It is our right and our job as citizens to be political – to engage in our public civic life together. We speak our minds. We listen. (hopefully) We advocate for what we think are the best decisions and policies for the public good.
When we are partisan we are speaking or working on behalf of one side, one view, one candidate. That is not a bad thing. That is also our right at a private citizen.
There is a difference. That is why I do not agree with the executive order that was signed yesterday
“promoting free speech and religious liberty.” (quote from whitehouse.gov)
As citizens we have the right to free speech and religious liberty under the constitution. This issue arose during the campaign when conservative clergy (both in policy and theology) said they wish they could feel free to advocate in the pulpit to their congregations to vote for Donald Trump. The clergy I know say that is a slippery slope – to advocate for a candidate from the pulpit. Preaching is proclaiming the Gospel according to Jesus Christ. Preaching should never be advocating for a human. Preaching is advocating for the God of love and grace.
I know that people have different theologies and interpretations of the Gospel. I get that. That is why we talk to each other and listen to each other. That should be done in dialogue.
Language is important. I feel the language in this executive order is misleading and dangerous.
How will President Trump’s core supporters feel when Imams are the ones speaking out on political candidates in their mosques and in the public square? Will they be given a voice and space in the same way as conservative Christian clergy? I hope so but I doubt it.
My two cents.
~ Pam
When we are partisan we are speaking or working on behalf of one side, one view, one candidate. That is not a bad thing. That is also our right at a private citizen.
There is a difference. That is why I do not agree with the executive order that was signed yesterday
“promoting free speech and religious liberty.” (quote from whitehouse.gov)
As citizens we have the right to free speech and religious liberty under the constitution. This issue arose during the campaign when conservative clergy (both in policy and theology) said they wish they could feel free to advocate in the pulpit to their congregations to vote for Donald Trump. The clergy I know say that is a slippery slope – to advocate for a candidate from the pulpit. Preaching is proclaiming the Gospel according to Jesus Christ. Preaching should never be advocating for a human. Preaching is advocating for the God of love and grace.
I know that people have different theologies and interpretations of the Gospel. I get that. That is why we talk to each other and listen to each other. That should be done in dialogue.
Language is important. I feel the language in this executive order is misleading and dangerous.
How will President Trump’s core supporters feel when Imams are the ones speaking out on political candidates in their mosques and in the public square? Will they be given a voice and space in the same way as conservative Christian clergy? I hope so but I doubt it.
My two cents.
~ Pam
