Thanks to Pastor Eberth for writing this courageous and concise reflection on the role of Christians in these United States and the world. I see no biblical example of Christ tapping political offices or institutions as the vehicle for sharing the good news of the Gospel. I fail to understand how those who present themselves as followers of Christ endorse politics as a path for doing so. This is not to say that Christians are not called to service through political positions. However, such service would bear the stamp of the character of Christ. Thanks also to Dominick for publishing this letter.
Thx Dominick for being a vehicle for Pastor Eberth's timely comments. I wish more would! And I wish this publication had a much wider audience! I imagine Jesus is very sad indeed about how the Words of God are being twisted and used for conceit and to subjugate. And to spread hate. And to LIE about the foundations of this country!
Thank you Pastor Kelsey Eberth. You said, "To dictate governance by any single faith would be incompatible with basic principles of our democracy." But you also made the case that it would be incompatible with the basic principle of religion.
I am confused. Every four years we see presidential and other political candidates from both parties give political election speeches at Christian churches in front of congregations for as long as I remember. However, this is the first time that I have ever heard of someone being scolded about it.
One presidential candidate has been to several Christian churches the past two months giving political election speeches including two Christian churches last weekend which is considered "a time-honored election season tradition" at those particular churches for that candidates political party The other candidate has also given political campaign speeches at Christian churches. I agree the with the point and concerns about separating politics from the church under "separation of church and state", but these political campaign speeches in churches have been commonplace for decades upon decades and this is the first time I am hearing some disapproval of this practice by those in the Christian religion.
This is a perfect example of the red herring fallacy. You are attempting to divert attention from the real issue by focusing instead on an issue having only a surface relevance to the first. Pastor Eberth's editorial was focused on pastors, not candidates, telling people how to vote. No one is discussing the issue of candidates speaking at churches. The discussion is about strategic misinformation, the separation of church and state and tax-exempt churches using their clout to influence elections. The separation of church and state is not only a longstanding tradition in this country but it is also codified in our constitution. If it's true that this is the first time you're hearing about it and you were born in this country that's surprising and sad, but ultimately it's your responsibility to educate yourself at this point since I assume you are an adult. I suggest taking advantage of our free public libraries in North Central Washington and starting in the political science and history section.
point taken Dave. But this pastor's comment goes WAY beyond political speeches in church. It has to do with the extreme right christian nationalist movement.
Thanks to Pastor Eberth for writing this courageous and concise reflection on the role of Christians in these United States and the world. I see no biblical example of Christ tapping political offices or institutions as the vehicle for sharing the good news of the Gospel. I fail to understand how those who present themselves as followers of Christ endorse politics as a path for doing so. This is not to say that Christians are not called to service through political positions. However, such service would bear the stamp of the character of Christ. Thanks also to Dominick for publishing this letter.
VERY well said!
Thx Dominick for being a vehicle for Pastor Eberth's timely comments. I wish more would! And I wish this publication had a much wider audience! I imagine Jesus is very sad indeed about how the Words of God are being twisted and used for conceit and to subjugate. And to spread hate. And to LIE about the foundations of this country!
Thank you Pastor Kelsey Eberth. You said, "To dictate governance by any single faith would be incompatible with basic principles of our democracy." But you also made the case that it would be incompatible with the basic principle of religion.
Well said sister!!!! Amen!
I am confused. Every four years we see presidential and other political candidates from both parties give political election speeches at Christian churches in front of congregations for as long as I remember. However, this is the first time that I have ever heard of someone being scolded about it.
hmmm...that never happened at my church!
One presidential candidate has been to several Christian churches the past two months giving political election speeches including two Christian churches last weekend which is considered "a time-honored election season tradition" at those particular churches for that candidates political party The other candidate has also given political campaign speeches at Christian churches. I agree the with the point and concerns about separating politics from the church under "separation of church and state", but these political campaign speeches in churches have been commonplace for decades upon decades and this is the first time I am hearing some disapproval of this practice by those in the Christian religion.
This is a perfect example of the red herring fallacy. You are attempting to divert attention from the real issue by focusing instead on an issue having only a surface relevance to the first. Pastor Eberth's editorial was focused on pastors, not candidates, telling people how to vote. No one is discussing the issue of candidates speaking at churches. The discussion is about strategic misinformation, the separation of church and state and tax-exempt churches using their clout to influence elections. The separation of church and state is not only a longstanding tradition in this country but it is also codified in our constitution. If it's true that this is the first time you're hearing about it and you were born in this country that's surprising and sad, but ultimately it's your responsibility to educate yourself at this point since I assume you are an adult. I suggest taking advantage of our free public libraries in North Central Washington and starting in the political science and history section.
Here's more information about the red herring fallacy: https://www.txst.edu/philosophy/resources/fallacy-definitions/Red-Herring.html
point taken Dave. But this pastor's comment goes WAY beyond political speeches in church. It has to do with the extreme right christian nationalist movement.
Point taken Debby...I certainly agree extremism is and will always be valid concern.
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