Joseph Mattera writes:
As a pastor I have been involved in political, economic and social issues in order to be holistic in ministering to the needs of our community, as well as functioning prophetically to influential elected officials. In this context, I have observed how many leaders also involved in holistic ministry have “behaved themselves” in regards to speaking out prophetically on major biblical issues. My opinion is that we are all called to be prophetic—especially preachers of the gospel (1 Peter 4:11)!
For example, during the past decade I have been a major proponent of preserving biblical marriage and have worked against legalizing alternate forms of marriage such as same-sex marriage. As I have helped lead the charge, some of my good friends have intentionally remained silent for a variety of reasons.
The following are some of the reasons pastors have muzzled their prophetic voice:
1. Some feel pressured to side with a political leader because of their ethnicity
Thus, if they speak against certain local or national candidates they will get a lot of heat from their congregations and ministry peers for not standing with a brother or sister.
One pastor indicated that if he spoke what he really believed regarding this particular presidential election that he would have lost many of the people in his church because they would view him as a betrayer of his own people!
2. Some pastors won’t vote against party affiliation
Many pastors in urban contexts will vote straight down the party line because, even if they agree more with the moral values of the other political party, they feel they will betray their own people and the party that has stood with them through the years, especially if they perceive their party has been more sensitive to the needs of their communities and ethnic people.
3. Some pastors will muzzle their prophetic voice for the sake of political access and influence
Many prominent pastors will tow the party line and muzzle their voice to keep political access and to make politicians in their district happy! For example, I have seen rock-solid Bible-believing pastors endorse pro-choice, pro same-sex marriage candidates from their pulpits, which shocked many people in their cities and churches!
When we get to the bottom of it, we realize some clergy have a lot of political access, power and influence with a particular party and, in spite of their biblical beliefs, they will play the political game and endorse candidates even if they undermine some of the values they hold dearest!
Read the whole thing
Seven Reasons the Prophetic Voice of American Pastors Has Been Silent
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