Political Pastors?

With the November elections registering on the respective radar of an increasing number of people, I observe many pastors avoid political issues, or what they think are political issues. Fears of losing tax-exempt status, of alienating church guests, of appearing to be "off message," of being the next target of 60 Minutes, and the list goes on. Some are good reasons; some are simple fears that need to be dismisses; still others are based on misinformation. Whatever the case, a great many pastors are completely disengaged from anything that appears to be political.

As a result, many pastors have no clue what the voters in their respective states will be deciding come November. What's really sad, though, is that many of those pastors don't care. They have too many other obligations and "important issues" that command their attention. As a pastor, I can understand that.

But at the same time those pastors are shrugging their shoulders and saying, "I don't care; the process is corrupt, and it doesn't really affect me," the people in their churches are adopting the same attitude. As a result, the "I-don't-care-because-the-whole-process-is-corrupt" attitude becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The process stays corrupt because people who could change it won't get involved.

I think part of the problem lies with a definition of terms. There is a huge difference between an issue and politics.

The sanctity of human life is an issue. That involves when life begins, what defines life, and who should end life. As a result, abortion, embryonic stem-cell research (yes, there is a huge distinction), and euthanasia are all issues coming out of the main issue of whether or not human life is sacred and precious.

The family unit is an issue. That involves who makes up a family, what defines a marriage, and who should be the main caregiver for children. As a result, same-sex "marriages," same-sex civil unions, parental notification laws, government programs for child care are all issues coming out of the main issue of the makeup of the family unit.

Stewardship of resources is an issue. That involves making the best use of the resources made available to us. As a result, taxes, bonds, spending, cutting expenses are all issues coming out of the main issue of stewardship.

Does that sound like politics to you?

It doesn't to me.

As a pastor, all of that lines up with what I am trying to do: to help people to discover God's will and to do it. What does God have to say about these things?

In the next few blogs, I'll give you my take on issues we are facing in the state of California this November.

Peace.