“Those charged with telling us the truth – ... and the Church – do not.”
I cannot sufficiently underscore this.
The church - that organ explicitly devoted to eternal truth - balks at temporal truth.
The pastors (seemingly) sold their autonomy for a subsidy from Caesar decades ago - via the 1954 Johnson Amendment - and have been largely mum ever since about Caesar’s... indiscretions (unless, of course, it is said by a black pastor of a Democratic congregation: communistic political correctness gives them a pass).
Actually, this is a lot like most of the gun laws: they are unConstitutional. Lyndon Johnson (a truly evil man) wanted federal corruption to go unremarked by (relatively) holy men, but a mere regulation cannot supersede the Bill of Rights. He knew that; he was counting on the cupidity and timidity of the so-called reverends in playing along... and they have done so.
Donald Trump has spoken of having that amendment revoked. regardless, the pastors have to speak up... or they should resign.
I have been in ministry. I have paid a high price for standing up to the hypocrisy and complacency in the pulpit, so, yeah, I am entitled to say this. I practice what I preach.
It is precisely because of the compromised pulpits of America that I chose not to attend seminary years ago: I did not want to perpetuate that system. I chose instead to be independent, and, like Paul, to be self employed, and not to take money for my preaching and teaching.
The Bible does not say: Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s, as long as you can get an exemption from Caesar before doing so.
(By the bye, I did eventually become “ordained” - not because I place a high degree of value in such human assessments, but because I see the true church becoming more and more an underground entity, and I recognize that many well-meaning persons require such a title before they will trust a spiritual leader.)
Preach on,brother!
Churches across the land have abandoned their first love and openly worship man (and the devil). At least it keeps the pews filled. In Europe, they can’t even accomplish that.
Spiritual warfare rages across the land, hidden in broad daylight, while the flock sleep studiously...
Are the reluctant ministers more afraid of the U.S. government or the liberal members of their own congregations?