Politics and Churches
The world of politics and those who get involved are increasing in numbers. In the past churches or at least church leaders never commented about politics but that has changed in recent years. Whether this is something new or something which has been a part of our history we may never really know but the increased activity of our churches I believe is a good thing. Some individuals may not have the same opinion but the point I am making is church leaders have opinions on issues of the day and they have the right to express them.
The world of politics today has countless individuals who are expressing their opinions on issues which are important to them. This sometimes occurs as a result of groups, organizations or as individuals but it is the free expression of their right to let our political leaders or elected officials know how they feel. The same right exists within our church communities. There are many different religious organizations that have various opinions some of which we may not necessarily agree while others we do.
Churches regardless of the denomination or non-denominational philosophy have a group of individuals who come together to hear what church leaders have to say. Today as part of the message political commentary has become the norm rather than the exception. Religious philosophy sometimes has a connection to political issues and as such church leaders express their opinion or at least the opinion of the church regarding specific issues. Connecting politics to churches can come from government decisions and/or regulations which sometimes single out specific religious groups and their philosophy.
Connecting politics and churches is not always an easy task given the coverage between government decisions and churches. Churches have specific religious principles and when those principles are targeted which has occurred in recent events political issues and responses are identified. Politics and churches to some is a violation of separation of church and state principles. To some individuals this may be the case while others feel freely expressing views on political issues of the day is part of our constitutional rights under the Constitution.
Religious views of political candidates does bring the two together and while the religious views of elected officials or those wanting to be elected are important in that it may signal positions on specific issues. The key point I am trying to make is the fact churches and politics have been a part of the political landscape for several presidents. There have been many examples of Presidents or other elected officials entering or leaving churches.
The extent of politics and churches and/or religious principles varies from one administration to another. The religious background of each President has in many cases shaped the decisions that have been made. Whether this is right or wrong depends on the issue involved and whether decisions are made in conformance to the Constitution. Granted there are some issues which are vague in relation to requirements in the Constitution and when this is the case religious philosophy does impact decisions by some Presidents. The main point in this fact is the need to make the right decision for the country regardless of religious principles by which any President believes.
