How is the ACLU not demanding the revocation of the tax-exempt status of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Miami for endorsing a political candidate? How is this not an endorsement of a political agenda? Where’s the ACLU and their invocation of “Separation of Church and State”? Why is Kerry allowed, in essence, to give a stump speech at a church (and is heralded for his faith), while Bush simply attends church and is considered a right-wing, evangelical nut.
![Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Miami](\"http://powerlineblog.com/archives/Church.jpg\"){kind=link}
![political candidate](\"http://powerlineblog.com/archives/KerryChurch3.jpg\"){kind=link}
Why is a church like The Church at Pierce Creek (NY), who in 1992 spoke out against Clinton’s stance on abortion, revoked of it’s tax-exempt status for giving a point of view (an opinion)? Someone please speak about this hypocrisy of the freedom of speech. Either you’re for it, in its entirety — allowing the viewpoints of Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, church preachers — or against it; meaning, pushing for a more communistic control over citizen language.
If pastors are hunted down for speaking even remotely about a “political” topic, then I fear the church will be controlled by the government (or more precisely, the Circuit Courts, ACLU and bloated lawsuits by thin skinned atheists). What constitutes a “political” topic — speaking out against homosexuality or abortion? Yet, a church is allowed without repercussions, to have a presidential candidate during a typical Sunday service give a speech!? Regardless of the topic, he could give a full sermon for all I care, he’s still a political candidate (and not even Baptist for that matter). I just don’t get it.
Our world is wonky.
Oh wait, that\’s right, that\’s Bush\’s fault; just like how he somehow has the ability to hire and fire and retain jobs for 1000s of businesses in the United States — I wonder how much income and jobs were lost; in a snowball effect, by the World Trade Center towers coming down; I dare say several billion dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs and income. Cancer; Bush’s fault. Terrorism; Bush’s fault. Job Loss; Bush’s fault. Flu vaccination contamination; Bush’s fault.
Ugh. There will be another civil war in this country within 10 years time; but not divided by land, but ideology. And if Bush is reelected, I guarantee there will be a great effort to have him impeached. Mark my words. Things will get ugly; for vengeance speaks louder than contrition. I vow to support Kerry if he is elected. I may not like what he may or may not do, and will express my opinion, but he would be my president. God is in control and has a reason and I can\’t do anything but trust. I don’t foresee that being reciprocated.
Sorry, quite a rant had been building up. I don’t often delve into politics. Just like theology. There can be incredible discourse, but only if those discussing are willing to listen, hear, respect and be open.