"Pulpit Freedom Sunday" is over. It's hard to say how many pastors engaged in using their sermons to lobby for a candidate (read McCain). Our favorite quote comes from today's LA Times, "I am angry because the government and the IRS and some Christians have taken away the rights of pastors," Drake said to about 45 people at his service. "I have a right to endorse anybody I doggone well please. And if they don't like that, too bad." We hate to bother Pastor Drake with a silly fact but for the sake of sanity and reason, there is this. NO ONE IS STOPPING YOU FROM SPEAKING FREELY, WE'RE JUST REFUSING TO SUBSIDIZE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are a pastor and you feel called to lead a church and your leadership includes direct advice on who to vote for, fine, do it. Live into the faith that God has called you to do this and trust that whatever resources you give up by not taking the benefits of tax exemption will be provided in some other way. Live the faith you proclaim. Please.
But that's not point, is it. Nope. Free Pulpit Sunday was designed for a higher purpose so let the lawsuits and IRS investigations begin. An old hymn captures the moment, "They will know we are Christians by our love." Yes, lawsuits, bating government agencies and media grandstanding, those are excellent reflections of the love of Christ. Yes, indeed, on a Monday morning when everyone is holding their breath in fear of further financial collapse, when issues of poverty, unemployment, lack of health insurance, and war threaten peoples lives, literally. These are the days when Christians hit the headlines, not with stories about the outpouring of love, care, support, and comfort for a troubled community. Nope, we're going use this moment to throw a tantrum about a rule that doesn't suit us.
BC commends this commentary from the religious guy who has had actual experience tangling with the IRS. Here he is free and making the real point.
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