We Presbyterians have a peculiar term: "neutral pulpit." So that a selection committee can hear the top three or so candidates for a new pastoral call preach, they preach in a church other than their own congregation and not in the prospective congregation - hence: "neutral pulpit."
But should the pulpit be "neutral?" Should pastors/preachers "stay out of politics" as is the norm in many communities?
And more to the point, in this particular election season, can a preacher in good conscience refrain from speaking to the demagoguery poisoning our democracy? By now you are likely guessing that I think preachers must say something. And also accurately suspecting that I think Donald Trump is downright dangerous.
However, I have never told parishioners from the pulpit how I think they should vote. Since there isn't opportunity for dialogue (in most churches), I think that expressing my direct opinion from the pulpit isn't productive.
So what to do? Use a coaching approach. Ask powerful questions and reframe issues from a biblical/theological perspective. And also provide safe opportunities for dialogue about issues.
Here are some questions I would ask if I were preaching this fall:
Jesus declared that the most important commandments are to love God with heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. How do the candidates demonstrate their love for God? Are there little gods (e.g. wealth, power, ego, adoration, a particular political party) which are more important than the God of Jesus Christ? How do the candidates demonstrate their love for people, especially those who are hurting?
Amos, Micah, and other prophets called for justice for all. They excoriated the wealthy for their greed and disregard for justice. How do the candidates seek justice for all? What do they propose to redress injustices in income? (Amos declared that the wealthy "sell the poor for a pair of shoes." I noticed some elegant boots at Nordstrom's for over $300. That's about what a McDonald's worker makes in a week!)
Micah declares that we are to walk humbly with our God. To what extent do the candidates demonstrate humility?
The Ten Commandments aren't the Ten Suggestions. How does the behavior of each candidate stack up against these commandments? I think especially of the commandments prohibiting false witness, lying, committing adultery, keeping the Sabbath day, and coveting others' possessions.
Recognizing that every person breaks commandments, there are many scriptures that call us to repent and seek to live in God's way. To what extent do the candidates genuinely repent i.e. confess they have done wrong, turn from sinful ways, and more faithfully follow the Lord?
In Genesis, the Lord calls on humans to care for creation. I think this means to not ravage the creation. How do the candidates demonstrate care for creation and seek to reverse global warming and other degradation?
Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers." To what extent are the candidates peacemakers and to what extent do they sow seeds of division?
The prophet Isaiah envisions a holy mountain of peace. How do the candidates work towards a more peaceful world?
God calls us to give generously to do the work of Christ through our churches and other charities. To what extent do the candidates demonstrate their love for God through their giving?
Jesus tells his followers 'don't be afraid!" To what extent does one candidate or the other prey on anxiety and fear?
There are many faithful Christians who are "Pro-life", i.e. who believe that aborting a fetus is killing and thus breaks the sixth commandment. Can a Christian both support a woman who decides to terminate a pregnancy and call her - and her sexual partner - to repentance and responsible behavior? I wonder sometimes if the single issue voters - either "pro-life" or "pro-choice" have made their positions idols.
I could rant on but suggest you make your list. Review this fall's lectionary readings and ask what issues they raise to which the Lord speaks. I see the scriptures addressing money, peace, idolatry, hope in dangerous times, fear and loss of power.
A book that's great for framing questions is Godviews by Jack Haberer. He identifies five ways of seeing God and church that are all consistent with scripture. I have found his categories very helpful in framing discussion.
Another helpful book,
In Defense of Civility, by John Calvin Davis, was reviewed in my
January 2015 newsletter.
My bottom line: God speaks to us through scripture and our job as preachers is to help people hear. While we cannot ever say our understanding is perfect, we can say "what I hear God saying to me - and to us - is this... God challenges our love of wealth, our fear, our jealousy. God judges our callousness towards the poor, the systemic injustices in our society. I can't imagine God putting up with our excuses of impotence. How will we respond to Christ's call to us in this particular time?"
It's a nasty election season. Both candidates are flawed but, in my opinion, one is a lot more flawed than the other.