Do you find it acceptable for a pastor to have a political opinion as long as it is kept out of the pulpit?

Question

As a church pastor, I stand firm on the church staying out of the state business. But I am still a citizen of the USA, can I still exercise my duty to my fellow citizens, to be part of the political discussion and process?

And if so, would it also be prudent to show that same zeal in keeping the church out of the state business, by making my political position that of one that is of benefit to the people of the USA as a whole, and not of benefit to my religious beliefs and Christian peers?

Ooops.. I just noticed a typo... In the end of the details, I meant to type... "Not just for the benefit of my religious beliefs and my christian peers only".

Not "and not of benefit to my religious beliefs and Christian peers? "

Sorry, my bad. :-(

Answer 1

I believe that man should follow the law of land as it says in the bible, but that the separation of church and state is necessary for the government function but not necessarily the church function.

the pulpit is an excellent place to teach the word of God and encourge good works through political action. Separation of personal interests versus religious rights sometimes is difficult. For example, you may personally benefit from land being rezoned for a purpose which will increase your funds, but many others may come to harm. Careful consideration should be taken with each issue so as to speak from the heart of Christ not the heart of the speaker..........

Will pray for you.

Answer 2

NO!!! if you mean religious beliefs that have become political then these need to be addressed inside and outside of the pulpit.
Yes if you mean true state business items that are not tied to religious beliefs. Personally you can have any political point of view you want outside of your role as a religious leader/teacher. If this point of view differs from the church teachings I would think you are a hypocrate and need some deep introspection though that doesn't change your right to those opinions and personal support for whomever you choose outside of the church. In reality if these views are as your question says "not of benefit to my religious beliefs and Christian peers" you should get a job you truely believe in.

A Pastor is not properly serving his religion or congregation if he does not stand up for the religion even when it becomes a political issue. People want to know and receive an explanation of what their church's stand is on the issues of the day based on the religious beliefs of the church. Religion should stand on their beliefs and if those beliefs happen to become political that should not stop the church from stating and teaching what is right and wrong. They want to know how their religious organization stands on the issues of the day and based on religious teachings why this is the proper point of view. My key point here is religious beliefs. I'm not suggesting the pulpit be used for non-religious political opinions.

To use abortion as an example: A pastor needs to state the religious point of view regarding abortion and why. If a religion opposes killing an unborn child then they should stand up against abortion and make sure the congregation knows this is wrong and teach them by useing religious context why abortion is wrong. That is a pastor's duty.

I'm not suggesting a pastor pick a candidate they prefer based on non-religious personal views and promote that candidate from the pulpit. That is wrong. I am suggesting a pastor has a duty to stand up and explain the church's religious beliefs and make sure the congregation knows the basis for those beliefs. They also have a right to inform the congregation what the views are of the various candidates based on the church's position of those issues and how these agree or disagree.

Abortion is only the example used here though there are many issues a church and pastor should take positions on and teach the congregation why that position is proper based on that church's specific religious teachings.

IE. The religious definition of marriage and family, capital punishment, charity, communism and it's impact on religion, basic rights of freedom and equality ie. quota systems, etc. etc. Some other subjects that allow discussion though do not meet the same obvious religious standard. Eliminating property tax breaks for churchs, allowing tax payer money to be used by private organizations for a range of community outreach services (charity/freedom or religion not freedom from religion), educational vouchers so people have a right to use the money they've provided to the government to receive the benefit of education they choose, etc., etc., etc.

People want to their church's stand on the issues of the day and the religious reason why.

If you read this I thank you for your time.

Answer 3

Sure. You have a right to have an opinion and to express it. You just have to make sure that you don't implicitly suggest that your opinion is the opinion of the church. I would suggest that when you discuss your political opinions you make it clear that they are your personal opinions. Other than that you have as much right to be involved in the political process and express your rights of free speech as anyone else.

As to the second part of your question, that is a matter of philosophy. What you consider a benefit to the people could be widely interpreted. Some would say that converting everyone to Christianity is of benefit. But it would over-step the responsibilities of government. So that is a balance you will have to find for yourself. I have always interpreted the first amendment to mean that the laws of the United States shall not intrude into matters of religion. Anyone can worship anything they want any way they want anywhere they want, regardless of who is offended by it as long as no one is harmed and no ones freedom or property is threatened. You may interpret it differently but that is how I see it. Which kind of bothers me when I see the ACLU pulling down Christian symbols. That violates the free practice clause. Just as it would if they belonged to any other religion. There is no right to not be offended in the Constitution, but that's a side track. Anyway I hope I could help.

Answer 4

Yes to the first question/ not sure on the second question, though, since the benefits to the USA as a whole and the Christian community probably clash sometimes. I think a Christian's first loyalty should be to God, not the USA.

Answer 5

Pastor, I believe God wants you to do the right thing. As a spiritual leader you must be certain that you stand on firm doctrine. Many Pastors have shown incredible courage and faith in the streets of America fighting for civil rights, fighting against war and fighting against abortion and capital punishment. Let God lead and you and you will make the correct stand, what I want to know is where was the spiritual leadership in this country leading up to the Iraq invasion?

Answer 6

It's a "Catch 22" Pastor. Since you have a tax free status.
And with separation of church and state.
We can't say the "Pledge of Allegance" in our schools.
Yet we vote in our churches.
If we have One day off to express our religious beliefs.
But we do not have a day off to vote politically.
You can stand in a court room, and swear on the bible.
If not, you are looked upon as being guilty of something.
But a polition can stand before a commision and get by with
saying "not to the best of my recollection" and move on.
You may express your opinions at the bollot box please!

Answer 7

To me Christians are not to be like the world and if we are constantly concerning our selves with what the government is doing than we will constantly be taking on changing the world through the worlds ways instead of what Jesus wanted us to do....Now with that said I believe also that a Pastor you have a right (in the Church ) to lead and give wisdom for the future of your flock and you should give your(knowing that you have okayed it with God of course) thoughts and concerns but to agree about government is not Christian like to me. Of course I am not in charge and don't want to be so listen to your heart and pray alot about this.

Answer 8

Sure its fine. Not having a polticial opinion would be relaxing too much on your responsibility as an American citizen.
As long as you have enough common sense to realize that religion shouldn't mix with politics, there shouldn't be any concern.
You sound like a very intelligent and very realistic person, unlike many people who try to make our government into an institution governed by faith.

I don't have any problem with the opinion of people of faith, until they feel it necessary to infuse our government with their faith.
True, intelligent Christians realize, that mixing politics with religion only corrupts them both.

Many Christians need to be reminded, that they aren't spiritually responsible for the individual choices of others. that is why Christ came as the Prince of Peace, and a teacher, rather than a politician.
It sounds like you are one of the few, who actually understood the teachings of Christ. Good Job!

Answer 9

I do think that:
1. You can have a political opinion.
2. You should, for the most part, keep it out of the pulpit.

However, when the state is doing something that is against God's law(s), don't you think that you have a duty to speak up?

Answer 10

I believe you have the same rights to an opinion as anyone else. But I come to church to hear the word of God, not the word of any politician whether I agree with them or not.