Introducing politics into the church?

When in a pub, there are two groundrules for discussion: no politics or religion. The only thing more divisive than politics or religion is politics AND religion. Take the as-we-blog showdown now occuring in Congress, where Republicans and Democrats are ready to tear the place apart over what is basically an abortion argument veiled as whatever else. If it weren't for the judicial nominees' stances on religious-associated issues, this would still be a big issue, but not one described as "nuclear."

I don't think there's really any other way around this issue, however. After all, isn't the president supposed to nominate and then congress vote to approve? So what's the hold-up?

But while this nasty scenario may be unavoidable in the political realm, it would be especially tragic to see it play out in churches, as recently happened in North Carolina, where a church has split over political issues.

That's why I'm torn over the proposed Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act, which is current supported by more than 165 House Representatives. If made law, this bill would remove IRS restrictions on tax-exempt religious organizations regarding political endorsements. The bill was recently changed so that it doesn't cover radio and television broadcasts, so it's not like you're going to see advertisements by religious leaders during election time (thankfully). But it would mean pastors can tell members they should support a particular candidate, rather than an issue.

My view is that the bill should pass because it's a question of free speech. However, that doesn't mean I want political campaigning in church. Rather, I think pastors should be free to mention names without censoring themselves, but do so in a way remembering they do not speak for themselves, but speak for God. Just like prophets in the Old Testament got into trouble when they made up specific words from God, pastors today should be careful about exceeding the bounds of Scripture.

Also, while you can't be expected to avoid religious discussion in church as in the pub, the rule on politics is a good carry-over, I think.