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I would like to present a related thought from a different angle.
The thought is:
Should politicians who are known to unfairly demean (lie about) others, who misrepresent the policies of their opponents, and maybe even dishonestly state (on the eve of an election) that their opponents are planning to introduce a bill that will disadvantage voters in a particular area – should politicians like that be welcome in the churches that they normally attend (those that do)?
What should the priority of the priests/pastors/ministers/etc. be?
Should the priests/pastors/ministers/etc. tell the offenders to shape up or ship out (as it were)?
Or should the churches’ elevated status by association with the important person, override Christian principles?
I have limited knowledge of Australian politicians’ private lives. However, in one high-profile situation I am aware of, reflected glory was the overriding consideration by far. (And I suspect it normally is.)
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Had I been a member of that particular congregation, what should I have done?
- Stayed and said nothing?
- Left?
- Spoken to the priest/pastor/minister/etc.?
- Gossiped?
- Tried to get through the politician’s retinue and speak to him? Would that have done any good?
Unfortunately, in the stadium where Christian ethics are played out, the goal posts seem to be highly movable.
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