The Church Cannot Be Silent

“As on former occasions, Colonel George Washington was his own chaplain. Twice a day his little army were called to prayers in the fort, which he himself conducted. On the Sabbath, only works of necessity were performed, and he conducted religious services.” A Biography of George Washington, the Patriot President, A Beka Book

The point has often in present times been made that the church should not meddle in government affairs. That is absolute hogwash and a lie, and I can’t even write about it, because it fires me up so much that I’m pretty sure I start sprouting gray hair. (If you want to read a great article by David Barton that really explains “The Separation of Church and State,” click here.) So, I won’t go there, but I would like to suggest to those who believe that ridiculous lie, that they need not worry, because for the most part the church doesn’t even discuss the topic among themselves. And if the church does not discuss the affairs of government, grapple with decisions, educate themselves, and band together to make a difference, there is nothing to fear from those who believe God has no place in government.

There seem to be (to me) two attitudes of many churches that keep them bound and fruitless in the area of government.

1) Hush-hush respect for individual beliefs. Of course, we should all be respectful to one another. But I’m not referring to respectful behavior. I’m referring to the way we have begun to believe that we must silence ourselves (even on Biblical topics within the church!!! God help us!) lest we offend someone. That someone being not a visitor at service, but a member/attender! And so we all shallowly discuss matters of importance without conviction, passion, encouragement, or prayer. What a waste. I have to believe that our founding fathers would not only be saddened but that they would be shocked if I told them that I sit in pews filled with people who are my brothers and sisters in Christ and yet I do not know where they stand on matters of the country or what their actions are to back those beliefs.

2) Don’t rock the boat and don’t stir up discord. The argument “Well, we would just get in fights and cause discord, so it is better that we don’t ‘go there'” is bologna. Let’s give God more credit than that! Our founding fathers certainly did. If our patriotic discussions, feelings, actions, and plans truly have God as the common denominator, then what’s the problem? If we can back up our thoughts and actions with the Bible, then good! We have strengthened ourselves and each other. If our thoughts and actions are in opposition to the Bible, then good – We have accountability and a chance to set things rightly in motion.

I’m sure all this sounds idealistic to most. But I think open communication on political matters by those within the church is important and possible. I need it. The church needs it. The country needs it. My children need it. I want my children to see that their parents are not the only people who believe the way they do, and more importantly I want them to know the support that comes from unity in Christ in ALL areas of their lives (which most certainly includes our government) and the power that comes from that unity.

My little article (or perhaps “rant” is a better word) will not change the church as a whole, but perhaps it will encourage us as individuals to seek out those in our churches who are like-minded, with whom we can openly discuss issues and equip one another with resources. Wouldn’t that be healthy and refreshing?

Satan would like for us to all feel isolated in our concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams for ourselves, our families, and our country. He would like us to feel defeated and weak, but we are not. We are not. We must open our eyes, reach out, and discover that we cannot be silent.

A 3 minute video about George Washington by David Barton, Wallbuilders.com: