Letter to the Editor: Den of thieves
Trending
Stating what should be obvious, but here goes:
The mash-up of religion and politics is nothing new, but the "God Bless America" Bible hawked by a former president in legal trouble takes the prize. It's my understanding that there's no indication of where it was printed, but my guess would be outside of the U.S.A.
First of all, the cover of a Bible should not be ad space for the American flag. The addition of our founding documents in a book of sacred text is cheap and implies that God favors the U.S.A. above all other nations.
Another issue that should concern us would be the use of church facilities or sanctuaries to endorse or promote political candidates or causes relating to public elections. Pulpits are even used to promote books and materials related to political campaigns. Church should be a welcoming space for all to enter. It's a sacred space dedicated to Christ alone.
Jesus had something to say about turning His Father's house into a den of thieves.
I've heard it said that church attendance has dropped because people just want freedom to sin. Well that's a bit simplistic. Merging a particular religious belief with politics is one reason for the exodus from church, and I cannot fathom how believers don't see the danger in this.
The church is flirting with having its tax exempt status revoked due to this misguided zeal. No need to cry "persecution" for something we've brought on ourselves.
Some church leaders like to play "Holy Spirit" in the lives of others, and now it's happening in the public square.
Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world. When the devil tempted Jesus with the offer of giving Him all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus declined, and we should follow suit. Jesus also tells us to render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and render unto God what is God's.
To those who say I'm wrong, let me ask you this: Show me any Bible passage that tells us to "engage the culture" or "take back America for Christ." Those ideas stem from fear. Fear uses the arm of flesh to accomplish its goals.
Personal faith and national identity are important, but are not one and the same. Nations come and go. We are incredibly blind and misguided if we believe that a man selling gaudy merchandise with a Bible thrown into the mix is really a "godly" leader. Pandering to the Christian community seems to work, as more candidates are using the cross to get our vote.
Be discerning and don't fall for their game. By their fruits you shall know them.
Denise Harris
Parkersburg