A few days ago, a military chaplain got onto social media and ranted about the other political party, its candidates, and what they stand for. The day before that, a local pastor did the same thing. I’ve seen clergy from many different faith groups, and tons of non-clergy from a wide variety of backgrounds, taking strong stands for or against political issues, parties, and candidates. Some have been rude, belligerent, caustic, and nasty.
We need to be aware of what’s going on in the world, and it’s OK to feel strongly about the issues we’re facing, especially when preparing for the mid-term elections. There’s so much at stake and we want to do something to influence as many as we can.
We need to be careful, however.
As soon as chaplains take a public stand for or against a political party or candidate, we run the risk of alienating those we are called to serve. We’re in danger of straight-arming the very people who might otherwise be open to hearing our message about faith, spirituality, and love. We’re taking the chance of nullifying our effectiveness in ministry and prematurely short-circuiting our career.
About 2,700 years ago, a Jewish prophet named Isaiah commented on the relative importance of spirituality and politics.
To whom can you liken God? Who compares to him? He is enthroned above the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. He brings powerful leaders to naught. The rulers of the earth are as nothing.
In my opinion, the chaplain’s role as a spiritual leader is much more important than the brand of politics we tend to favor. The hope, the help, and the healing that people need must not be sacrificed for something as superficial and temporary as the politics of the day.
We have a higher calling, a larger purpose, a deeper mission. So let’s not let politics sidetrack us or divide us, no matter which grasshopper we hope wins the election.
Paul Linzey is a retired Army chaplain, former pastor and university professor. His writings include a memoir titled Safest Place in Iraq and the book Military Ministry: Chaplains in the Twenty-first Century.
