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I use the word “hesitant” vs. afraid which was my first choice in titling this article. I changed it after having quite a few conversations with pastors to get their views on social issues facing us today, politics, the election and the church.
I was drawn to this issue for multiple reasons. For one, as a man of faith who is very active in church life, this issue is of importance to me. Secondly, as a man who is “graduate seminary” trained and one who’s active in political circles, one can see how this type of issue intersects with many of my activities. I personally have some strong views and convictions on many social and political issues facing our nation today. I had to remove my logical and rational self from these discussions. This was done to prevent my analysis from a biblical, social and political perspective in clouding my judgement, in what I deem to be right and wrong behavior by those I interviewed.
I share what I uncovered in my discussions with liberal, moderate and conservative white, brown and black pastors, men and women without judgment. As all have their own realties and circles they are accountable too.
The pastors I spoke with, for the most part , are in full-time ministry or various ministry work provided most of their compensation. Although, some have secular jobs that provide some additional income.
Here are some questions I asked and summary of responses.
Question: What issues happening in society today concern you the most? Some of these items were a major concern. There are in no particular order.
Answer:
Freedom of religion
Religious liberty being restricted
LGBTQIA
Jobs
National debt
Abortion
Cancel Culture targeting those that disagree
Economy
Immigration
Civil Unrest
Legacy=What do I leave my children (country in a bad state)
Hyper partisanship
Low trust in institutions (government, media)
Question: Are you a single issue voter?
Answer:
Most said they were a single issue voter. As an example, a candidate that supports abortion may not get their vote. But if a candidate supports many policies that affect the masses and abortion is the only major drawback for that candidate, some said they would vote for them.
Question: Are you afraid, fearful and hesitant to share your views on social issues and politics from the pulpit.
Answer:
Most responded they had some concerns of sharing their views on political parties, candidates, BLM, ANTIFA etc. One of the main concerns was offending members or visitors who may not agree. Their views may have the collateral affect of people leaving these churches and would affect giving and potentially their livelihoods. Another concern was they would be targeted by the “cancel culture” crowd. The church would be the target, themselves or their families could be targeted. Jobs could be lost or people can be harmed.
Although, the pastors shared with me in confidence that they have views on many issues facing the US today, they are hesitant to share them, directly. Some do take a different route and use scripture and a teaching approach on hot button issues. As an example, they will go around the periphery of an issue. Like this: How would Jesus deal with people that disagree with him and get angry and act out? Pastors would tie that into BLM protestors that damage property and take away the livelihoods of people. Not a direct condemnation, but connecting the dots type of approach. Hoping members make the connection.
Question: Do you think the church is still respected and has any authority in these difficult times?
Answer:
God has been removed from the public square. But God is still in control. Although, the Trump administration has made great strides via policy initiatives to protect the interest of churches and our Christian values, many people are not connected to God and the church as one would expect. Therefore, the respect for the church is diminishing. We are becoming more of a secular nation and it’s a daily battle. There is no “one source” of accountability in the church or the nation, many members and pastors are doing their own thing. This behavior may not align with biblical values. The moral foundation of the country is under attack, from traditional marriage to acknowledging multiple genders and allowing infanticide, are on trial in the public square. One pastor shared that instead of highlighting darkness from the pulpit on these social issues, he tries to shine the light of Christ in the midst of the darkness.
The general sentiment I was given by those that I interviewed is they are concerned the path we are going down as a country. The tribalization of people is spreading and opposing views on any issue is seen as an opportunity for an attack The lack of a moral a compass that aligns with biblical values is concerning, as is a lack of accountability on multiple fronts. This is true for liberals, moderates and conservatives, as they will disagree what constitutes the compass for the measurement of right and wrong. Many would like to speak up more on hot button topics, but feel restricted due to inside and outside pressures. This applies to both liberals, moderates and conservatives. They have relegated themselves to touch on these issues lightly, when able to do so and on the periphery. Praying that God and the Holy Spirit provides understanding and enlightenment to those listening so they may act according to scripture, as they may see it.
Here’s another good resource I found that was helpful and had similar findings.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/april/barna-pastors-social-issues-speaking-religious-freedom.html
Thanks to all who participated. Your trust and confidence in sharing your heart during this process was rewarding, refreshing and insightful. I’m grateful.
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These thoughts are being written at a time when our country is deeply divided along racial and political lines as a result of multiple deaths of black men at the hands of police officers, over the course of a few years.
We’re also in the midst of pandemic that seems to be abating at this time, but has led millions to lose their jobs. Some states have imposed draconian measures and mandatory home confinements that impede on our freedoms. The closing of thousands of business has impacted the livelihoods of business owners and employees. Couple this with the fear of getting sick, the fear of law enforcement, the devaluing of human life, in conjunction with restricting our rights in general throughout the US, we are a pressure cooker ready to explode. The deaths of black men at the hands of law enforcement, some justified, some not has awakened an issue that has been festering for some time, the notion that ‘My life” does not matter. Clearly, the unjustified killing of black men and others at the hands of law enforcement is tragic. Most recently, black men have seen their share of deaths and abuse increase (according to media reports) at the hands of police officers who, by the way, happen to be black and white. But this fact (black & white police officers) is not highlighted in news reports or media outlets. You only hear about white police officers killing blacks. You should ask yourself why? Why do you only hear about white officers killing black men. I asked myself, why is this happening? Why are officers killing black and white men? I’m always pulled back to my statement that, as a nation “we do not value human life”. This is evidenced in the high abortion rates in this country of black babies, whose blood is running through the land. It’s also evidenced by a disregard for the elderly, from all races. When seniors become too burdensome, we move them from our homes to facilities to let them die. Or we stop all medical treatments that would keep them alive because it’s more “cost effective” to let them die. This underscores my statement that “we don’t value human life”. I make the connections here on two unrelated issues to highlight a point of our social psychology, that life is disposable. Just like razor blades and toothbrushes.
We have become accustomed to human life being expendable. Our comfort level as a society with death has seeped into police departments across the country and black men and white men have seen the brunt of it. Make no mistake, this disregard for human life is in many other areas. Take urban cities where black men kill other black men in massive numbers, and whites killing whites as well. There’s an abundance of data on my statements, compiled by the FBI. Unfortunately, this information is not shared with the public via media outlets because those in power want us divided, not united. The purpose of promoting dissent and division is to keep those who are pulling the strings behind the curtain in power. They will sacrifice our lives, via riots, protesting, racial divisions, stay at home orders and the shuddering of businesses to accomplish their goal, which is total power and control over the masses.
The current atmosphere of civil disobedience, protesting and rioting has furthered the divide in our country. Some support it, some don’t. I do support peaceful protesting and civil disobedience. But do not support rioting, looting, vandalism, attacking the innocent or stealing from businesses. Those who support the radical approach of rioting to have black voices heard are directing their anger in the wrong places.
If the argument holds true, that black men are unjustly targeted by law enforcement, and the power structures in those departments, i.e. police chiefs are installed by the “mayors” of those cities, why don’t black men and rioters direct their anger at city hall? Why don’t they direct their looting and rioting exclusively to city properties and city owned vehicles? Why not attack police departments across the U.S.? Those are the political structures that have direct control over policing. Why don’t they attack their oppressors?
Why burn, steal and vandalize private businesses, that are owned by blacks? Why attack business like Target and Walmart? They’re not responsible for the killing of blacks by police.
Many who are rioting and stealing don’t really have a dog in the fight, but are opportunist who want to steal merchandise. How does stealing a flat screen TV support the cause and raise awareness of black deaths at the hands of police? It doesn’t.
We live in a constitutional republic. This means the constitution and the laws that are drawn from it are applicable to all citizens. We all have rights. If you have a cause for concern on social policies, rules, laws, government regulations, there’s a mechanism for your voice to be heard. You can call, write or visit legislators. You can protest outside of city offices. You can write articles and do posts on social media. You can also run for office. You have options.
Many have protested the stay at home orders and the closing of businesses. These protests have been peaceful., overall. Some have descended on city government buildings and legislatures to have their voices heard. Social media posts and articles have been written against the orders. This has moved some states to re-open quicker, for others it did not. In those states that have not acquiesced to the will of the people, the protesters have not rioted, looted or damaged property. Even when their livelihoods were at stake. These protesters had money taken directly of out their pockets, as many were business owners or employees who were not getting paid due to the shuttering of businesses. Whereas, others who protested against police brutality were not directly impacted and they rioted. Although, this statement is accurate, that does not minimize their right to protest, but they should do so within the confines of the law.
I’ve had conversations with people who believe breaking laws and hurting others is a way to accomplish the greater good. So if a few business need to disappear, or some innocent people get hurt in the process, and it promotes change, it’s all good. I don’t agree with that philosophy.
I often go to the bible for insight inspiration and direction. The bible serves as a foundation for our laws in many ways, i.e.Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not murder. You get the point. The bible allows for the breaking of man-made decrees and laws if they contradict scripture. I’m not advocating that anyone do that. But it’s a point that I want to make.
There are quite a few instances in the Old and New Testament, whereby God allowed people to disregard man-made decrees or laws that forced them to violate God’s word. These instances were mostly associated with decrees ordering people to murder someone, giving up someone to authorities knowing they would be killed, or worshiping idols. In these examples, when the orders from emperors, kings or governors, involved taking another human life or worshiping idols, God gave them a pass when they “broke” the law. If laws in a particular state are passed that require you to perform some act that is contrary to the bible, based on historical precedent, I believe you can get a biblical pass. This does not mean there will not be local repercussions. But before God and scripture, this is what I’m referring too.
Look at these scriptures for some guidance
Joshua 2: Story of Rahab who was ordered to produce the spy by the king who would have killed the spy.
Exodus 1: Story of the Egyptian Pharaoh who orders all Hebrew midwives to kill all the 1st born male Hebrew children.
1 Samuel: Records a command given by King Saul that no eating was to happen until he won the fight with the philistines. His son ate and was hidden so he would not be killed.
Book of Daniel: Records a number of civil disobedience examples. The first is found with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were told to worship idols and they refused and God protected them.
Historically, change has come through protesting and uprisings. We need to be mindful that the rights of the innocent are just as important as the rights of those affected by the unjust actions of a few. If you’re attacked and robbed, that does not give you the authority to do the same to someone else.
This from Coleman Hughes, highlights some of my thoughts on how we move forward at this critical juncture in our history. In my opinion the word of God, the rule of law and the constitution need to be our guide.
“The only way out of this conundrum, it seems to me, is for millions of Americans on the left to realize that deadly police shootings happen to blacks and whites alike. As long as critical masses of people view this as a race issue, they will see every new video of a black person being killed as yet another injustice in a long chain dating back to the Middle Passage. That sentiment, when it is felt deeply and earnestly, will reliably produce large protests and destructive riots”.
The political Right has a role to play as well. For too long, “All Lives Matter” has been a slogan used only as a response to Black Lives Matter. What it should have been, and still could be, is a true movement to reduce the number of Americans shot by the police on a race-neutral basis. If the challenge for the Left is to accept that the real problem with the police is not racism, the challenge for the Right is to accept that there are real problems with the police”.