Invasion of the Politicians

In little more than a year, our nation will gather to elect the leader of our nation that will guide us through four, possibly eight, years. I thank God that we have this opportunity to participate in our democratic government and have a voice in deciding who our earthly government is; however, God will always be our ultimate authority no matter whether we are citizens of a democratic or totalitarian state.

I was reading a news article today that focused on Senator Obama's speech at a church in New Orleans and felt his reference of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount was newsworthy. I am glad that our presidential candidates are willing to public express their faith in Jesus Christ. I pray daily that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide them in the path that God has set forth in his Word. I know my dream of a completely positive presidential campaign has a very little chance of coming true but one can dream.

The reason I bring up Sen. Obama's speech is that it was in a church. It was a political speech setting out reasons why he should be elected president and also attacking others' failures and other political statements. I have no problem at all that he voiced his opinions on a variety of a topics. I am thankful that he is open and honest about his views on the issues that affect our nation since he desires to be our next president.

My concern is that his speech occurred in a church, a place consecrated and dedicated to the holiness of the Lord. Now before you say "You're just saying that because he's a Democrat," let me say that this is something that I have wrestled with in my heart and mind for a while. Republicans are just as guilty of this as Democrats. Obama is specifically mentioned because his was the speech that was in the news today. Why do ministers and pastors allow their houses of worship to be used as a political soapboxes?

These type of speeches completely turn the point of a place of worship on its head. Instead of focusing on the One who created us, we're focusing and in some cases, yes, even idolizing those political figures who present speeches from the pulpits. The pulpits are for the Word of God not the Word of Man.

Pastors have a responsibility to speak the Word of the Lord which of course involves preaching the morals and standards that God has set forth in the Bible. I do not consider that political. These are the ways the Lord has set forth for us to live our lives. I know some ('some' being a general term, not representative of a number) pastors make political statements endorsing a candidate or a party. I am thankful that my senior pastor does not make these kinds of endorsements from his place of leadership of our congregation and community. He merely asks us to follow Jesus and seek him in all our decisions, voting or otherwise. This is the way that pastors should act, not endorsing any form of political agenda, but preaching the Bible and God's purposes.

Why do we become offended or uneasy when our pastors make political statements, yet turn a blind eye when politicians come in our churches stumping for votes? Not only is this a personal question, but one for our nation. Churches and other houses of worship are forbidden from making political endorsements or risk losing their tax-exempt status from the federal government; however, there are no repercussions for a politician coming to that same church and giving a political speech. I see that as an endorsement, but maybe that is just me.

Am I the only one that feels this way? Or is this something that bothers many Christians? If so, why aren't we speaking up? Does it bother you that one day your sanctuary hosts the Holy Spirit of the Living God and the next day hosts Mr. X, state senator up for re-election?