DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Should religious leaders bring their political goals to the pulpit

**replicaypu** · 01-07-2008, 12:51 AM

Should religious leaders bring their political goals to the pulpit? Now, that is a good question and one that deserves some thought instead of a quick "no" or "yes."

I'm not sure I know the answer to the question as I don't attend religious services anywhere and I'm not sure of the power that they truly have over people. I do relate it to union meetings, where political candidates are supported and endorsed by the not-for-profit. When I first became a member, I resented being told who to vote for. However, I did enjoy the candidates coming before the meeting and being allowed to speak to us. It made me feel that the candidates really care about getting our votes - cared enough to speak to us.

Now, as I've been an union member for 13-yrs, I understand their logic in endorsing candidates. They support people that are pro labor. Still, it doesn't mean I will vote the way they tell me too. However, it is useful information to know where the candidates stand on issues that affect my employment ( a large part of my life).

If I apply the same logic to religious services, then I would have to say "yes." However, I am open to changing my mind if better arguments are made.

I always resisted unions they have good points
and not so good points. My mothers cousin was
involved as a trade union organizer (James Connolly)
back in the late 1800's when an Eight hour work
day was being sought.

I grew up in a very strong religious family/ community;
my family was also a strong political family.Our church
RC never condoned the IRA and we knew that Religion
and politics had different influences. Although the Rev.
Ian Paisley from another religious community was deeply
embedded in politics and he used the pulpit to incite riots.
I agree with Greyface "that you know who to stay away
from" the company you keep can have ripples of hate over
flow into your world. Who needs THEIR baggage?

From my personal experience, I would say that people in
positions such as ministries can have and do influence their
flock. When its laced with hatred as Rev. Wright & Rev.Phleger
exhibited, in my opinion they keep racisim alive. It was
interesting to see Jesse Jackson along side Phleger another
influential leader.

Maybe this issue will flush out the true meaning of "we shall
overcome someday" and DR. Martin Luther King's message will
come alive again, as people of all colors re-new/start to work
together for the good of wo/mankind.

01-07-2008, 12:51 AM	#2
replicaypu Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 432 Senior Member	Should religious leaders bring their political goals to the pulpit? Now, that is a good question and one that deserves some thought instead of a quick "no" or "yes." I'm not sure I know the answer to the question as I don't attend religious services anywhere and I'm not sure of the power that they truly have over people. I do relate it to union meetings, where political candidates are supported and endorsed by the not-for-profit. When I first became a member, I resented being told who to vote for. However, I did enjoy the candidates coming before the meeting and being allowed to speak to us. It made me feel that the candidates really care about getting our votes - cared enough to speak to us. Now, as I've been an union member for 13-yrs, I understand their logic in endorsing candidates. They support people that are pro labor. Still, it doesn't mean I will vote the way they tell me too. However, it is useful information to know where the candidates stand on issues that affect my employment ( a large part of my life). If I apply the same logic to religious services, then I would have to say "yes." However, I am open to changing my mind if better arguments are made. I always resisted unions they have good points and not so good points. My mothers cousin was involved as a trade union organizer (James Connolly) back in the late 1800's when an Eight hour work day was being sought. I grew up in a very strong religious family/ community; my family was also a strong political family.Our church RC never condoned the IRA and we knew that Religion and politics had different influences. Although the Rev. Ian Paisley from another religious community was deeply embedded in politics and he used the pulpit to incite riots. I agree with Greyface "that you know who to stay away from" the company you keep can have ripples of hate over flow into your world. Who needs THEIR baggage? From my personal experience, I would say that people in positions such as ministries can have and do influence their flock. When its laced with hatred as Rev. Wright & Rev.Phleger exhibited, in my opinion they keep racisim alive. It was interesting to see Jesse Jackson along side Phleger another influential leader. Maybe this issue will flush out the true meaning of "we shall overcome someday" and DR. Martin Luther King's message will come alive again, as people of all colors re-new/start to work together for the good of wo/mankind.
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