Should religious leaders meddle in U.S. politics?

Question

Several days ago, a Catholic Bishop in Rhode Island came out against Rudi Guiliani's presidential bid - and a few weeks earlier, a Catholic Cardinal had urged passage of the pending immigration bill. Among the Evangelicals, Jerry Falwell isn't around any more, but James Dotson is, and I saw him on CNN recently, arguing that he has a right to tell his followers how to vote. Does he? Do tax-emept religious organizations have the right to interfere in domestic politics?

To kathy_is_a_nurse:
I drew the line at tax exempt religions, which should be clear enough in my original question.

Answer 1

The question you should be asking is why would any of the followers of these numskulls give them such power over their lives? They all presumably have minds of their own and should not allow a moron of the ilk of Pat Robertson, James Dotson, or anyone else tell them how to vote. Despite Dotson's claims, he has no such right. Even if the people to whom he refers are his followers, they aren't his property and they aren't his automatons. Or are they?

The government has set up guidelines regarding the operation of so-called "tax-exempt religious organizations," and is beginning to revoke said status of some groups whose activities clearly cross the line between religious exhortation and political militancy. I believe we may see numerous groups lose their protected status soon.

Answer 2

I seem to recall that religions are supposed to have something to do with conscience and morality. If we truly follow our conscience, there will be times when we'll feel compelled to take political action. I think that it's OK for everyone, including religious leaders to express their political views, but not OK, immoral in fact, to use their religion to influence others. So these people have a right to express their views, but they cross the line when they threaten excommunication of pro-choice politicians, for example. Or tell their followers that "God would want" this or that. It may not be illegal, but it is arrogant and deceitful... two qualities that no religion supports.

The other thing is that it's a two way street. If you turned the question around and asked religious leaders if the government should meddle in religious affairs, I think you would get a very different reaction. Religious leaders should realize it works both ways.

Good question!

Answer 3

My friend have you defined that word you used "religion"? I see you did restrict it as modern, but I am not sure where you draw the line between modern and other than modern. Likewise I must ask you. "What do you mean by the word god you used? Since it is god and not God or GOD I must assume it can be almost anything. Thus I must say I do suspect they do in some way, shape or form. I personally see a god as something that can have an influence in your life and God as something one turns to for guidance. I don't use the word GOD unless to prove a point or to discuss an issue. I sure hope as a "NO" you do better define some points in your book when you do write it. Have a good day and do smile

Answer 4

Let me see you mean religious non profit, since you would not care if a gay rights group said something ??

Or how about if the humane society said something?

They are all citizens, and they all have equal rights, merley being a religoius does not take away thier rights.

We are suppose to be protected in our religion from the government, not the government protected from religion.

But yes, in fact they need to do more of this, so to help put the nation back on a moral track

Answer 5

If one has the freedom of speech one should be able to say about anything they want if what they say does not bring any real harm or have and measurable adverse effect upon another.

As an American we have rights and freedom of speech is one of them and although it is difficult one must allow people there point of view.

Mr. Dotson can not vote more than once and can say what he will, if people are going to follow him then they will, they will follow anyone else also.

I think a more valid question would arise when a minister or cleric would run for office. I do not believe that Clergy, Minister, or Reverends should be able to hold office, or even run for office if they receive funds from the taxpayer.

Answer 6

They are American citizens that have a right to vote and speak out against what they feel is wrong - or in support of what is right.

No different than what the immoral liberal horde are doing through GLAAD, NAMBLA, ACLU, and other organizations.

Try to remember some history, it was the preachers and ministers of the country that were advocating for independence from the pulpit, and then even went out and formed a brigade that served under Washington during the War of Independence.

They have every right to speak

Addendum - there is no "Seperation of Church and State" in the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, or the Constitution - ANYWHERE. It was first brought forth in the 50's when the Supreme court ruled to stop the use of public school buses to transport children to church related afterschool programs.

The Justice cited a passage from the UN Manifesto that dictated that for humanity to realize its full potential of social justice and equality, that there must be a "seperation of church and state". This was written by a collaboration of European socialists and communists. If the people of faith are involved in their government - it is harder to move the government into a socialist/communistic sway.

The fact the Justice, who wrongfully consulted a international document - and not our Constitution, slips the minds of liberals.

Answer 7

If churches want to give up their non profit status, ( 5013C ) and pay income taxes, then you can't prevent them from doing it. All the same, Religion and politics should be kept separate as much as possible.

Answer 8

Where do you draw the line if you are going to ban religious leaders stating their opinions on political issues? Unions? Racial leaders? Gay rights organizations? Feminist organizations? Etc.? Which special interest groups HAVE a right to make recommendations to their constituents...and which don't in your mind? A lot of non-profit organizations besides religious ones get tax benefits, ya know.

Edit...Thank you for more clearly stating your prejudice...whoops, I meant your bias...or is it your agenda...uh, your position...no I was right the first time...your prejudice.

Answer 9

Never mix religion and politics. Never! That's why the concept "separation of church and state" made it's way into the constitution in spite of the religious zealots who were part of the drafting process.

Tax exempt status makes it illegal to advance any political position or campaign for any political party.

Answer 10

Why didn't mention Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton?

Come you only pick on the conservative religous influnce.

Bill Clinton conduct more speeches in Churches and envoked the Jesus and God tha Bush but you are all over Bush.

I just think you want only people you agree with to be heard from.