The third temptation

Mark Galli of Christianity Today reflects on what tempts pastors want to endorse political candidates; as a former pastor, Galli’s perspective is particularly well-informed. And he pulls no punches, saying that those who get involved in partisan politics are wasting their ordination. Excerpt: “Pastors are driven by a righteous desire to shape not just church […]

Mark Galli of Christianity Today reflects on what tempts pastors want to endorse political candidates; as a former pastor, Galli’s perspective is particularly well-informed. And he pulls no punches, saying that those who get involved in partisan politics are wasting their ordination.

Excerpt: “Pastors are driven by a righteous desire to shape not just church members but also their communities according to biblical standards of justice and mercy.

But these same pastors often hanker to be relevant – and this is nothing but the Devil’s third temptation of Jesus. When chatter about candidates and platforms fills the airwaves, when everyone pontificates about the last debate or recent TV appearance, you can seem out of touch with reality or too timid if you don’t join in the national conversation and take a public stand. Who wants to go to a church led by an irrelevant coward?


These pastors – and congregations that are egging them on – don’t realize that in endorsing political candidates or platforms, they are selling their inheritance for a mess of pottage.”

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