Amid calls by liberal pundits and some Democratic members of Congress that President Joe Biden end his reelection campaign, Biden insists he won’t be pushed out.
Excellent! Christian nationalism is deeply problematic whether it is white Christian nationalism, black Christian nationalism, or Hispanic Christian nationalism. Certainly, white Christian nationalism is a particular danger since it undergirds the power of the most powerful. But Christian nationalism always threatens the nature, identity, and unity of the church and should be shunned in all its forms.
When it comes to politicians staying out of pulpits, I am fairly certain I am not only on the same page of the hymn book with Brian, but on the same verse. My legal opinion for many years has been that allowing politicians in the pulpit to make political campaign speechs, or basically at all, crosses the line on the tax exempt status of a religious organization (church, etc.). As I recall (I did not go back and research the issue for this posting), there is precedent finding that allowing a candidate to speak in a church worship service violates IRS regulations. As I recall the offender in that instance was candidate Bill Clinton. With the many violations apparently occuring, it would be good if any number of organizations would start filing law suits, and see if the IRS code won't be enforced.
However, in a very pragmatic and political sense there is a greater exigent challenge, indeed crisis facing the American Democracy. That is the presidential election in 2024. If anyone thinks that the White Christian Nationalist agenda isn't going to be advanced under a Trump administration, then I have a bridge I would like to sell you in Jefferson City (North or South bound lane). The choice facing the electorate if Biden or Trump. I am aware of all the Defeatocrats and Desertocrats wanting Biden to drop out. However, I have not heard a plan from any of them as to how to move forward after he is summarily dismissed and it is left to a brokered convention as to the course of action.
As a matter of church-state separation, I am in total agreement that the President should not be soliciting from the African American Religious community opportunities to speak from their pulpits on Sundays, or any other days of the week. There are clearly a variety of ways that religious folks and religious entities can hold events other than worship services that allow the congregation opportunities to be exposed to politicians. As a matter of practical, pragmatic politics, at this time one more attack on the conduct of the President is one more too many. Furthermore, to unilaterally not go to part of one's base, while the other side takes full advantage of such circumstances is to be on a totally unlevel playing field.
Dear Brian and Beau, I am new to your work. I saw your interview with Robby Jones and bought Baptizing America right away. It is so clear and helpful! Same with your critique of the unwholesome intermingling of worship and politics in the Mt. Airy service. I especially appreciated how you took time to remind us that God still speaks, and in surprising, unscripted ways. Thank you!
Appreciate this piece, friends. Also, that screen grab of the bishop is worth everything. I wish there was a pic like that of me preaching! The Lord Almighty might not have been there, but that photographer seemed to catch the presence of the Spirit!
Excellent! Christian nationalism is deeply problematic whether it is white Christian nationalism, black Christian nationalism, or Hispanic Christian nationalism. Certainly, white Christian nationalism is a particular danger since it undergirds the power of the most powerful. But Christian nationalism always threatens the nature, identity, and unity of the church and should be shunned in all its forms.
When it comes to politicians staying out of pulpits, I am fairly certain I am not only on the same page of the hymn book with Brian, but on the same verse. My legal opinion for many years has been that allowing politicians in the pulpit to make political campaign speechs, or basically at all, crosses the line on the tax exempt status of a religious organization (church, etc.). As I recall (I did not go back and research the issue for this posting), there is precedent finding that allowing a candidate to speak in a church worship service violates IRS regulations. As I recall the offender in that instance was candidate Bill Clinton. With the many violations apparently occuring, it would be good if any number of organizations would start filing law suits, and see if the IRS code won't be enforced.
However, in a very pragmatic and political sense there is a greater exigent challenge, indeed crisis facing the American Democracy. That is the presidential election in 2024. If anyone thinks that the White Christian Nationalist agenda isn't going to be advanced under a Trump administration, then I have a bridge I would like to sell you in Jefferson City (North or South bound lane). The choice facing the electorate if Biden or Trump. I am aware of all the Defeatocrats and Desertocrats wanting Biden to drop out. However, I have not heard a plan from any of them as to how to move forward after he is summarily dismissed and it is left to a brokered convention as to the course of action.
As a matter of church-state separation, I am in total agreement that the President should not be soliciting from the African American Religious community opportunities to speak from their pulpits on Sundays, or any other days of the week. There are clearly a variety of ways that religious folks and religious entities can hold events other than worship services that allow the congregation opportunities to be exposed to politicians. As a matter of practical, pragmatic politics, at this time one more attack on the conduct of the President is one more too many. Furthermore, to unilaterally not go to part of one's base, while the other side takes full advantage of such circumstances is to be on a totally unlevel playing field.
Dear Brian and Beau, I am new to your work. I saw your interview with Robby Jones and bought Baptizing America right away. It is so clear and helpful! Same with your critique of the unwholesome intermingling of worship and politics in the Mt. Airy service. I especially appreciated how you took time to remind us that God still speaks, and in surprising, unscripted ways. Thank you!
Appreciate this piece, friends. Also, that screen grab of the bishop is worth everything. I wish there was a pic like that of me preaching! The Lord Almighty might not have been there, but that photographer seemed to catch the presence of the Spirit!