Comments on: Dobson-bred ‘Pulpit Initiative’ to flout IRS ban on church political endorsements seems to be failing

By: Robyn

Robyn — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:04:50 +0000

I think churches are on a slippery slope called the lure of power.

I have been Christian all of my life and left all “religious institutions” during the last election. I have also worked at one time for Crisis Pregnancy Centers. What I found was that I could VERY EASILY get volunteers for political campaigning but when it came time to donate to help unwed pregnant mothers with babysitting so they could work, or a place to sleep that wasn’t pitiable, those same enthusiastic volunteers weren’t available. So I could talk someone into keeping their unborn child and condemn them to the life of an outcast in the Church.

The pulpit should be used to inspire people to great acts of mercy and compassion. Maybe if the Church were doing it’s job, we wouldn’t have to worry so much over the legislation aspect. People would simply be inclined to do the right thing or get help if they made a mistake.

It’s so very easy to chase politics and power; it’s much harder to inspire and work for all humanity.

My kids started get flack from a friend because they were allowed to read the Harry Potter series. When they asked me about the accusations from the religious friend, I told them that the world would be it’s own undoing just fine with or without Harry Potter because the Church has lost view of it’s first obligation – taking care of those around us – instead of legislating those around us. Whatever happened to invoking the name of God instead that of McCain, Palin, Obama or Biden? He’s not powerful enough? or can’t get you the spotlight?

I will not return to any Church until the satanic lure of politics and hatred has been stripped from it’s halls; and this kind of behavior only furthers my resolve. PAY FOR THE RIGHT TO BE A POLITICAL ACTION GROUP IF YOU WANT IT – otherwise stop disguising yourself as a “church”.

By: Timothy H.

Timothy H. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:45:34 +0000

I was fully braced to stand up mid-service and march out if my pastor had made any kind of endorsement of some neo-con agenda or candidate. Thankfully, it didn’t happen here but it’s heartbreaking that it happened anywhere.

By: John K

John K — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:22:14 +0000

Voter Issue Guide: 2008 Presidential Race

http://www.afa.net/08VG/index.html

By: Robert Rowley, Tucson, Arizona

Robert Rowley, Tucson, Arizona — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:05:08 +0000

The complete fact of the matter is this. A 501 c3 religious tax exemption is not a right. It is something applied for and possibly granted. When a church applies for a 501 c3 status they go into it knowing what the rules are. Therefore, either accept the rules of that for which you are applying or do not have it. If you cannot agree to the rules of a 501c3 then you shall not have the exemption.

IRS, please do your duty, uphold the law, and if these churches preach politics from the pulpit, PLEASE revoke their tax exempt status immediately!

By: Larry Linn

Larry Linn — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:40:34 +0000

Please G*d, I pray that you use your power to allow the houses of worship express political endorsements based upon what you tell the religious leaders in personal visions. I am sure that if they want to participate in elections, and that they will be willing to pay taxes like other businesses and other taxpayers. As I pray to thee, please tell me why you inflated your son to 800 to 900 feet, had him tell a television evangelical that he had to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to find a cure for cancer? Lord, since you are G*d, would it not have bee easier to just tell this Evangelist the cure?

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:06:02 +0000

It is all about timing. This ridiculous initiative isn’t really expected to succeed.

Of course, separation of Church and State is sacrosanct.

The real objective is to motivate the religious ultra-conservative faction to, once again, get out and vote on this single-issue topic.

Make no mistake. The puppet-masters, which have used the religious right to usurp control of one of our political parties, are extremely adept at this kind of strategy.

The real difficulty is trying to separate Truth from Spin.

Perhaps, it is easier to be told who to vote for…

By: Larry Linn

Larry Linn — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:11:42 +0000

Preachers, Ministers, Priests, and Rabbis should be free to endorse cancidates and express political opinions. They should not be tax exempt.

By: JD

JD — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:38:11 +0000

I wonder how much politics goes on in Zionist-friendly synagogues?

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:48:50 +0000

Doesn’t this mean that each of these churches just sacrificed (sorry) their IRS non-profit tax exemption? Who cares what these type of “churches” preach? If they endorse a candidate from the pulpit, it automatically sets in motion the mechanisms to change their tax status, which means more tax revenue to bail out the rich on Wall Street. Wait…I mean for health care, social security, and education.

By: beryl k gullsgate

beryl k gullsgate — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:37:29 +0000

God must be having a devil of a time with all these self-proclaimed,religious fundamentalist neo-cons using his name in vain to support their ultra-conservative political agendas…