And So It Begins...
Today, Iowa takes center stage in the nation as the Iowa Caucuses are held and the first real step is made toward the White House. Doesn't it seem like this campaign began ten years ago? And yet, just now, we're finally to the point where some real progress can be made.
A poll out last week revealed that there is wide divergence between who pastors are likely to vote for and who the folks in the pews (metaphorical or real) are likely to vote for. One candidate in particular is a "people in the pews" favorite and, at the same time, is among the least favorite of pastors. What that means, according to the author, is that pastors have very little actual influence on their parishioners. In other words, no one's listening to us.
Or....it could have to do with the virtual muzzle that is put on pastors during campaign season. Despite some well-known clergy doing "non-endorsement" endorsements in the last couple of weeks, most of us have been taught from early on that to publicly endorse a candidate (such as from the pulpit) is to risk losing tax-exempt status for your church. More importantly, I think, we've been reminded that we minister to everyone, not just those who agree with us. To endorse one side or the other is to alienate a whole group of people for whom Christ died.
I'm as willing and likely as the next person to talk politics and opinions one-on-one or in a small group, but in those settings I'm also as interested in hearing from other viewpoints as I am insisting on my own. I don't think a pastor's job is to tell you how to vote; it's to help you sort through the issues theologically and to encourage/challenge/exhort you to vote. God is not a Democrat or a Republican; God is on the side of justice and mercy for all.
Besides, to influence people on whom to vote for, I would have had to decide myself. And I haven't yet. I have some favorites, but who knows who will still be in the race by the time the primary system gets to Indiana?
So, here we go. Iowa, Massachusetts and onward. When it's your chance, by all means, vote. Vote your conscience. Vote for the person who most matches your faith and your values. No candidate is perfect. No candidate is going to be the savior (that job is already taken). No candidate is going to always get it fight. So cast your vote after much prayer and discernment. And then trust God. He has never failed us yet, no matter who thinks they have the power. God is still on the throne.
A poll out last week revealed that there is wide divergence between who pastors are likely to vote for and who the folks in the pews (metaphorical or real) are likely to vote for. One candidate in particular is a "people in the pews" favorite and, at the same time, is among the least favorite of pastors. What that means, according to the author, is that pastors have very little actual influence on their parishioners. In other words, no one's listening to us.
Or....it could have to do with the virtual muzzle that is put on pastors during campaign season. Despite some well-known clergy doing "non-endorsement" endorsements in the last couple of weeks, most of us have been taught from early on that to publicly endorse a candidate (such as from the pulpit) is to risk losing tax-exempt status for your church. More importantly, I think, we've been reminded that we minister to everyone, not just those who agree with us. To endorse one side or the other is to alienate a whole group of people for whom Christ died.
I'm as willing and likely as the next person to talk politics and opinions one-on-one or in a small group, but in those settings I'm also as interested in hearing from other viewpoints as I am insisting on my own. I don't think a pastor's job is to tell you how to vote; it's to help you sort through the issues theologically and to encourage/challenge/exhort you to vote. God is not a Democrat or a Republican; God is on the side of justice and mercy for all.
Besides, to influence people on whom to vote for, I would have had to decide myself. And I haven't yet. I have some favorites, but who knows who will still be in the race by the time the primary system gets to Indiana?
So, here we go. Iowa, Massachusetts and onward. When it's your chance, by all means, vote. Vote your conscience. Vote for the person who most matches your faith and your values. No candidate is perfect. No candidate is going to be the savior (that job is already taken). No candidate is going to always get it fight. So cast your vote after much prayer and discernment. And then trust God. He has never failed us yet, no matter who thinks they have the power. God is still on the throne.
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