Secondly, 501[c][3] or not, we are called to obey God rather than men, and God has called his leaders to be involved in civic affairs, and to represent Christ and his word in all areas of society.  And that entails expounding the biblical worldview all the time, including election time.  Sometimes you have to rebel against unrighteous, limiting laws.  There?s nothing wrong with proper civil disobedience when the need arises, especially if the government tries to stifle your scriptural rights and obligations. 

Now, remember pastor, you don?t have to don your James Dean rebel duds to discuss political subjects from the pulpit.  Why?  Because ministers are not forbidden to do so under the 501[c][3] statute, or any other.  The statute is actually supportive of pastors and churches in extending their mission to making productive citizens.  The only things that a 501[c][3] organization may not do are [1] endorse or oppose a particular candidate or piece of legislation, and [2] contribute to or raise money to support a candidate or legislation [including free use of the church mailing list].         

The church may, among other things, register their members to vote, pass out voter guides, invite all candidates in a race to speak [and it?s okay if not all of them -- even if only one -- show up] and speak directly about specific issues.                                                                                      

Off the clock, in his personal capacity, the pastor or priest can endorse and support ? or oppose -- whoever or whatever he wishes, like any other citizen.  There are no limitations to the individual; the ones which do exist under the 501[c][3] statute are only for the church entity and/or the pastor in his official capacity, not for the pastor or the members who make up the church.

If we believe in the importance ? yes, the primacy ? of God in our personal and national lives, clergy and congregants must become involved in the issues of the day, political and otherwise.  We?ll wrap up the final four causes for pastors being politically pusillanimous, in next week?s column.

Doug Giles? latest book, ?Ruling in Babylon?, is available via Amazon.com . He pastors a church in Miami and hosts two award winning radio programs [www.clashradio.com].