The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum IRS: Churches can't pray for Bush victory

Wow...

Take a look at this

Look on the positive side. The IRS has basically admitted that if we do pray for a Bush victory, God will answer. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bananas.gif" alt="" />

Tom

Wow...

You know, I never thought of that!

Don't forget the 2 related story links:

Political snitches monitor sermons

Democrats back church IRS probe

Wow is right!

Surely this will become a major issue! It's looking more and more like "Big Brother" is watching!!!!!!!!!!

I look forward to following this! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bash.gif" alt="" />

In His Hands,

Ruth

Marie,

These news articles remind me of how Darius who ruled the kingdom of the Medes after Belshazzer's death was tricked by the governors and satraps who tried to prevent Daniel from offering prayers to his God. (see Daniel 6)

Surely prayers should be offered in our churches for wisdom as we face election choices and we should ask God that the man that is best suited for the job be elected. Just as Daniel we must obey God rather than men. However, I don't think the pulpit should be used for political statements nor social agendas. The church represents the kingdom of God not the kingdom of man. If you'll notice both Joseph and Daniel were great leaders in pagan societies. These men were recognized as being endowed with the Spirit of God but neither had a political agenda nor a religious agenda which they imposed on the people they ruled. They lived upright God fearing lives and this was apparently widely known by the people of their day.

There may come a time when the state will no longer tolerate religious expression. Our prayers have already been outlawed in many public places today.


Wes

I don't know that it's anything major, really. That has been the law of the land ever since "not-for-profit" status came along. Remember, too, that it goes both ways- the IRS is currently investigating th NAACP for preaching the gospel of the Democrat Party from its considerable bully-pulpit.

Do you want to use your pulpits to preach politics? I don't think it's right, but you can drop your 401c3 status and do all you want. You'll just have to pay your taxes. Personally, I think we should consider it anyway. Making a deal with the government is akin to making a deal with the devil. Serving two masters lately?

I still don't think the gospel of politics should be preached, only the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good for the salvation of the sinner.

ForSBCReform

I agree with you, politics should not be preached from the pulpit. In a way, I don't even like talking about things like abortion and homosexuality from the pulpit, unless of course it is part of the text being preached on.
I wouldn't however mind giving people in the congregation papers on what the Bible says on issues like abortion and homosexuality.
That way they could decide for themselves which politicians they want to vote for.

Tom

I dare not disagree with you on this point. I think it's entirely apporopriate to make sure that people know what the Word says in regard to issues. I don't believe the IRS would disagree either; as long as it didn't specifically endorse candidate, party, or ballot initiative. The issue here is the "endorsement" of a candidate for office. The "endorsement" of any ballot issue is banned if you choose to submit to 401c3 status.