Politics in the House of God

Two topics that often generate disagreements are religion and politics. This is especially true when the two are mixed. A few days ago, a Facebook friend posted two short video clips taken at John Hagee’s Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. Members of the audience shouted, “Let’s Go Brandon!” My friend opposed the use of that phrase (a substitute for an obscenity aimed at Joe Biden) by saying, “…the church is suppose [sic] to pray for leaders.”

In response, I suggested she not jump to conclusions. Additional research revealed the following…

  1. The videos originated from PatriotTakes, a group whose goal is “Exposing Right-Wing Extremism.” 
  2. The videos weren’t part of a worship service but a three-day conference called “ReAwaken America.” Among the speakers were former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell.
  3. Neither John Hagee nor his son Matt (who now pastors Cornerstone) led the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant. Matt later published an apology on the church’s website.

Still, my Facebook friend believes churches shouldn’t have political rallies. I can understand why she feels that way. I thought of what Jesus said in Matthew 21:13, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Then again, I’ve attended political meetings in churches. Donald Trump spoke at one of them. That gathering opened with praise music and prayer before the president discussed issues pertinent to Christians.


Another person critical of the Cornerstone Church incident is Joaquin Castro, a Democratic congressman from San Antonio. He claimed it was “…a prime example of why more people are turned off by and leaving organized religion.” I’m curious if Castro feels the same about other Democrats such as Biden, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton promoting their agendas in churches. Critics will also cite “separation of church and state” even though that phrase doesn’t appear anywhere in the U. S. Constitution.


I’ve heard Christians claim “a church is just a building.” Throughout history, church buildings served other purposes besides being a place of worship. Cathedrals were a frequent gathering place for town hall meetings, banquets, plays (focused on the representation of Bible stories), and fairs. Nowadays, many churches host daycare centers and Christian schools. Some allow the setting up of voting booths for elections. 


During the Revolutionary War, many American ministers were also politicians who addressed the issues of that day. Over half the signers of the Declaration of Independence had divinity school training. Sadly, an increasing number of American politicians today promote ungodly ideas that would’ve been unthinkable two centuries ago. 


Believers need to take a stand for truth whether they are called to the pulpit, politics, or both. Moses, David, Solomon, Ezra, and Daniel were not only governmental leaders but wrote documents that are now part of Scripture. So if I pastored a church, I wouldn’t object to politicians speaking in my building as long as they endorse the Judeo-Christian values our Founding Fathers intended for this nation.


“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” - Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)

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