Do Politics and the Pulpit Mix? | Newsweek Religion

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Posted By: kmgibson @ 04/13/2008 7:10:38 PM

I agree with Joe's comments. I find the media -- as well as other church pastors and leaders! -- continually try to ensnare Joel with pointed questions on touchy subjects much like the pharisees did to Jesus. An example would be when the pharisees asked Jesus if people should pay taxes to Cesar (hoping Jesus would say something that would defame him, of course); Jesus wisely responded to give Cesar what is his and God what is his. In the same way, I think Joel has learned to be slow to speak and quick to listen, which is scriptural. And speaking of scripture, if you read your Bible enough you recognize that Joel consistently is quoting scripture even though he does not always give the reference.

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Posted By: gettinbetter @ 04/10/2008 8:37:52 PM

I strongly disagree for a couple of reasons. First, as a First Amendment lawyer, there's a fine line between speaking "from the pulipt" and getting too invovled and run the risk of a particular church or center losing tax-exampt status. Second, in the same vein, it's very important to be certain that our freedom TO PRACTICE our religion can never be construed as crossing the church-and-state line freedom FROM religion -although I know, I know -it's gone WAY too far the other way.....
Second, from a personal level - I don't think it's right for any ministers, priests, rabbis, etc. to push and encourage their members in a political manner. The leaders are role models and some people can be too easily influenced - not that what preachers may say is "bad," per se, bur rather people may unwittingly fail to think for themselves.

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Posted By: sisterB @ 04/08/2008 8:38:52 AM

I strongly agree with Joels' comments. This is one of the many things I like about him. he preaches the word of God. he makes the word so simply. I am not an American but I like American politics. but politics is the same everywhere. Any time pastors favor one political party or politican over another they are 90% likely to compromise the word of God and their integrity. They get favors and when the politicians do anything contrary to the word of God they have compromised themselves so far that they cannot correct them . As christian we need to keep our political veiws to ourselves and pray for those in authotrty as God called us to . keep up the good work brother Joel.

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Posted By: sisterB @ 04/08/2008 8:28:35 AM

I agree with ocomments. I am not an Amercian . I am from the Caribbean . My view is when any evangelical churchws publicly endorse any political pary over another one, there is some degreee of compromising the word of God and ypur integrity as Pastor. Politics should be kept out of the pulpit.

Posted By: debfig1 @ 04/06/2008 4:48:19 PM
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One of the reasons I am attracted to Rev. Joel Osteen's message is because he does not politicize it. I usually vote Democrat, but I also strongly disagree with the leader's of that party on issues such as abortion. The fact that Rev. Osteen allows for plurality in people's politics, yet preaches the incredible, positive message of Christ is what attracts me to his ministry. I believe that I can be Christian, and not be forced to leave my questions(or brain, for that matter,) at the door of the church. We can agree to disagree with others, yet not compromise our basic values as Christians.

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Posted By: kortzfunke @ 03/28/2008 9:51:12 AM

Popsrobert Browning you prove my point. And my spelling is really not the point. I am married to another attorney and we do not buy into hate in any shape or form and my family is very concerned that human beings attack other people for being proud Americans who want our nation to be more educated, and more humble. We need to attack the real problems that need our attention now. We need to act honorably and certainly beat our chests less whether we are man or woman of any specific religious belief. We need to talk less and act more in ways that end abuse all over the world. We have to start with the mistakes we make at home. We have to end the war and use the money at home. The men and women at our pulpits need to do more for children in foster care, in our educational systems and less with their individual religious beliefs. Angela Kortz Funke, white married mother of three, attorney, who can't spell.

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Posted By: Pamela1961 @ 02/10/2008 5:47:54 AM

I totally believe with what the minister said. Your belief on all the issues no matter how passionate they are should not be on the pulpit. It also should never be the evangelicals against the rest of America. It's divisive and we don't need that now. We as Americans go to different churches but have our faith to guide us. We vote on issues and with our heart, but we also need to vote on the facts that exist. A Minister who places himself in the middle of politics runs the risk of becoming considered a politician. Ministers have a great and humble job and that is speaking the word of God. Even some Ministers do not interpret the Bible exactly the same way, and I'd hate to see the Press pitting them against each other in a political race.

I am a Christian and find no need to call myself Evangelical or any other label but Christian, because to be being called a Christian is the greatest thing of all and it was because of God that I am one, not a political party.
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  Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 9:30:50 AM
  
  Part of the problem with ministers like Joel Osteen is that he hasn't identified himself with the Lord by the Lord's definition, "Believers". Mark 16:16-18. In these last words Jesus spoke before his final ascension, He explained what separated the Believers from the unbelievers. Mr. Osteen does NOT preach on this subject. He has greatly filtered the gospel, which God condemns in Jeremiah. His congregation is not invited to be born again. His congregation is not told that only through the power of the Holy Spirit in a born again life can they truly be victorious. In his recent 60 minute interview, he has proclaimed to have a better way than the Lord did by eliminating all the Lord's warnings in favor of his "uplifting" message to all those itchy ears in his stadium. In his estimation, the Sermon on the Mount was not necessary. I heard someone once say that you could tell if your church was a good one if it was growing. Interestingly, the Bible says (KJV) Matt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.. Joel Osteen is leading his flock into a false security. The life we live in Christ is not for our comfort of financial prosperity. I encourage his attendees to rush for their Bible and concentrate their efforts into reading and understanding it... through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you're not born again and don't have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, all you have to do is ask the Lord in faith and trust.
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    Posted By: panzerguy @ 03/27/2008 3:56:01 PM
    
    Even the Devil "believes." God does not really care about how you treat Him. He cares more about how you treat your fellow brothers and sisters. Try running a simple same restaurant by ignoring the facts of life, like bills and salaries, and you will soon go out of business. It takes money to run a Church and keep it running. Get over it. $100 million??? But toss in "40,000 members." Do the math. That's $62 per year per member on a 40 year lease. Joel has an economically efficient Church when you figure out the cost per member. Lowest per member compared to any smaller sized congregation. Paid your heating bill lately??? You try running a tiny 100 member congregation for $6,200 a year! The pastor would need a job at McDonalds. Joel has a staff of over 300. Please. enough with the ignorance, that religion can do with little money.
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  Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 9:41:55 AM
  
  Perhaps if Joel Osteen were truly teaching the Gospel, you would be calling yourself, as Jesus did, a "Believer". In Mark 16:16-18, Jesus tells us the difference between a Believer and an unbeliever and how important believing is. Joel Osteen's ministry sidesteps the truth of the gospel. While he teaches a prosperous view, he has failed to guide his flock to understand the truth of the word and to fully engage them in seeking the Holy Spirit for their victories. He never tells them that without the Holy Spirit, they are damned. Self-righteousness is not possible and our mission is not for our success but for the continued work of Jesus Christ on this earth. Joel Osteen's ministry is growing because he's teaching to itchy ears. We have become a society devoted to consumerism... like the Babylonians. Osteen stated the renovations on the stadium where he holds church cost about $100 million dollars... and it's RENTED! I'm sure that the Lord's ministry on earth could have compared in numbers to Osteen's since the Sermon on the Mount counted 5000 MEN! There were women and children there too. I wonder what HE would have done with a 100 million dollars? I can tell you for sure that he would not have indebted Himself to it. Even with the massive amounts of donations he receives, it would take 100% of Osteen's earnings over years to pay for these renovations. There was never an intent by the Lord for us to go sit in pews every week and hear a popular view of the Bible. We're commanded to be disciples of men and if we truly believe the Word, we will find we have itchy feet instead of itchy ears and we can't wait to follow the Lord's direction of going into the highways and byways to minister the gospel to those who are perishing.

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Posted By: kortzfunke @ 01/26/2008 9:47:50 AM

This is an outrage; religious wars are historical evidence that religion has no place in politics and especially pious and hypocritical people who ware their religion as badges and have more sex with people they are not married to then hard working married people taking care of their children and not having the time to go to church and call them selves Christians. Christian political issues kill abortion but leave hundreds of thousands of kids in fostercare with closed records and big drug companies pumping their latest experimental drug into them. Or how about universal medical care for US citizens. Well the Christians will have to end the war first because the economic devastation that we are experiencing is directly linked but heh who are the evangilical christians backing George Bush and his war mongering chest ponding cronnies! You could say I am a pissed American. Angela Kortz Funke - a mother, an attorney, a woman
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  Posted By: popsrobert @ 03/26/2008 6:00:43 PM
  
  Angela Kortz Funke has a multitude of comments that show up in an online search. They all amout to one thing and I'll leave it to the individual to discern exactly what that is but a short proofread of any of her writing will tell you what is wrong with the U.S. court system if she truly is an "Attorney" She can hardly spell, although I'm sure she'll tell that it is due to the liberal rage she feels. As for the mother part she must be either single or have been artificially fertilized because one look at the overwhelming liberal manhating zeal would surely be a call for the best viagara you can buy. Please feel free to call on me any time A K F I'm sure we could have a grand time together. Robert G Green American, Father and Hardworking Consrevative

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Posted By: nkomof @ 03/20/2008 8:24:51 AM

I would commend Joel for standing his ground for not making the church a political ground. the church is a KINGDOM by itself, therefore we can not vote two or more governments but as we have chosen this kingdom we must abide by it.
Msizi.

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Posted By: christking @ 03/20/2008 6:35:28 AM

i strongly affirm that as christians it is not a mere right for us to be of any political influence, rather it is an obligation. we should speak and echo God's will all the time, irregardless of who it affects or who enjoys it or not. in all that we do in life we should do it for God (Col3:17, 23-24). i sometimes feel christians are shying away as the earth is crumbling, were are we when they are legalising homosexuallity in governments??christ requires that we be the salt of the earth, it means we have to make a change on all frontiers. i was personally inspired by mike huckabee and 1 day if christ permits, i will stand for my religion on the political front for my country because i'm still 20!!

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Posted By: Dyna_22 @ 03/11/2008 2:04:44 PM

Amen to that Mr. Pastor, Bother, Reverend, Bishop Osteen

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Posted By: Hopeless Democrat @ 03/07/2008 12:06:50 AM

I am a Member of this Congregation too & I SAW Joel Pray over Bill & Chelsea Clinton for all of The World To see! Joel promised us that he would NOT endorse any Political Candidate and He broke his word.PERIOD!
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  Posted By: mitchraines @ 03/07/2008 9:22:46 AM
  
  Since when was praying for someone wrong...come on listen to what you're saying. Praying for someone and their trials is not an endorsement. Pastor Osteen did not say I am backing this guy and his wife now all of you vote my way...He prayed for them...now I am praying for you.

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Posted By: mitchraines @ 03/07/2008 9:19:45 AM

I watcch Pastor Osteen every Sunday. I love that he is not like the other evangelical churches in this country. If I had to depend on them I would never receive a message from God...their message and attitudes are full of hate and rules. Pastor Osteen reminds me that there is hope for me to overcome my problems and the sin in my life...and as a sinner I need that. As for the others I find myself dodging the first stones that they throw to hear what they are saying. Thank God for Pastors who have love and kindness like Pastor Osteen and his ministry. Mitch Raines, San Antonio TX

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Posted By: PeeJay @ 02/03/2008 10:46:29 AM

I agree with Pastor Osteen, there should not be politics in the pulpit. The pastor, through teaching the word of God & sharing the spirit of Christ, helps us make the right decisions, but should not make our decisions for us. Each of us should make his or her own decisions, political or otherwise, by listening to the voice of God within our own hearts. This is why the Lord gives us free will. We need to be convicted of what is right, which comes from the voice & spirit of God in each of us, rather than from what another person, even a church leader, tells us. The Pastor???s voice is there to guide us to the voice of God, not to substitute for it. Pastor???s are human beings & as fallible as any one of us. When we listen only to the voice of a religious leader on any issue, unless the leader is a true prophet of God, we are usually receiving the word of God not full strength, but diluted. This is because it first goes through the understanding & interpretation of another human being. There is value in what our Pastors teach us, but we must constantly subject it to the litmus test of the Truth as the Spirit of God reveals it directly to us daily, and listen to the still small voice of God inside.
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  Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:37:41 AM
  
  Enter Your Comment Then what in God's Name happened on Sunday?!

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Posted By: ronmorr @ 01/26/2008 9:28:46 AM

Wonderful! Separation of Church and State is in our Constitution. If they can't keep politics out of the pulpit they should immediately lose their tax exempt status.
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  Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:34:07 AM
  
  Enter Your Comment Amen! This is an abuse of My Energy, Prayers & Money.
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  Posted By: Dave in NM @ 01/26/2008 11:17:54 AM
  
  I despair of this ever happening, but yes - several churches should long since have lost their exemptions (to the extent to which exemptions should ever have been granted in the first place).
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    Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:32:54 AM
    
    Enter Your CommentAmen to that! Joel didn't ask us as a congregation if we wanted our Prayers, Energy & Money to support Hillary Clinton...I view this as a proverbial Abuse of Power and I am swick about it...
    He should have prayed over the whole bunch Republicans included.

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Posted By: scottie3X @ 02/17/2008 12:36:24 PM

Joel, I watch your TV shows as I find them on different channals,
and my vote is for Hillary Clinton, the only one to get this Country back on it's feet.
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  Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:29:56 AM
  
  Enter Your CommentMany of us are Obama supporters. Issue is that Joel Promised NOT to endorse. Period!

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Posted By: wezlian @ 02/27/2008 10:32:55 PM

I feel that most extreme religious groups focus too much on judging others, rather than remembering that we are all sinners and only God can judge each person. I think that this country was founded by people who searched for freedom of religion and other human rights. Our founding fathers (who were Christians) made sure to create our country with these rights in mind, separating church and state. As Christians we cannot condemn others for being different than we are. If we forget this important part of history, then what's to stop another Spanish Inquisition or Holocaust. I thank God for Joel for he is one of the few pastors that really gets the Bible and God's wishes for us.
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  Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:27:38 AM
  
  Then Joel should have invited Obama & Huckabee and prayed over all of them at once. I put my ENERGY and Money into lakewood and it has been abused

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Posted By: Hopeless Democrat @ 03/07/2008 12:17:13 AM

I am just SICK! I can't stop crying...I have watched & attended Lakewood over the years. Joel promised Us & The World that he would NOT endorse a political candidate! Obama is my Only HOPE now! My Faith has been sorely tested by this gesture...

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Posted By: Hopeless Democrat @ 03/07/2008 12:03:56 AM

I am just SICK! I can't stop crying...I have watched & attended Lakewood over the years. Joel promised Us & The World that he would NOT endorse a political candidate! Obama is my Only HOPE now! My Faith has been sorely tested by this gesture...

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Posted By: dyeford @ 03/02/2008 9:25:35 PM

I am a member of Lakewood Church and have been for the last eight years. I was in attendance at the service that President Clinton visited. HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO ADDRESS THE CONGREGATION. Joel Osteen is a man of God and a man of his word. No elected official, or persons trying to become elected officials, have ever addressed the congregation in the eight years that I have been a member.