For too many years, the religious community, or the Evangelical Religious Community, has shunned the idea of participating in politics and either passively or actively embraced the theory of “Separation of Church and State” as a mandate that they should stay out of the political arena. 

First, the Constitution does not restrict or prevent religion from engaging in political discussion. It prohibits the Federal Government from forming a National Church and giving it preference over all others.  The First Amendment and our right to Freedom of Religion do not prevent us from having an opinion or even a preference in a political campaign and frequently involves issues directly connected to our belief system.

In 1633 and up until the 20^th century, churches participated in what was known as annual “Election Sermons,” where preachers preached about particular issues and elections, instructing their parishioners as to what God’s Word had to say about the issue and suggesting how they might vote in keeping with their faith. 

It was not an attempt to force people to vote a particular way but a means of informing the congregations of the views of the church and the Bible on that specific issue or election.  Christians seemed to understand that we hold a “dual citizenship,” being citizens of heaven and earth simultaneously, and were obligated to exercise good stewardship and citizenship. 

In 1954, Congress passed the “Johnson Amendment,” which has since been interpreted as silencing pastors on issues and topics of civil interest.  However, Christians of previous generations would not have submitted to a policy that so egregiously violated not only the Constitution but the Bible. 

In 2008, the Alliance Defense Fund launched a “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” to help churches regain their much-needed voice in politics and civil issues.  They partnered with courageous pastors who decided to participate and preach politically laced sermons about specific issues and even candidates’ stances on issues and compared them to those of the Bible.  We may need to resurrect that type of effort in 2023 and beyond.

Hundreds of churches and pastors participated in that Special Sunday, and the IRS largely refused to come after any of them because they knew they would have a Constitutional lawsuit awaiting them if they did.  A lawsuit that the government knew and knows it cannot win.  Over 2,000 affiliated attorneys were willing to defend for free any Bible-teaching pastor who speaks out with a Biblical voice on current issues or leaders. 

I urge pastors and churches to stop being intimidated and stand up for what is right.  Boldly but lovingly declare what God’s word has to say on the issues and stances of the candidates.  You may suffer from members of your congregations, the community, political ideologues, and peers. 

However, God will honor your commitment to truth, and America will thank you in the end for your courage and willingness to provide the much-needed voice of sanity in this troubled world.  I will fear no man, for God is my Rock and Shield.  Man may destroy the body but cannot touch our souls. 

It is up to us to Pray, Teach, Preach, Beseech, and Reach everyone we can for the cause of the Kingdom of God and to try to preserve the nation as a place of Freedom so we can continue to do that with liberty! 

In every election, remember what is at stake and vote accordingly!  God will help us if we return to Him and do what is right!

God bless you, and God bless America!