Pastor Accused of Politics From Pulpit

[RodH]

Ronnie Floyd, a pastor from First Baptist Church of Springdale, AR, made comments during an Independence Day celebration that some say crossed the line by endorsing a candidate. They say even though he didn't mention the candidates by name, it was clear he was encouraging members to vote for Bush by discussing the candidates' positions on marriage, etc. An IRS complaint has been filed challenging their tax-exempt status. Do you think his comments crossed the line?

Link to article from 40/29 News: Pastor Accused Of Misusing Pulpit For Political Speech

 

[JGrubbs]

"One candidate believes that marriage is a God-ordained institution," Floyd said in one video segment. "The other was one of only 14 U.S. senators to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act."

He didn't say anything false, I don't have a problem with what he said.

 

[KenH]

I don't politicking mixed in with my worship of God at a worship service. I think that is sacrilegious.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Pulpit and politics don't mix

 

[JGrubbs]

He actually didn't say this from the pulpit, since it was a 4th of July celebration and his quotes were from a video presentation that was made during the celebration.

 

[blackbird]

Here's the way I have done it---something like

"Folks, we've got a Presidential Election coming up in November! Here's the way you need to handle it! Get your hands on copies of the key issues and find out where each candidate stands! Where does he stand on abortion? Where does he stand on the Marriage Protection issue? Where does he stand on the homosexual agenda? Where does he stand on the ethical issues that if it passes one way or other will make a difference in the Kingdom?? You look at the issues and remember that (1) you are titled to vote and (2) you need to remember---"Not I, but Christ"----you vote for the man that Jesus would vote for if He were in your shoes---and just remember that He IS in your shoes!!

A man who will not stand for anything---is a man who will fall for everything!

My hat goes off to Ronnie Floyd!

 

[TomVols]

This is an issue with a tremendous amount of grey area, even by the standards of legal scholars. Big Brother tends to love to stick it's neck into the 1st amendment even further. While I disagree with the method and manner, Dr. Floyd has every right to make whatever comments he wishes. IT seems to me that nothing appears as an organizational endorsement. This is yet another waste of time and effort on the part of the accusers.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Mixing pulpit and politics only leads to trouble. It just doesn't work. Look at Northern Ireland.

"Preach the Word - be instant in season, out of season"

 

[Salty]

I recently heard that the NAACP and the NRA are permitted to get involved in politics since they are NOT a 501 c, they are a 501 d ! I suppose there is a difference. Anybody have any additional info?

Anyways, I dont think the pastor was mixing religion with politics. He was giving biblical infomation based on moral issues. It is the goverment who is mixing politics with religion!!!

 

[SpiritualMadMan]

I will believe the 'accusers' have a leg to stand on when I see at least equal persecution against the 'other side'...

As it is the only churches they are trageting are 'Conservative' Churches expected to make a statement against a Liberal Candidate...

The IRS leadership is portraying the utmost incompetance by allowing itself to be used as any given groups billy club...

 

[church mouse guy]

The 501-c-3 should be repealed. Fifty years of this censorship of pulpits is long enough. The big cities are crime ridden and the government is running around trying to prosecute preachers for saying something about politics. It's nuts. Freedom of speech should extend to the pulpit.

LBJ designed the 501-c-3 as a weapon against free speech and that is the way that it has been used.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Pulpit and politics don't mix from either side.

Legally right or legally wrong men spend way too much time making poiltical comments.

The pulpit is to proclaim God's word, not political rhetoric.

 

[JGrubbs]

"Hear, Hear!"

I agree with CMG! If someone is offended by what a preacher says from the pulpit then they should simply find a different church. I think many of the problems in America today are due to the clergy who have remained silent on various moral issues of today. One author, John W. Chalfant, calls this "Abandonment Theology" in his book "America-A Call to Greatness". You can find this book online at http://www.greatness.com/

 

[blackbird]

Net--its not a case of finding another church---its the case of the Americans United Against . . ." that went "snoopin' around" in business they do not understand! Because they are spiritually discerned!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Do you guys really want what Northern Ireland has gone through for the last 75 years?

Preachers on both sides of the divide stirring up political strife? What's good for the goose is good for the gander. If it happens in Baptist pulpits we can't argue when it happens in Muslin "pulpits!"

 

[JGrubbs]

I wouldn't have a problem if churches "educated" people on the issues and the candidates, and let the people make an educated choice at the polls.

Right now the majority of the voters in America are ignorant and know nothing about the issues or the candidates they are voting for.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Our pulpits should be educating us in the Word of God. Full stop. (that means period for American readers )

For politcs - read your newspapers, check out websites, educate yourself on the issues. Very seldom is education unbiased.

 

[booklady]

A pastor encouraging people to vote morally is not really about politics. It's about doing what is right according to the Word of God. Besides, this was a 4th of July celebration. I think it was very appropriate to encourge Christians to vote for a candidate who stands for Biblical principles.

I can think of a couple of other "Reverends" who encourage people to vote a certain way all the time. Does this group complain about them?

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I for one oppose anyone preaching politics from the pulpit. Because "they" do it is okay for "us" to do so?

Are you willing to support Muslim houses of worship being politically active?

Educate yourselves Christians - don't depend on your pastor telling you how to vote.

 

[TomVols]

c4k... Problem is, this is being taken to the extreme. Now people are claiming that if you preach exegetically against abortion, et.al., then you're "mizing politics" and so forth. This is bunk.

Why shouldn't the church be allowed to educate voters?