Disappointed is the only word I can think of when it comes to what I heard this week when Skyline Church’s Pastor Jim Garlow pushed his defensive tactical voting in the Carl DeMaio/Scott Peters congressional race.
And I’ll be the first to say that I would write in a vote rather than vote for DeMaio, but it has nothing to do with his sexual orientation. I disagree with his political agenda.
Disappointed is the only word I can think of when it comes to what I heard this week when Skyline Church’s Pastor Jim Garlow pushed his defensive tactical voting in the Carl DeMaio/Scott Peters congressional race.
And I’ll be the first to say that I would write in a vote rather than vote for DeMaio, but it has nothing to do with his sexual orientation. I disagree with his political agenda.
It is fine that Garlow advocated for his definition of marriage and as a pastor, he is free to preach on that subject, but openly endorsing a candidate from the pulpit is crossing the line, especially as Skyline is a non-profit organization.
Pulpit Freedom Sunday is in direct violation of law, and this is when I believe that certain churches should lose non-profit status. But it is a shame that Garlow would risk the body of his nearly 2,000 church goers just to make a statement. It appears more of a grandstand act than the actions of a leader of a church.
In reading several articles, and looking at the comments, I saw everything from disgust for his actions to praise, some comparing his actions with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Even though King had a direct influence in the political world, he did so with a message of peace and love, the things that the gospels teach. Garlow’s is a message of intolerance and intolerance is nothing less than a dogma of hate towards your fellow man.
King understood that the only way to create change was in Jesus’ gospel of love.
So many times, I see the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” In my understanding of the gospels, I do not believe he would be standing by Garlow’s side defending his actions, but rather clearing the temple for defiling a house of worship.
Remember that Jesus stayed clear of the self-righteous and spent his life with the meek of the earth, the lepers, prostitutes and sinners of the day. I believe that if he was here today, his message would not change and he would be ministering and loving the poor, homeless, gangs, oppressed, and yes, even the homosexual.
After all, his message was one of love. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, and told them that loving God with all your heart, soul and mind was the first commandment of the New Testament, but he went further by telling them to love their enemies and to pray for those that persecute you.
In this case, I see nothing in Garlow’s actions that follow Jesus’ gospel.
I understand the right of freedom of speech within the First Amendment, and Garlow has every right to his opinions. But, as a leader of the community and with many that follow his words, it is sad that he uses his pulpit for anything less than preaching the gospel of what he is ordained to do. He can easily influence politics without openly endorsing candidates. This is not the Christian example that I want my children and grandchildren to witness. Those that live the teachings of Jesus I admire the most, not pushing their agendas, but rather showing the love of Christ through their actions, just as he did.
I believe that Garlow needs the prayers of the faithful and it is my hope that those that follow his teachings will turn to their God rather than the words of their pastor.
