your spiritual enlightenment should be telling you how to vote. It would be like going to an English teacher to solve a Math problem.