Churches must keep politics out

A rare document has surfaced, found in the archives of the Old First Church in Middletown, N.J. The document, dated May 10, 1777, speaks to the Revolutionary War furor that arose in the church.

The church was splitting apart over the war, so the elders took extraordinary and unbiblical measures, declaring allegiance with the patriots, censoring British sympathizers, and excommunicating/ disfellowshipping them.

One historian said about the document, “You also see the role religion played in the revolution. Here, a congregation, deeply divided over the revolution, is moving to exclude Loyalist members from participating in worship.” He also reminded everyone that to be excommunicated in those days in a small town meant that they would be treated as outcasts by the entire town. He continued, “This war was in many ways a civil war with families and neighbors pitted against one another.”

The Bible says in Romans 13 that we as Christians are to be loyal to our government, but, above all, to be loving to one another. Christians will have their opinions on political issues and candidates, laws and statutes. However, these opinions are not to be divisive to the church family.

Above all, we are Christians, church family. That is more important than politics. When we put on Christ in New Testament baptism, there is no difference concerning our color, culture, or preference of political party or candidate. We are one in Christ Jesus.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 11:22 AM with the headline "Churches must keep politics out."