At least two-thirds of most major religious groups said empathy “is a foundational moral value for a healthy society,” as did 83% of religiously unaffiliated Americans. White evangelicals were the least likely to name empathy as a foundational social value (42%), and more than half of white evangelicals (54%) said, “empathy can become dangerous when it leads people away from building a society guided by God’s truth.”

Also,

When PRRI asked Americans who voted for Trump in 2024 if their opinion of the president had changed for the better or the worse over the past two years, more than two-thirds (68%) said “for the worse.” Among Hispanic Protestants, 70% said their opinion of Trump had worsened since 2024.

and,

Among the survey’s most provocative findings: More than half (57%) of Americans agreed Donald Trump is “a potentially dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy.” But a third agreed Trump is “a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore America’s greatness.”

That last one is significant.

I agree that pastors should never avoid biblical truth simply to protect their employment, attendance, or donations. Paul called elders to proclaim the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), and he charged Timothy to preach the Word even when people would rather hear something else (2 Timothy 4:2–4).

But reluctance to become involved in politics does not, by itself, establish cowardice. It may reflect a pastor’s convictions about the responsibility Christ has entrusted to him.

Pastors should address moral issues even when those issues become politically controversial. Protecting unborn life, pursuing justice, rejecting dishonesty, and caring for vulnerable people all deserve biblical attention. That teaching should challenge every political party, including the politicians most popular within the congregation.

However, proclaiming biblical truth does not automatically require endorsing a candidate or treating a party’s platform as the Christian position. Pastors need to distinguish what Scripture commands from political judgments about how best to apply those commands.

I want pastors who are courageous enough to confront sin, including sin among their political allies. I also want pastors who can resist pressure to make the pulpit serve someone’s campaign.

A wise mentor told me when I first started serving in a church that a faithful pastor should be willing to lose his job for preaching Christ’s Word, and willing to disappoint a powerful politician for the same reason. He helped me understand how easily partisan politics can alienate the very people we’re called to reach. People may take offense at biblical truth, but we should be careful that we haven’t added allegiance to a political party as another obstacle. Preach the truth of Scripture, and let it step on the toes of either side, including our own.

How do you think pastors should approach political issues while remaining faithful to Scripture and mindful of the people they’re called to serve?

since this is a sub that occasionally discusses politics

In 2024, Joe Biden and the Democrats had a straightforward economic case they could make for re-election. Yes, the US economy was still shaking off the dual hammer blows of the COVID pandemic, and then the resultant inflation from efforts to counter said pandemic. Still, the US was doing better than any other developed nation- unemployment was low, wage growth was steady, and we hadn't entered a recession like many other countries.

We will never know whether voters would actually have bought this argument due to Joe Biden being decrepit, followed by Kamala's abbreviated candidacy. Still, we could see from exit polling that Americans weren't giving Dems any credit for the economy. "We suck less than everyone else" is a rough re-election slogan, even if it is objectively true.

Fast forward to today.

If you had told 2024 me that the economic conditions prior to the midterms were 1) steady but slow inflation and 2) relatively low unemployment, I'd have predicted that a good night for the Democrats would be taking the House, defending all their open Senate seats, and picking off one of Maine or North Carolina. Nowhere near enough to take the Senate, but enough to put a 2028 trifecta at least in play. Instead, what we are seeing is a near double-digit lead for the Democrats on the generic ballot, exposing Republican vulnerabilities deep into red territory. Most remarkably, in what must be a first in all the years I've been following politics, the Democrats are beating Republicans in polls of which party voters trust more on the economy (a stat Republicans usually dominate by like a 2:1 margin). Voters don't seem to be giving Republicans any credit for anything positive economically, with their trademark legislation, the OBBB, getting tepid reviews. This despite the most punishing aspects of the bill rather brazenly set to not take effect until after the midterms.

The caveat is always of course whether the polls are correct, but Republicans sure seem to be taking them seriously given their spending patterns and where they are sending their surrogates.

This predictably has infuriated Donald Trump, whose oversize ego is already primed not to accept criticism. His go-to strategy seems to be to tell everyone how great the economy actually is, and that you must be stupid not to see it. Affordability is a hoax, and we should be climbing over each other to thank him for how great the stock market and our 401ks are doing. Basically, a harsher version of what would have been the Dems' 2024 message.

Just as predictably, the US electorate doesn't seem to be buying the argument. The bottom line is that just like 2024, the US economy is actually doing decently- but Americans sure don't feel that way.

Is it because voters are penalizing the Republicans for financial miscues like tariffs and the Iran War, and that although the economy is OK it should really be doing even better?

Is it because nationwide economic performance doesn't necessarily translate into individual prosperity, particularly for the lower class?

Is it because of legacy and social media constantly driving a doom-and-gloom narrative?

Is it really just the price of gas?

I don't get it.

You can even include all murders, all genocides, all conquests, all rebellions, all civil wars, all deaths from the slave trade, all persecutions, all executions, all massacres, in known human history, and it won't even come close to the number killed by abortion.

The death count is currently estimated at over 1.8 billion. All innocent victims.

Some Christians object to the idea God hates anyone, so I intend to back this statement up with scripture.

Psalm 5

4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with you. 5 The boastful cannot stand in your sight; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who tell lies; the Lord abhors violent and treacherous people.

Psalm 11

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord—his throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his gaze examines everyone. 5 The Lord examines the righteous, but he hates the wicked and those who love violence. 6 Let him rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked; let a scorching wind be the portion in their cup. 7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face.

Proverbs 6

16 The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: 17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

Proverbs 8

13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.

I could go on. This is the hatred we reserve for evildoers, liars, cheats, robbers, those who bear false witness in court, those who take bribes, those who ruin justice, not because they oppose or even agree with us politically, but because God hates those who despise the truth. To fear God means to do what's right, even when it hurts, does it not? We call that character.

Will you tell God He has TDS? Will you tell God He has too high expectations of fact-checking and He should just respect your free speech? Maybe God just needs to understand this is politics as usual? Maybe God will be impressed when you explain how the other side acts.

Or maybe God just hates liars. Maybe if you have to lie to be right, you're actually wrong, and maybe it's better to say that than burn in hell.

The Texas Tribune reports that Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias, a father of three who held lawful permanent resident status, died in ICE custody. ICE alleges he fraudulently obtained that status by failing to disclose an earlier arrest; his daughter disputes that claim. She also alleges that his medications were withheld and his medical concerns ignored, while ICE says he received appropriate care. His cause of death remains undetermined. These questions deserve a thorough investigation.

His legal status is relevant to understanding this case, but our Christian obligation to care about his treatment does not depend on it. Every person in custody bears God’s image and must be treated with dignity.

As a Christian, I believe our response should begin with recognizing that this man bore God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and that his family is grieving. Scripture calls us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Whatever questions existed about his immigration status, his dignity and need for medical care remained. Adequate care for people in custody is therefore a serious moral obligation.

Romans 13 describes civil authority as God’s servant for our good. That authority carries accountability to God. When the government detains someone and controls his access to medical treatment, it assumes a grave responsibility for his care.

The ninth commandment also requires care in how we handle the truth. We should seek a thorough investigation without presenting disputed allegations as facts. If neglect occurred, justice requires accountability and changes that protect others.

Please pray for this family, for those responsible for people in custody, and for the truth to be established. As Christians, are we willing to insist on compassion, truth, and accountability regardless of which administration is responsible?

Some highlights that stood out to me:

"Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine. They haven't been doing much," Trump told reporters on Oct. 19.

The president's remarks came the same day that a Russian daytime drone strike in a public park killed six people, including two children. The night before, Russia attacked Kyiv with over a dozen ballistic missiles and targeted nearly 30 critical energy facilities across the country.

Trump defended his recent deals with Putin and sanctions waivers for Russia, saying the U.S. was negotiating with the Kremlin regarding the release of a high-profile hostage. He also said Russia was "very well-behaved on Iran."

"We also have a very good situation with respect to Iran. (Putin's) laying off Iran," Trump said.

"It's nice because we're hitting Iran very hard, as you know, economically as well as militarily, and Russia's done nothing there that we can see, and I think that's a very positive."

Russia is Iran's close ally and has pledged to assist Tehran in its war with the U.S. Multiple media outlets have reported on Russia shipping weapons to Iran, aiding in missile development, and providing intelligence to help Iran attack U.S. bases in the Middle East.  

Even U.S. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed on April 30  that Russia was supporting Iran in the war with the U.S.

While Ukraine sent its experts to help shoot down Iranian drones attacking Gulf states, Putin pledged to supply Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian with all "the necessary goods" and support the country during the war.

Why do some treat abortion as the greatest sin or greatest politic topic to determine their vote?

I’m having a hard time understanding why abortion is viewed as the deciding topic for so many when it comes to voting. Can anyone give their opinion or viewpoint

As someone who is prolife, I try to look at voting from pregnancy-death. So, while abortion isn’t something I support, I weight it equally to other topics.

I didn’t vote for Trump or the republicans in my district because I didn’t trust that they cared past pregnancy. It doesn’t mean they don’t, just my viewpoint of what their campaign showed.

Any insights appreciated.

According to reports, a Russian drone struck a park in Ukraine's Kharkiv region where families and children were gathered. Among those killed was an infant in a stroller. Other civilians, including children, were reportedly killed or injured.

This is heartbreaking, especially knowing that families were simply going about their lives.

Scripture tells us to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). We're also called to "open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute" (Proverbs 31:8).

Whatever our opinions about the war, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, or American foreign policy, these were human beings made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Their lives matter, and their suffering should matter to us.

We can debate the politics and policies surrounding this war without losing sight of the people suffering because of it.

My prayer is for the families who have lost loved ones, for those recovering from their injuries, for justice, and ultimately for peace.

How do we, as followers of Christ, demonstrate compassion for those suffering in wars far removed from our daily lives? And how do we ensure our political opinions don't overshadow our biblical calling to love our neighbors?

Their plan is simple.

1. Get Democrats to take control of Congress in the midterms.

2. Ramp up coordinated, color-revolution riots across the nation, forcing Trump to use the Insurrection Act and the National Guard to quell leftist violence.

3. Use Democratic governors and congressmen to declare Trump illegitimate and hold a "Third Continental Congress" to rewrite the Constitution and make America communist.

4. Engage in eternal Marxist revolution.

Would you support a constitutional amendment that bans deficit spending?

Personally, I look at deficit spending as borrowing from our kids. It's like legally taking out a credit card with your child's name on it, and going into debt with full intention of making your child pay off the debt.

Therefore, I see deficit spending as one of the most selfish actions imaginable. Instead of saving up for your child's future—which is what we should be doing to provide a good life for them—you're doing the literal opposite; you're plunging them into debt.

It's like selling your children into slavery. In fact, it is debt slavery. So we can have money now.

Would you support an end to deficit spending?

In a since-deleted post on X on Saturday (Oct. 10), Webbon compared Huckabee, a former Baptist pastor turned politician known for his support of Israel, to Hasan. ... “Publicly televised executions?” wrote Webbon, according to a screenshot of a post on X. “Sure. … but let’s kill two birds with one stone.” 

The post, captured by critics of Webbon before it was erased, included side-by-side photos of Huckabee and Hasan.

“Mike Huckabee is both a traitor and a ‘Judeo-Christian heretic,'” the post read. 

...

Webbon and Hall are co-authors of a new book, called “White Genocide,” and are part of a broader group of Reformed Christian pastors and influencers known for promoting antisemitic and racist views.

I hesitated posting this, as I didn't want this to seem like I'm trying to be sensationalist or aiming for clicks or something. But this is serious. This rhetoric has been normalized, and it should never be. I'm sure some will say Webbon was just joking or that we shouldn't take him seriously. But we need to shine a light on all of this rhetoric and call it un-Christlike at the very least, no matter where it comes from or who it's directed towards.

"In the 1980s, when I was in college, I joined a Republican party led by Ronald Reagan. This party, however inconsistently, emphasized freedom, democracy, and human rights. The GOP is now a party of Putin...