Should pastors speak about politics from the pulpit? Now there’s a loaded question that’s guaranteed to stir some debate and ruffle a few feathers within Christian circles.
On one end of the spectrum, there are some who would say worship should be kept separate from politics and therefore, political topics should never be discussed during a church service. On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who assert that it’s impossible to escape touching on political issues when preaching from God’s Word because much of the instruction, lessons, and principles taught in the Bible are directly relevant to issues and topics of today which are inherently political. So, how do we know who’s right?
Understanding What “Politics” Really Means
Attempting to answer this question first requires one to explore what exactly is being described or alluded to when using the term “politics.” We hear the word “politics” used all the time to describe conversation and content about a wide variety of subjects. For example, if a governing official makes a remark or does something that’s perceived as disparaging towards another people group, it might be said that they committed “political suicide.” When certain views and positions are expressed in favor for or against particular social groups such as a select race or certain gender to sway others’ opinions, it’s often referred to as “identity politics.” If someone adapts their language or modifies their behavior to avoid being labeled insensitive, intolerant, or offensive, they’re typically described as being “politically correct.”
So, what do phrases like these have in common and why are they described as being “political”? They all center around issues and topics relating to communities or collectives of people within a society.
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines politics as “the art or science of government.” It goes on to describe it as, “the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy,” “competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government),” and “the total complex of relations between people living in society.”
In other words, politics involves the practice of providing leadership, articulating standards and procedures, and exercising authority for the governance of a society as it pertains to the subjects, situations, and circumstances arising therein. Okay, okay… I know that sounds complicated. But what it really boils down to is how those in charge deal with the circumstances of life among the people they’ve been commissioned to oversee.
No, I don’t care or want to know what a pastor’s political views are.
if they did they would need to denouce the death cult called the democrat party!
Prior to and during the American Revolution
Farmers got word out through churches and bars regarding strategies for the war
During COVID, those places were the first to be closed down
Preachers need to address the Havoc our Country is facing,, and the demonic parties in our Government