Ohio Churches’ Political Activities Challenged
I’m not one for pushing political activism in and through the church. I certainly believe we need to bring the Word of God to bear on the issues of our day, and I do have certain personal political convictions, but my church is not the forum for supporting specific political candidates and publicly advocating legislative initiatives. Though it is my right and responsibility as a U.S. citizen to be involved in the political process, I have yet to read where Christ indicates such political involvement should be my emphasis through His church.
Even with my reservations toward political activism, I do find it facinating to hear the frequent jabs conservative Christians take from the left when they do happen to mention politics from their pulpits. The cry rings out on the nightly news and from the ever talking cable cronies that such churches should have their IRS tax exempt status revoked. So says 56 left leaning Ohio clergy regarding two conservative Christian churches – as well as The Washington Post.
O.K. – remove their tax exempt status. But let’s also do it with churches such as The Riverside Church in New York City who bosts of left-wing politicians given politicaly partisan speeches from their elaborate pulpit on a regular basis – a church that seems to exist purely for political purposes. Or how about when Barak Obama was introduced at the Democratic National Convention by his pastor via satelite from the sanctuary of his church with choir members standing behind him, while also publicly endorsing John Kerry for President. I don’t remember any outcries here.
I know, I know, my disgruntled attitude will not change anything – I just wanted to rant about it.
