Politics and your church

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing this is causing tension in many churches--particularly those that aren't uniformly progressive. My church is Protestant and evangelical, and takes a conservative stance on certain issues like abortion and gay marriage, but our pastors intentionally do not align with any political party or endorse any candidates and the church also puts a lot of emphasis on social issues. The congregation is a mix of conservatives and liberals.

After the election, one of our pastors made some very critical comments about Trump during a sermon, saying that American Christians had destroyed their witness to the country and world by supporting a candidate whose values were so out of line with Christian values. I agreed 1000% and was very appreciative that he said it publicly. But I learned later that a lot of people were offended by it. I think true Trump supporters are in the minority, but it probably will not be the last time they are upset.

I suspect some Christian Trump supporters felt they did something noble in supporting Trump and are now feeling too embarrassed to admit their mistake

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

Maybe that's what Christian Trump voters are trying to tell themselves, but hopefully they will soon see the light and change their tune, based on his horrific behavior since his swearing in,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

And you're a troll. No true Christian minister would make a statement like this, even anonymously.

P.S. He's not "my Christ." He saved us all.

First, I'm not a troll just because I believe our actions demonstrate our faith. Faith without action is dead. Meaningless.

Second, I am at Prayer Breakfasts once a month with ministers from many faiths. The only ones who don't have the balls to call out Trump's behavior are the evangelical Southern Baptists. And honesty, I think they know. They are just too scared to say it. Religious leaders, including Christians, all over the world are condemning Trump's actions.

Third, you realize his name wasn't Jesus (first name) Christ (last name), right? He is " your Christ". As a Christian, he is my Christ. My way shower. But not everyone on this great big planet follows your spiritual path. So no. Not everyone believes he "saved" them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[
. The only ones who don't have the balls to call out Trump's behavior are the evangelical Southern Baptists. And honesty, I think they know. They are just too scared to say it. Religious leaders, including Christians, all over the world are condemning Trump's actions.

Third, you realize his name wasn't Jesus (first name) Christ (last name), right? He is " your Christ". As a Christian, he is my Christ. My way shower. But not everyone on this great big planet follows your spiritual path. So no. Not everyone believes he "saved" them.

No need to slam the Southern Baptists. Russell Moore, who is a leader of the Southern Baptists has consistently called out Trump. Here is a link to his letter decrying the latest executive orders.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/01/30/exclusive-the-letter-russell-moore-will-send-trump-about-the-refugee-order/?utm_term=.e2bb9073d12f

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

I agree PP. I was agreeing with what the so called minister wrote right up to that line. Really dismaying and shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

No. Sorry, but you could not say the same thing about Hillary Clinton. I don't like her. But she is not even close to Trump. I'll just leave this here for consideration.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5QHZdW9H0w/VlS63Nh0FGI/AAAAAAAAJss/w2zoLQV9V0A/s1600/11058186_10102105263097677_254630602442504098_n.jpg


We are commanded to love our neighbor, but what does that mean? Galatians 5:14 explains: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." If we ask, as the teacher of the law did in Luke 10:29-37: "And who is my neighbor?" We read that Jesus responded by saying:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

That last sentence is really important.

You do realize how completely subjective your post was don't you? Hypocritical too.
It is not for any of us to judge another's status as a good Christian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

And you're a troll. No true Christian minister would make a statement like this, even anonymously.

P.S. He's not "my Christ." He saved us all.

Yes! Well stated. Thank you PP

[Anonymous]

Muslims have been coddled enough. America first

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

And you're a troll. No true Christian minister would make a statement like this, even anonymously.

P.S. He's not "my Christ." He saved us all.

First, I'm not a troll just because I believe our actions demonstrate our faith. Faith without action is dead. Meaningless.

Second, I am at Prayer Breakfasts once a month with ministers from many faiths. The only ones who don't have the balls to call out Trump's behavior are the evangelical Southern Baptists. And honesty, I think they know. They are just too scared to say it. Religious leaders, including Christians, all over the world are condemning Trump's actions.

Third, you realize his name wasn't Jesus (first name) Christ (last name), right? He is " your Christ". As a Christian, he is my Christ. My way shower. But not everyone on this great big planet follows your spiritual path. So no. Not everyone believes he "saved" them.

Nice language. Exactly what type of "minister" are you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

No. Sorry, but you could not say the same thing about Hillary Clinton. I don't like her. But she is not even close to Trump. I'll just leave this here for consideration.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5QHZdW9H0w/VlS63Nh0FGI/AAAAAAAAJss/w2zoLQV9V0A/s1600/11058186_10102105263097677_254630602442504098_n.jpg


We are commanded to love our neighbor, but what does that mean? Galatians 5:14 explains: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." If we ask, as the teacher of the law did in Luke 10:29-37: "And who is my neighbor?" We read that Jesus responded by saying:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

That last sentence is really important.

I will not question your faith as you have done for others.

I did not vote for Trump.

I will say that this was an agonizing election for many devoit and Christ-like Christians.

Hillary's wholesale advocacy of tye slaughter of innocents and the radical left's aggressive attempts over the last 4-8 years to restrict freedom of religion and conscious, along with the future of the supreme court and protecting the constitution weighed heavily on many voters who saw her views as the greater evil as compared to Trumo's approach to border control and immigration policies.

Many people of faith agonized over this election.

Many people of faith and moderation expressed grave concerns over the past eight years about Obama's over reach, use of decree and edict and acting like an emperor instead of a president who followed the constitution. We warned that the left needs to quit looking the other way with his disregard for the constitution just because he aligns with you politically, because the he sets a precident for the next guy who might not share your values or priorities. But the left didn't listen and didn't care. They created this situation we have now. Trump is doing nothing differently with his executive orders than Obama did. Did you speak up with concern for our constitution then, when Obama was setting the stage for all future presidents to do the same? I doubt it.

So reflect inward before you claim to know the hearts, faith and relationship with God that others have

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

And you're a troll. No true Christian minister would make a statement like this, even anonymously.

P.S. He's not "my Christ." He saved us all.

First, I'm not a troll just because I believe our actions demonstrate our faith. Faith without action is dead. Meaningless.

Second, I am at Prayer Breakfasts once a month with ministers from many faiths. The only ones who don't have the balls to call out Trump's behavior are the evangelical Southern Baptists. And honesty, I think they know. They are just too scared to say it. Religious leaders, including Christians, all over the world are condemning Trump's actions.

Third, you realize his name wasn't Jesus (first name) Christ (last name), right? He is " your Christ". As a Christian, he is my Christ. My way shower. But not everyone on this great big planet follows your spiritual path. So no. Not everyone believes he "saved" them.

Well, there you go. Thanks for proving my point. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. NO ONE gets to the Father, except through me." So, your watered down version of the Gospel is not exactly cutting it.

And for those of your "fellow pastors" (still not saying I believe you, but whatever) who think that voting for HRC and thereby endorsing abortion, gay marriage and other aspects of the liberal Democratic left that are clearly anti-Biblical -- well, I hardly think you did any better in demonstrating your faith with your vote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trump is pro Christian so if they don't like him then you know the answer

Even the pope said Trump's actions were unchristian.

Even in the age of alternative facts, turning your back on refugees is as unchristian as it gets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Muslims have been coddled enough. America first

^^ hopefully a troll ^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Minister. I'm working for Hospice now, but was in a church before we moved. It's not easy for church leaders right now. Thankfully, my church was very tolerant and fairly liberal. LGBTQ friendly, diverse, open to discussions on different faiths, etc. We spent a lot of time trying to live like the Christ we claimed to follow. So, while I know we had members who were Republicans and conservative, I really doubt we had anyone in our membership who would support Donald Trump.

That said, ministers avoid politics in the pulpit. For one, we risk our tax exempt status. More importantly, ministers in church leadership positions should not be politicians.

I'm not working in a church right now. I can be very active in my local political groups. And I am. I've spoken at several marches and Interfaith Prayer Breakfasts. I think clergy should be pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians turning away refugees. And frankly, if you support Donald Trump, you may claim to be a Christian, but you are behaving nothing at all like your Christ.

Shame on you.

One could say the exact same thing about Hillary and her stances.

The choices this cycle were very difficult for all people of faith. Many Christians voted to protect tehe supreme court. They did the bexst they could with the two terrible choices.

No. Sorry, but you could not say the same thing about Hillary Clinton. I don't like her. But she is not even close to Trump. I'll just leave this here for consideration.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5QHZdW9H0w/VlS63Nh0FGI/AAAAAAAAJss/w2zoLQV9V0A/s1600/11058186_10102105263097677_254630602442504098_n.jpg


We are commanded to love our neighbor, but what does that mean? Galatians 5:14 explains: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." If we ask, as the teacher of the law did in Luke 10:29-37: "And who is my neighbor?" We read that Jesus responded by saying:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

That last sentence is really important.

I will not question your faith as you have done for others.

I did not vote for Trump.

I will say that this was an agonizing election for many devoit and Christ-like Christians.

Hillary's wholesale advocacy of tye slaughter of innocents and the radical left's aggressive attempts over the last 4-8 years to restrict freedom of religion and conscious, along with the future of the supreme court and protecting the constitution weighed heavily on many voters who saw her views as the greater evil as compared to Trumo's approach to border control and immigration policies.

Many people of faith agonized over this election.

Many people of faith and moderation expressed grave concerns over the past eight years about Obama's over reach, use of decree and edict and acting like an emperor instead of a president who followed the constitution. We warned that the left needs to quit looking the other way with his disregard for the constitution just because he aligns with you politically, because the he sets a precident for the next guy who might not share your values or priorities. But the left didn't listen and didn't care. They created this situation we have now. Trump is doing nothing differently with his executive orders than Obama did. Did you speak up with concern for our constitution then, when Obama was setting the stage for all future presidents to do the same? I doubt it.

So reflect inward before you claim to know the hearts, faith and relationship with God that others have

So, how do you feel about Trump at this point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[
. The only ones who don't have the balls to call out Trump's behavior are the evangelical Southern Baptists. And honesty, I think they know. They are just too scared to say it. Religious leaders, including Christians, all over the world are condemning Trump's actions.

Third, you realize his name wasn't Jesus (first name) Christ (last name), right? He is " your Christ". As a Christian, he is my Christ. My way shower. But not everyone on this great big planet follows your spiritual path. So no. Not everyone believes he "saved" them.

No need to slam the Southern Baptists. Russell Moore, who is a leader of the Southern Baptists has consistently called out Trump. Here is a link to his letter decrying the latest executive orders.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/01/30/exclusive-the-letter-russell-moore-will-send-trump-about-the-refugee-order/?utm_term=.e2bb9073d12f

I should have been clearer. I was speaking specifically about the ones in attendance at our monthly interfaith prayer breakfasts. I have many close Southern Baptist friends who are very much against this ban.