PCUSA Minister Calls FBC Dallas Choir Number Blasphemy

Why?

 

Pretty much. It is not wrong to pray for our nation, but I see no reason to attempt to conflate patriotism — much less partisan politics — with Christianity.

You apparently have seen libs do this. My experience is otherwise. Not long ago a guy at the church was seriously concerned that the new pastor had made a remark about Trump that he considered derogatory. It wasn't; but he wanted some other men to go talk to the pastor and explain why he couldn't be a Democrat and a Christian. Now, the pastor wasn't even talking about politics, other than the hubbub that Trump continually generates, but he was being marked as under suspicion because of an offhand remark. The truth is that the pastor was simply pointing out that the Kingdom of God is our top priority, not the transitory politics and buzz of the secular world.

 

I agree with the sentiment, but I disagree with the application. Military choirs also have no business belting out campaign slogans. I would mention some historical examples, but that might go too far.

 

Yeah, been there, done that. I even admit to being complicit. At one church I was enthralled at a particular arrangement of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" because it was five-part harmony and first tenors don't get too many opportunities in standard chorale music.

At another church I was asked to do the solo in a very nice arrangement of Eternal Father Strong to Save/America the Beautiful. I do not regret that because of the prayerful lyrics, which are of aspiration, but I don't know that I would do it again.

I repeat the pledge of allegiance because it's a military town and I'm a former Boy Scout leader. But I consider it a secular duty, certainly not a religious one.

 

That's funny. When has the "church" withdrawn from politics?

 

Can't disagree with that. But it's not the same as breast-thumping about how great the nation (or the current politician) is and God is on our side.

 

"Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. 'Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.'"