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HomeNewsAn esteemed pastor's politics; holding to separation of church and state

An esteemed pastor’s politics; holding to separation of church and state

The Reverend Joel Osteen is highly admired by his colleagues in the ministry. This popular preacher/pastor is a best-selling author as well as the spiritual minister to hundreds upon hundreds of people. In addition to the phenomenal growth and development of this spiritual organization, Pastor Osteen earns respect for his political views. He quietly lives his principles on politics and the church and clergy, and it is policy worth emulating by all churches. His policy on religion and politics is a dignified example.

Though he is concerned about out society, he doesn’t use the pulpit to endorse candidates for political office. Of Senator Clinton, Senator Obama and Senator McCain visited his congregation, they would be introduced but not given the opportunity to speak, and it would the same for any other dignitary or social leader.

“I am a strong believer in honoring the people who have served and who are giving their lives to run … if one of the Presidential candidates attended, they would certainly deserve honor. We would introduce them and I would certainly put in a good word whether they were Democrat or Republican.” — Rev. Osteen

He further advises and follows that principle of separation of faith and government. In an interview he stated “It’s fine for Christians to expose their views” but warns against bringing religion and politics into the pulpit. His principles include issues that influence society. The endorsement of issues is recognized as the mission of the church to be prophetic and to be the conscience of the nation and not merely another national cheerleader.

In heated debate on the relationship between the church and politics, Rev. Osteen presents a refreshing point of view that is a testimonial to his spirituality and maturity.

Rev. Charles Moreland
Rev. Charles Moreland
Rev. Charles Moreland, retired, has lived in Clarksville for seven years and holds great pride in his adopted city and its people. His one objection in Tennessee is the Hall law of taxes on dividends and savings. Charles served in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy from 1966-1986, retiring to serve as a United Methodist pastor near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the ARP, Roxy Theater and MCDP. Though retired, he is a regular speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. His five grandchildren, ages two to thirteen years, live in Evansville, Indiana. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in Germany and Korea while on active duty.
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