A question about religios services...

[Joe Fields]

First of all, please don't flame me. This question is an honest one, seeking honest answers, because I am curious and DO NOT WISH TO OFFEND ANYONE OF FAITH.

In your weekly or daily services that you attend, do your pastors, preachers, ministers, rabbis(fill in the proper church leader) preach politics?

I am wondering for a couple of reasons. I was raised a Catholic. When I became an adult, I chose not to worship in a church anymore. I have a strong belief in God, but I have my own beliefs about organized religion, which I shall keep to myself. My brother, who was also raised a Catholic, and grew up the same way as I, chose another religion, (one of our major recognized religions) which I will not mention here, as he became an adult. From that moment, his world view changed. My family has been staunch Democrats going back at least four generations. Suddenly, my brother became a hardline Republican, and began holding unchristian viewpoints, deriding the homeless, people on welfare, women who excercise their right of choice concerning pregnancy, etc.. He adopted the philosophy of the Chritian Coalition, spouting their identical talking points. He is convinced I am an athiest, which I am not. He believes I am un-American, which couldn't be further from the truth and also believes I am a Communist, which is patently false. I have to wonder if he got these views from the pulpit, or from other church members, or perhaps both. His behavior didn't just begin recently. His outlook changed dramatically during the Reagan administration. We can hardly look at each other without contempt for one another anymore. Thankfully, I don't see him that often. But I have to ask the question, because until he changed religions, his views were benign, not spokenly different from the rest of our family, which is a large family (there were nine of us.)

I really want to know. Do your church leaders preach politics?

[annabanana]

1. My liberal, Episcopal priest

Will occasionally rile the more conservative members of the congregation with shots against greed, exploitation, and war. I think he's on pretty solid scriptural ground with it, so all they can do is seethe.

[Yupster]

23. Our preacher

is very careful to say "on the other hand" whenever getting close to political messages. He tries hard not to offend either side and is a magician at it.

The bottom line is the church budget is barely balanced and he just can't afford anyone being offended.

He's much more liberal than his moderate Methodist congregation, which I think is pretty typical for the Methodist church.

[tjwmason]

2. No.

He preaches on whatever the Gospel text given for the day is, usually winding it together with the other readings. Never political.

I've been to quite a number of different churches (Roman Catholic and very high Anglican - including some very very traditional and conservative places) - in all my years, I've probably heard 2 or 3 political sermons at the most.

[Joe Fields]

6. I have asked my two sisters and my son this question.

They belong to the Roman Catholic church. They tell me the same answer as you gave, only in their church the sermon almost always ends with a plea to parishoners for more money (usually for Catholic charities or for missionaries).

[Tace]

3. Witness At My Quaker Meeting Is Often Political

But, since our services are "unprogrammed," we don't have a clergyman. We just stand up and say what we want, if we feel moved to do do.

[bryant69]

4. No - there are moral issues with political implications occasionally

but rarely. And usually they steer well clear of the political implications.

We do have a lay ministry - which means any member of the ward can be giving a talk on any sunday. This is good in that everybody has a chance to participate, but bad in the sense that sometimes people will inject their own personal opinions into what they have to talk about. Even this is pretty rare.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[FreedomAngel82]

8. Oh yes

My preacher sometimes has done that. He one time talked about giving to the poor and how some people were like "why should I give my hard earned money towards people who don't work etc?" Sometimes with his preachings like that I wonder if he's either a democrat or independent. I do wish I could ask him sometimes.

[wishlist]

5. My Presbyterian Church does not, but prays for peace and well being of

No preaching of politics, but for instance a prayer request yesterday was: "May God bring forth his agenda, reforms and legislation necessary for the peace, prosperity and well-being of our nation."

Preacher also talked about military and political matters in the time of Moses which could be taken as advice on how conflicts should best be handled without directly referencing the mess we are in with Iraq.

Some of the Presbyterian churches came out strongly in opposition to the Iraq invasion. My church tries to remain totally apolitical as much as possible and members are of both parties except so far I have not detected any right wingers there since they mostly attend Baptist churches instead here in North Carolina.

Politics and public policy advocacy is stressful enough without having it brought up in church. I go to church to find peace and get support and solutions to dealing with the stress in my life, not to be preached about what my political views should be.

[FreedomAngel82]

9. I do remember

reading how one time Bush did go to church (he's Methodist right?) and his preacher talked about war and how wrong it was. Now that I do think about it my preacher before has talked about Jesus' "turn the other cheek" sermon and lots of people do pray to help our military and our leaders to make the best possible outcomes etc.

[woodsprite]

14. I attend a Presby. church and we fall into the same category.

We all know what our minister's leanings are. She does not preach politics from the pulpit. We had a recent youth group outing to civil rights education event, the person honored happened to be a minister in our Presbytery, so it did cross over.

This weekend, we had a guest speaker. He had been a Jesuit priest for years, met someone in the course of his work with the homeless and fell in love with her. Gave up the priesthood, got married and now they run a shelter system run totally on donations and volunteers in our neighboring town. They refuse to take any federal money and last year were able to raise and use $1,000,000. They have 4 women's shelters, 2 apartment houses, and 5 mens' shelters - all in the same school district, so the kids don't get jostled around more than needed.

In his talk to us yesterday, he had made comments that Jesus was a political figure of his time. The only part of the Bible the fundamentalists do not take literally is the Sermon on the Mount and the Ten Commandments. They'd do good to reread those parts and take them to heart. He also made a comment regarding bombing to get Al Zarqarwi, and instead getting 30+ others. I got the feeling he was definitely not a *bot - though he didn't come right out and say it. He said that 70% of the men that he helps on any given day are above the age of 60 and are Veterans of Foreign Wars. Then he said "Think about that - these men were willing to die and willing to kill for their country and we're not even willing to take care of them."

Really neat guy and wonderful speaker. He had us asking questions, gave us answers and filled us in with info on his mission for 2 hrs without any notes. We are going to begin working with them in our volunteer efforts. He said they are not truly a "shelter" - which only deals with immediate physical needs, but they try to be a "home" to the homeless.

[FreedomAngel82]

7. No

My preacher talks about spiritual things that can be applied to our daily lives. He's only mentioned anything with politics twice. One was on the fourth of July where he thanked those who were in our presence who had served in the military and to say how we're lucky with the first amendment compared to other people in different countries. Than he one time asked why we have to be left vs right all the time and why we can't be a better country for God. I have no idea what political party, if any, my preacher belongs to (even though I am curious on who he voted for and why) and he has never indicated what he believes politically. Only a few people I know of their political affiliations. A family friend did support Bush this last time and one of my best friends too. She asked me who I voted for and I proudly said John Kerry and she was going to get into that "flipflopper" nonsense and I defended him and that was the last time we talked politics. All the college kids except my brother and I were all Bush supporters. After the first debate our teacher wasn't there so he had someone fill in and the guy talked about talking I believe and he mentioned how your presentation of your speech is important to people and mentioned how lots of people were changing their minds after watching the Bush v Kerry debate and all because one guy spoke really well. Of course I probably was the only one smiling and proud of that. ;) But I hope that answers your question. My preacher is great to not bring politics into the church. If he did I would seriously rant and rave to him.

[formerrepuke]

10. Never, ever. The congregation (UCC) wouldn't stand for it...n/t

[RB TexLa]

11. I expect my priest to talk about social concerns

I don't expect him to talk about who to vote for or what party he thinks is more Godly. Social concerns are the church's business in as much as what their members can do about social problems. As Christians we should have the belief that we need no help from the government to correct social wrongs and should not wait for or expect the government to do such.

The churches I've gone to in the last few years haven't had the problem you mention, however I have walked out of a couple of Baptist sermons at a family member's church because of such. I don't mind a tough homily on a social concern and challenging the parishioners to do something about it, but I totally reject the accusation of the devil "working" in some court or legislature.

[catabryna]

12. No, we don't talk politics in church...

Sermons are on topics and our pastors seem to present things in a very apolitical way. I know one of them personally, so I have a fairly good idea of his political leanings, and I imagine he has a very difficult time in the voting booth. But those who don't know him would never be able to figure that out... Our other pastor, whom I don't know personally, is bit easier to read, he really wears his heart on his sleeve.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

13. Never

but if you read between the lines, you kind of get the impression that war is bad, killing is bad, charity is good, etc. Sort of points you in the right direction.

[PassingThrough]

15. Catholic and no.

[xchrom]

16. my episcopal priest puts controversial subjects into social contexts.

he was a little reactionary after 9-11 which was a little disappointing -- but he reached out to a local mosque and as a result we exchanged religous services for a while.

but he encourages social activism within the community especially on behalf of children.

my churches current focus through our priest is the mississippi gulf coast region adn rebuilding efforts through other episcopal churches there.

the church welcomes all -- i'm gay and there other gay and lesbian memebers in full view -- we are active and out within the life of the church.

[in_cog_ni_to]

17. Last year during the Rosh Hashanah sermon, our Rabbi talked about Katrina

and how the administration didn't do anything to help the people on the Gulf Coast.:wow: She didn't talk "politics" in general, but let it be known that she was not pleased with those running our country (I could see the OUTRAGE in her face...she was ANGRY!). Her sermon was woven around helping those in need, Katrina, and the New Year. I left there that day with a GREAT BIG SMILE on my face. The Rabbi never talks "politics", but does weave Bush into some of her sermons on an "issue" basis. Me thinks she's not very fond of the idiot. ;)

During the ScAlito hearings the Christian Right manned EVERY State. They had their cohorts going door to door, making phone calls, faxing, doing TV ads and emailing. That HAS TO ORIGINATE from the churches. They are too well organized for the pastors, ministers, and preachers NOT to be involved and preaching from SOMEWHERE. If it's not from the pulpit, it has to be at church meetings where it's all organized behind closed doors....so as not to lose their tax exempt status. However, I do believe the evangelical/fundie churches have decided they can preach anything they want to because the idiot has given them permission to with his "faith based initiative" bullshit. My guess is your brother's church is preaching that crap or saying it at church socials and meetings. He's getting it from somewhere, right?

[Burried News]

18. Sounds like a paranod personality evolving ... don't think you can

blame religion for it. IMHO, it more likely that religion has become a tool for him to exercise and camouflage his fear and hostility.

I have never seen this site before but it looks interesting and not hostile to a religious outlook.
Found by googling "Neurotic Styles"
A word of caution - this is a very deep subject with an extensive literature. None of us can really figure out what makes another person tick but all of us probably need some exposure just to deal with our world and remain open minded. Good luck.

http://ministryhealth.net/mh_articles/025_five_types_dysfunction.html

[LiberalinNC]

19. I believe that some religions have gotten into having their preachers

preach not only religion but politics. It grew in the last presidential election, at least it did here in NC. It sounds as if your brother got hooked into a faith that has brain washed him. Living in the South, I can only imagine what religion your brother got himself into.

BTW Isn't there a guy who goes around and teaches preachers how to "bring politics into their church"? I thought I heard about him either on Stephanie Miller, Al Franken or Ed Schultz.

[lynne]

20. United Methodist here - and the answer is NO.

They will pray for peace, guidance, etc. for "world leaders". That's it.

[gratuitous]

21. That depends on what you mean by "preach politics"

There are lots of topics on which people of faith and conscience discuss that can be considered "political." Any talk of righteousness or justice or "What does God require of you, O mortal" (Micah 6) will almost certainly touch on the political -- and I will say that any congregation that doesn't occasionally prick your conscience or challenge you in your comfort probably isn't worth the electricity it takes to keep the lights on Sunday morning.

I don't know what the story is with your brother. It's possible that he just decided to be an asshole.

[triguy46]

22. No.

[seabeyond]

24. when you die and face jesus he will bring back your vote in 2004

that will say whether you are going to heaven or hell. the ministers in southern baptist comvention were pulled in and told to tell the sheep this. while kids went to private christian school the minister said god placed bush in office and kerry was a murder and not a christian. democrats are not christians.

there are some examples.

yes, the minister preach this hate on the pulpit

[Joe Fields]

25. If that's the case, then a lot of people

"have some 'splainin' to do!"

[Lydia Leftcoast]

26. Only indirectly, and when they do, it's in a liberal direction

The priests carefully avoid direct political statements, but they're strong advocates for helping the poor, treating all people with respect, and promoting peace and reconciliation. Yesterday's sermon gave props to the parish's environmental committee (of which I am a member) for being so diligent in getting the parish to adopt environmentally friendly practices.