The U.S presidential race is heating up with the Iowa caucus just around the corner, and whenever a preacher, priest or rabbi addresses some issue of national and moral importance that our political leaders are involved in, we hear the cry, â??Stay out of politics!â? That view is dangerously misguided.
I have often said that religious leaders should champion principles rather than parties and personalities. When pastors rush to jump on board this or that politicianâ??s campaign, it risks making the church appear to be an arm of a party or politician. But the solution isnâ??t to disengage from politics. Thatâ??s deeply dangerous. The answer instead is an energetic championing of foundational principles â?? including the dignity of all human life, the importance of human freedom and justice for all, the danger of unchecked political power and unlimited government, and the importance of living within our national means so we donâ??t drown future generations under our public debt. Championing these foundational principles means that even religious leaders sometimes will, and must, â??get political.â?
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