While some today look aghast when a preacher has the gall to say something political or patriotic from the pulpit, Cheryl Chumley writing at the Washington Times reminds us our faith wasn’t always so far separated from our devotion to our Nation:

Back during American Revolution days, the pulpits of the 13 colonies were filled with passionate preachers delivering fiery rhetoric.

These pastors didn’t care about losing their tax exemptions — there was no IRS to fear. They didn’t care about offending somebody’s more moderate views of the British, or angering some wishy-washy citizen’s concern about igniting violence with rhetoric.

And they certainly didn’t care about mixing politics into their religion right at the pulpit…

Episcopal Church records tell the tale of an ordained priest, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, who…delivered what he called his farewell sermon [and] tore off his clerical gown to reveal his military uniform — after which he headed out the door to do what he considered his patriotic, godly duty for his country…

Or how about this one, about Congregationalist minister Jonathan Mayhew who told his West Church congregation in Boston that it wasn’t just their option to fight against a tyrannical government — it was their Christian duty?

“We may very safely assert…these two things in general, without undermining government: One is, that no civil rules are to be obeyed when they enjoin things that are inconsistent with the commands of God,” Mayhew said, according to records compiled by LawandLiberty.org. “All such disobedience is lawful and glorious.”

Read more of the astute and timely piece.

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