Monday, March 24, 2008
Words From The Pulpit
The recent flap over the preaching of Mr. Obama's pastor rekindles a long standing conversation about what should or should not be proclaimed from the pulpit. Just "how far" should a pastor go in addressing what might be called "social" issues? Some hold that preachers should "stick with the Bible" while others believe that all social issues have a theological content and ought be addressed. Do pastors have the right and/or responsibility to talk about race, the war, the environment, social justice, poverty, abortion, capital punishment etc. from the pulpit or should these be left for other forums where there can be an exchange of ideas?
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2 comments:
Pastor:
In your sermon, you emphasized how hard it is to reach the 18-30 generation through the traditional church. I think the Bible is a product of its time and place, but remains eternally relevant. Jesus said to build your house upon the rock of faith. The high school group and the adults are going to Mexico to build a home for a family in need. We are demonstrating our faith in action.
Pastors should speak up about social justice, but it's also important to have members of the congregation involved in reaching their families and communities by being leaders. We show we care and then people will be more interested in listening to the Gospel. People need to know that God loves and cares about them!
Pastor: Here is one verse in the Bible that really speaks to my heart about your highly relevant questions:
It is from Luke 16:15--(TEV trans.)
"You are the ones who make your yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by man are worth nothing in God's sight." If we put God's priorities first, we realize we could really use our time in ever more useful ways to help our fellow man and society.
Service is more fulfilling than worrying constantly how to get ahead of the next guy. What are we all on this earth for anyway?
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