This has to be the saddest poll number I have ever read.
Why?
Because this was the number of people that were polled that stated that the clergy should not endorse a candidate or even mention politics in pulpit.
This is sad due to a statement made by George Washington in his farewell address as well as the first amendment.
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The pillars of a good government or at least a good politician is religion and morality.
I will go one step further in this. What Christ says to look for in a servant leader:
Matthew 20:25 – But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Why don’t people in the clergy endorse or mention politics? Because the government has muzzled them due to the Johnson amendment.
This amendment goes against the constitution and thus against our freedom and right to worship or for that matter not to worship God as we see fit.
When you get a chance I challenge you to watch “Drums along the Mohawk” with Henry Fonda. In this movie you will see the pastor not only deliver a message but also be political and advertise.
This is the way it should be but cannot due to the Johnson amendment. This must be removed and once again allow Christianity to thrive, especially in the political arena. Where it is most desperately needed for the survival of not only this nation but the souls of its people.