Evangelical Pastor Turns From GOP
The NY Times Magazine reports,
Like most pastors who lead thriving evangelical megachurches, the Rev. Gregory A. Boyd was asked frequently to give his blessing — and the church’s — to conservative political candidates and causes.The requests came from church members and visitors alike: Would he please announce a rally against gay marriage during services? Would he introduce a politician from the pulpit? Could members set up a table in the lobby promoting their anti-abortion work? Would the church distribute “voters’ guides†that all but endorsed Republican candidates? And with the country at war, please couldn’t the church hang an American flag in the sanctuary?
After refusing each time, Mr. Boyd finally became fed up, he said. Before the last presidential election, he preached six sermons called “The Cross and the Sword†in which he said the church should steer clear of politics, give up moralizing on sexual issues, stop claiming the United States as a “Christian nation†and stop glorifying American military campaigns.
“When the church wins the culture wars, it inevitably loses,†Mr. Boyd preached. “When it conquers the world, it becomes the world. When you put your trust in the sword, you lose the cross.â€
Its good to see this debate go public. Notice the cover story in this week’s New Yorker about the political power of the religious right in Ohio…and the liberal reaction against it.
—Lenny · July 31st, 2006 at 8:54 pm