OK, I have to ask. Does this qualify as a "Pulpit Crime"? Chicago Tribune:"Nothing will motivate conservative evangelical Christians to vote Republican in the 2008 presidential election more than a Democratic nominee named Sen. Hillary Clinton -- not even a run by the devil himself."
Jerry Falwell has been political for a long time. I have nothing against being politically active. I don't even have a problem with stating views of politicians as they align or go against Scripture. But is referring to Mrs. Clinton as being worse that the "Devil" himself wise? We don't like Hugo Chavez coming on American soil and calling the President the Devil, why should Christians return the favor to a former First Lady? I realize that Falwell probably said this "tongue and cheek", but we are talking about the Pulpit and preaching. One question that I have is, "Would Paul the Apostle approve? Or more importantly, would the Spirit of God approve?"
I have often wondered about Jerry Falwell and his politics. Not that he is a conservative, but how he mixes politics with his preaching in ways that are not Biblical. It seems to me he would rather be President of these United States or atleast have a major influence with a President than to remain faithful in the duties of true preaching. Anyone remember his meeting with McCain? Why would anyone align with a man who violated the Constitution in one the worst ways is beyond me. Unless of course you are a big political figure.
With the Caner brothers verses Ascol/White debate coming up, we have already seen horrific pulpit crimes committed by those who see preaching as a political podium. Say anything from the pulpit as long as it furthers our little kingdom for Jesus seems to be the methodology. As long as men are allowed to be politically correct in the pulpit, even if that PC is "conservative" (not conservative by my standards), without being held accountable for what they say, there will simply be no end to these kinds of Pulpit Crimes.I think Falwell's statement does more for his base than for anyone running against Hillary. Maybe Falwell should run for office? Seems to me that is where he is most comfortable.
2 comments:
Howard,
I am not a supporter of Hilary Clinton in any way, shape, or form. But I cringe everytime I read Jerry Falwell's name in the news because I know he's probably stuck his foot in his mouth again. 10,000 comedians are out of work and Jerry's trying to be funny. The man has become a caricature of himself.
Regards,
Les
I couldn't agree more - my preaching professor always told us that as we prepare to preach from studying and writing the sermon to preaching we better not be going up with our own agenda. He was referring to taking out your personal grievances and pet peeves at the pulpit but I think such a standard applies here as well.
Who's agenda is Falwell promoting when he steps to the pulpit? Because, frankly, it seems that it is a politically conservative/republican agenda rather than a biblical one.
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