Religious “freedom from taxes”

Except where otherwise noted quotes are from Idaho Statesman:

In the Statesman’s SundayInsight (7/6/08) they include a dialogue titled “Politics in the Pulpit” between Jay Sekulow and the Rev. Barry W. Lynn.  This dialogue is centered on the IRS rule that a non-profit religious organization cannot recommend political candidates to its members and continue to be exempt from taxation. 

Sekulow argues that the clergy should be allowed — from the pulpit – to recommend specific candidates because of the Constitution’s guarantee of free speech. I believe Sekulow is a very committed, sincere Christian who leads many others to become active while fighting for protection against unjust discrimination toward Christian people. On this opinion, though, I have to agree with Lynn who argues that the IRS clause is properly justified.

Sekulow claims that this practice served a good purpose for our country until the law was passed in 1954 to disallow pulpit politicking. I don’t agree because this pulpit politicking is just another element that can cause and has caused division within a church. Our church pastors should focus on helping us study and understand God’s Word. Period. This alone is enough of a challenge because of all the forces that try to pull a church apart, no need to introduce other sources.

During a rare display of anger when chasing pigeon-sellers out of the Temple, Jesus yells [my assumption], “My house will be called a house of prayer.” [Matthew 21:13] Jesus was adamant about this. Let’s go along with this stern admonition, Mr. Sekulow.

Keep up your good works, Jay, but pick better battles. Too much strife has resulted over the centuries because of pulpit politicking and not enough prayer.