tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post3085078937382852400..comments2024-01-03T21:18:04.198-08:00Comments on In Your Neighborhood: Should Pastors Preach Politics From the Pulpit?High School Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17350238752693393750noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post-6985885234386179382008-08-06T09:25:00.000-07:002008-08-06T09:25:00.000-07:00You have history on your side, Lorraine. It is na...You have history on your side, Lorraine. It is natural that we make our decisions based on our ethical code which includes our spiritual life, but anything beyond "Remember to vote" in the pulpit opens the door to the intolerance of which you speak.Stephanie Friezehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04317117338063884811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post-59149603126297264612008-08-06T08:55:00.000-07:002008-08-06T08:55:00.000-07:00Religion+Politics=Intolerance.Religion+Politics=Intolerance.Lorraine Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01116210981761633646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post-41554364725846680722008-08-05T14:10:00.000-07:002008-08-05T14:10:00.000-07:00Well and thoughtfully stated, VW, on all accounts ...Well and thoughtfully stated, VW, on all accounts and I say that not just because I agree with you. Voting is not only a right and responsibility, but a privilage that many have died for and others long for. We are a grand experiment, aren't we?Stephanie Friezehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04317117338063884811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post-16567595548792863812008-08-05T12:21:00.000-07:002008-08-05T12:21:00.000-07:00I agree with you, the uninformed should stay home,...I agree with you, the uninformed should stay home, but there is no objective standard for that. :)<BR/><BR/>I vote because I think it is the responsibility of citizenship. It is a right that is sometimes all too rare in this world. <BR/><BR/>VWVWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00745865463002867406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post-16280815049026785292008-08-05T11:28:00.000-07:002008-08-05T11:28:00.000-07:00If a cleric tells you from the pulpit to vote for...If a cleric tells you from the pulpit to vote for a particular candidate, it not only is unethical (in my opinion), it can put the congregation's tax exempt status in jeopardy. The said cleric has ventured into partisan politics and that is wrong. The so-called wall between church and state has just been breeched.<BR/><BR/>Issue advocacy is another matter and congregations must tread carefully. When social issues fall in to the arena of what the church considers a "moral issue", it is legal within the tax code for a congregation or denomination to openly advocate one way or the other. Here again, in my mind, churches must be careful to avoid overtly partisan advocacy.<BR/><BR/>We've seen example after example throughout history where different religions were either the actual governmental authority such as in Iran and what the Taliban seek to spread. Or in past times in Christianity, where the Church was not the actual government, it was the power behind the throne. From such unholy alliances of power comes things such as the inquisition. <BR/><BR/>On the other hand, when religion is almost completely marginalized, it hasn't worked out well either. Most Communist nations are good examples of that concept.<BR/><BR/>The bottom line is that churches (Sects, Denominations, etc.) and clerics may favor a particular candidate, but they need to keep it to themselves or campaign as private citizens not officially connected to their faith. <BR/><BR/>When they advocate on issues, they need to continually evaluate in some objective way whether or not they are crossing any partisan lines.<BR/><BR/>VWVWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00745865463002867406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456617944315372118.post-68675592602536526842008-08-05T09:17:00.000-07:002008-08-05T09:17:00.000-07:00This morning the BBC announced that Iran is doing ...This morning the BBC announced that Iran is doing away with stoning as a form of punishment. Whippings will still be allowed. No word on whether Spanish Inquisition methods or burnings at the stake will be instituted.Stephanie Friezehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04317117338063884811noreply@blogger.com