I think too much has been made of Robert Jeffress’ comments the last couple of days. The media outlets and pseudo pundits have hounded this story to death. It’s time to move on to the next story. But, before we do and in light of the conversation, I can’t help but weigh in on this myself.
First of all, Robert Jeffress is a tax paying American citizen who has a right to a voice. And others want to silence him just because he’s a pastor? His opinion regarding the candidate was his own and not that of the church were he is employed. I think it’s crazy to suggest silencing a minister regarding politics, candidates, and issues because of his or her occupation. What’s the next topic you’re going to silence a pastor with? I’m a minister, an educated voter, taxpayer, and have an opinion just like everyone else. If I want to attend a political rally in support of a candidate, speak out, put a bumper sticker on my car, write a supportive blog post, submit an editorial, put a campaign sign in my yard, shoot a video to post on Facebook/YouTube, or speak to friends in the congregation where I serve, that’s my right! To take that away is censorship and un-American! Why should my occupation prohibit me from speaking out? I think it’s ludicrous to single out ministers and expect them to be silent on issues and candidates! Last time I looked, free speech is sort of a hallmark characteristic of our country.
In reference to Jeffress’ comment on Mormonism, let’s put political correctness aside for a moment. The LDS Church (Mormonism) is not uniquely Christian. If you study LDS doctrine, you’ll discover it is incompatible with historical Christian faith. While many well-meaning ecumenical patrons attempt to seat them at the table, we can’t construct a tent large enough to fit them under without denying the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The LDS Doctrine of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Doctrine of Atonement, and salvation differ significantly from historical Christianity. If you’d like to read more regarding a simple contrast between Mormonism and Christianity, you can go here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a religion; it’s just not Christian. Well meaning folks just don’t want to hear it, but it’s true.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the information on the Morman vs Christian faith.
Pastor Hoffman,
I completely agree with you on this. Atmy mother and step-father’s church in Lawrenceville, Va., the Pastor there was told to take down his political signs of who he was enodorsing. A church member said it would take away their tax status. She wrote letters and sent them to all the church members with all kinds of negative comments. This is a small church. This Pastor is young and has a vision for the church. The deacons and majority of the members stood behind him. They asked her to put this matter to rest. I think she agreed to but I do not know if she came back to the church. This just happend about a month ago. I go down to help my mother once a month and attend their church when I go. That is why I know about this matter. So I do believe a Pastor should not lose his viewpoint on politics, etc and his right to express himself.
God Bless,
Brenda Sanders
I forgot to say the political signs were in his own front yard.