I don't think politicians should preach. (Huckabee, vote, Republican, liberal)

[tomocox]

I am an evangelical. As a matter of fact, I am a moderate Southern Baptist. I am registered as a Republican, but was once a blazing McGovern liberal.

That was all said because, I don't think a church should allow, nor should the IRS continue acknowledging a church's tax-free status if a politician is allowed, invited, or ever occupies a pulpit with a political agenda. I don't care if it is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Mike Huckabee, Pat Robinson, or any other "minister, pastor, or spiritual leader".

I like Mike Huckabee, but a wise old adage of Southern Baptists' is to never ever vote for a preacher. I may go against that wisdom, I might even consider a Mormon, or even a crusty old sailor, but I don't want a politician standing in a pulpit.

What do you think?

[vickilynn]

It is a fine line...and I don't think I know a man or woman who could separate the two. There is a reason for the separation of church and state. Take the example of "pro-life." Who wouldn't want to be labeled "pro-life"? If you're not pro-life you're against life? I certainly do not think abortion is a good option for many reasons, but I will always defend the rights of each woman to be able to have the choice. I guess that makes me anti-life in the eyes of some evangelical preachers. That is what scares me. I do not want someone else's idea of morality imposed on me, and I think that is what would happen if a preacher becomes a president.

[tomocox]

Hey, wait a minute. Do you consider Roman Catholics as evangelical, too?

[vickilynn]

I was thinking of Mike Huckabee in relation to this election. Mitt Romney is pro-life of course, but he has stated (weak arguement, I know!) that his church will govern what they have jurisdiction over and he will govern the country. Huckabee hasn't said that. So, that is why I stated an "evangelical" preacher as a president would be worrisome for me.

[burdell]

Originally Posted by tomocox

I am an evangelical. As a matter of fact, I am a moderate Southern Baptist. I am registered as a Republican, but was once a blazing McGovern liberal.

That was all said because, I don't think a church should allow, nor should the IRS continue acknowledging a church's tax-free status if a politician is allowed, invited, or ever occupies a pulpit with a political agenda. I don't care if it is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Mike Huckabee, Pat Robinson, or any other "minister, pastor, or spiritual leader".

I like Mike Huckabee, but a wise old adage of Southern Baptists' is to never ever vote for a preacher. I may go against that wisdom, I might even consider a Mormon, or even a crusty old sailor, but I don't want a politician standing in a pulpit.

What do you think?

I think I hope you wield a lot of influence in your church and beyond, I think yours is a well-reasoned point of view.

[tomocox]

My church? One of the things most misunderstood about Southern Baptists is that we have a "power-up" heirarchy where the members have total power as individuals and we are the ultimate individuals who voluntarily affiliate with like-believing people and form local congregations. Unlike so many other denominations, there is no "Baptist Church" but rather thousands of congregations that call themselves a church. So, neither I, nor other Southern Baptists have a lot of personal power within our faith politically. Most, but certainly not all, Baptists are fiercely independent in our faith beliefs, but when we unite on a subject, watch out simply due to shear numbers.

[Georgia]

Originally Posted by tomocox

I am an evangelical. As a matter of fact, I am a moderate Southern Baptist. I am registered as a Republican, but was once a blazing McGovern liberal.

That was all said because, I don't think a church should allow, nor should the IRS continue acknowledging a church's tax-free status if a politician is allowed, invited, or ever occupies a pulpit with a political agenda. I don't care if it is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Mike Huckabee, Pat Robinson, or any other "minister, pastor, or spiritual leader".

I like Mike Huckabee, but a wise old adage of Southern Baptists' is to never ever vote for a preacher. I may go against that wisdom, I might even consider a Mormon, or even a crusty old sailor, but I don't want a politician standing in a pulpit.

What do you think?

Could not agree more!
Though Huck seems like a good man in general I could not vote for him.
Due to past to recent events (LBJ to Bush II) I can no longer support any person running for President if they are from Texas, Georgia, or Arkansas

[burdell]

Originally Posted by tomocox

My church? One of the things most misunderstood about Southern Baptists is that we have a "power-up" heirarchy where the members have total power as individuals and we are the ultimate individuals who voluntarily affiliate with like-believing people and form local congregations. Unlike so many other denominations, there is no "Baptist Church" but rather thousands of congregations that call themselves a church. So, neither I, nor other Southern Baptists have a lot of personal power within our faith politically. Most, but certainly not all, Baptists are fiercely independent in our faith beliefs, but when we unite on a subject, watch out simply due to shear numbers.

I didn't mean to imply a hierarchy, what you describe as a 'congregation' is what I've always viewed as a 'church'. When I said I hoped you wielded influence in your church I meant just that, in your local congregation. I would never underestimate the power that grassroots ideas can exert.

[tomocox]

Burdell, thank you for that kind explanation.

[daveyjones]

I don't think politicians should preach.

I don't think God's name or any reference to religion should be used in the Presidential race.
Since most if not all politicians break the ten commandments almost on a daily basic in D.C. anyhow.