Pulpit Politics: Why the Johnson Amendment Still Sparks Political Drama
(RNS) — When the IRS shrugs at its own rules, what does that mean for churches, politics and the rest of us?
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What happens when politics steps into the pulpit?
The Johnson Amendment has been around since the 1950s, but it’s still a political lightning rod today. In this episode of Complexified, Amanda Henderson sits down with RNS columnist and historian Mark Silk to unpack why the IRS recently announced it won’t enforce the law that bars nonprofits and churches from endorsing candidates. What’s at stake when sermons start sounding like campaign rallies? Is this really about religious freedom, political theater or just another way to keep donors happy? With humor, insight and some surprising history lessons, we dive into the messy intersection of faith, money and politics.
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But, of course, producing this journalism carries a high cost, to support the reporters, editors, columnists, and the behind-the-scenes staff that keep this site up and running. That's why we ask that if you can, you consider becoming one of our donors. Any amount helps, and because we're a nonprofit, all of it goes to support our mission: To produce thoughtful, factual coverage of religion that helps you better understand the world. Thank you for reading and supporting RNS.
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