To what degree should church leaders engage in political discussion?

[EvolvingChristian]

Ok fair enough. Let's talk about that. Do you have any examples?

The Pope has repeatedly done so and, if you search YouTube, you'll find a plethora of preachers engaging in political debate.

 

[humble soul]

It's not my intention for this thread to discuss politics. The topic is whether or not church leaders should engage in such discussions.

Our priest advised us to vote no in the same sex marriage referendum we had. He gave us the Church's position. So I voted no .

 

[EvolvingChristian]

For the record, I myself will not engage in political discussion on this forum. One, it's probably an off-topic violation of this community standards. But, more importantly, engaging in such discussion doesn't bring you nor me any closer to Christ nor does it teach the reader anything about Christ. If it doesn't serve Christ, then why do it? And I'm just an anonymous Christian on a small, Christian, message board. I don't have hundreds or thousands or MILLIONS of followers.

 

[evenifigoalone]

For the record, I myself will not engage in political discussion on this forum. One, it's probably an off-topic violation of this community standards. But, more importantly, engaging in such discussion doesn't bring you nor me any closer to Christ nor does it teach the reader anything about Christ. If it doesn't serve Christ, then why do it? And I'm just an anonymous Christian on a small, Christian, message board. I don't have hundreds or thousands or MILLIONS of followers.

I try to avoid it outside of casual discussion, if at all possible.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I try to avoid it outside of casual discussion, if at all possible.

This is also cuz I have a legit anxiety disorder that I'm on meds for, and heated online conflict tends to trigger an intense anxiety response. So I honestly have to limit my exposure for my own mental health.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

If church leaders stick to teaching the word of Christ, the rest will take care of itself.

 

[humble soul]

For the record, I myself will not engage in political discussion on this forum. One, it's probably an off-topic violation of this community standards. But, more importantly, engaging in such discussion doesn't bring you nor me any closer to Christ nor does it teach the reader anything about Christ. If it doesn't serve Christ, then why do it? And I'm just an anonymous Christian on a small, Christian, message board. I don't have hundreds or thousands or MILLIONS of followers.

Ok but it happens anyway. I don't start political threads but there is is usually a few floating around every month. Like the Bernie Sanders meme one. I found it amusing btw.

 

[humble soul]

If church leaders stick to teaching the word of Christ, the rest will take care of itself.

That sounds good. But I'm trying to picture what you mean exactly. So they should just quote the Bible? You are happy with any interpretation?

 

[EvolvingChristian]

Our priest advised us to vote no in the same sex marriage referendum we had. He gave us the Church's position. So I voted no .

I believe that Jesus would tell your priest to stick to teaching his word. I might ask the priest if what he told the congregation brought anyone closer to Christ.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

That sounds good. But I'm trying to picture what you mean exactly. So they should just quote the Bible? You are happy with any interpretation?

If church leaders bring their congregation to Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, the congregation will know how to conduct themselves and will vote accordingly. If a church leader would rather be a politician, then they should consider leaving the church in order that another who, hopefully, wants to bring people to Christ, can become the church leader.

 

[humble soul]

The Pope has repeatedly done so and, if you search YouTube, you'll find a plethora of preachers engaging in political debate.

I think I empathise a little with what you say. Some non Catholic leaders are very vocal and direct, suggesting a vote for the Democrats is a vote for Satan. Basically telling their congregation which side to vote for.
But the Pope? Has he suggested voting Democrat? Not to my knowledge. And though he supported gays he didn't support same sex marriage. He told people "not to judge". I think that comes from the Bible.

 

[humble soul]

I believe that Jesus would tell your priest to stick to teaching his word. I might ask the priest if what he told the congregation brought anyone closer to Christ.

Many of us Catholics like to know what the Church's position is on certain issues.

 

[humble soul]

But I agree overall. The pulpit should not become a political stage.
Of course our priests rarely mention politics. Otherwise they would lose their jobs.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

Many of us Catholics like to know what the Church's position is on certain issues.

That's one of the reasons I left the Church. I thirst for the word of God, not the Pope's personal opinion on economic systems.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

But I agree overall. The pulpit should not become a political stage.
Of course our priests rarely mention politics. Otherwise they would lose their jobs.

Mother Teresa was once asked if she would join an "anti-war" march. She declined but said she would be happy to join a "pro-peace" march.

 

[humble soul]

That's one of the reasons I left the Church. I thirst for the word of God, not the Pope's personal opinion on economic systems.

There's a few disgruntled ex Catholics on here. I'm not one of them. For me, the Protestant paradigm is too prescriptive. Yet I do like the emphasis on a personal relationship with God.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

our priests rarely mention politics

Jesus never did. When they preach politics, they are following themselves rather than Jesus, and political remarks do nothing to bring their congregation closer to him.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

There's a few disgruntled ex Catholics on here. I'm not one of them. For me, the Protestant paradigm is too prescriptive. Yet I do like the emphasis on a personal relationship with God.

I would love to see and hear Jesus speak to the leaders of all of the various Christian congregations. I imagine he would rebuke them.

 

[Quantrill]

Jesus never did. When they preach politics, they are following themselves rather than Jesus, and political remarks do nothing to bring their congregation closer to him.

You are very zealous for the Lord, and that is commendable.

But, I believe you are making an error here in making the Christian choose between Christ or politics. With you it is either one or the other. And that just isn't so.

A Christian can be involved in politics and still be a Christian and pleasing to the Lord. It all depends on what he does.

Where would Israel have been without Joseph as the right hand of Pharaoh?

Quantrill

 

[EvolvingChristian]

You are very zealous for the Lord, and that is commendable.

But, I believe you are making an error here in making the Christian choose between Christ or politics. With you it is either one or the other. And that just isn't so.

A Christian can be involved in politics and still be a Christian and pleasing to the Lord. It all depends on what he does.

Where would Israel have been without Joseph as the right hand of Pharaoh?

Quantrill

I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't engage in politics. I'm saying that church leaders should refrain from doing so. After all, where did Jesus engage in politics or instruct his disciples to do so? Should church leaders emulate Christ or should they emulate a political "talking head"?