“A virtual gathering of faith leaders organized by the Michigan Department and Health and Human Services took place late Thursday afternoon, with health leaders hoping people who are still uncertain about the vaccines will look to the clergy for guidance.” https://www.woodtv.com/covid-19-vaccine/urging-vaccinations-faith-leaders-cite-belief-reason-responsibility/
“The state is turning to religious leaders to help sell the public on the science of vaccines… On Thursday, faith leaders from a variety of religions will join in on the conversation… ‘“When people have some hesitancy in life in general, one of the people that they go to they tend to seek advice from is their clergy leader and so and that’s one of the reasons why we’re enlisting them…’” https://www.wilx.com/2021/01/20/state-calls-on-faith-leaders-to-help-with-covid-19-vaccine-conversations/
I want to be absolutely clear that the purpose of this short post is not to state a position on the health content of this advertisement*. I also want to make absolutely clear that this is not a political issue. This is strictly a question for the flock and those that would call themselves shepherds.
The purpose is to address that last word… advertisement. Otherwise known as “propaganda.” Offended at my use? Propaganda, “ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause” Merriam-Webster. Propogandist, “A person who devotes himself to the spread of any system of principles. Bonaparte selected a body to compose his Sanhedrim of political propagandists.” Websters 1828 (For those the government education system has failed, Bonaparte, refers to Napoleon Bonaparte, look it up). Yes, I am offended too. We at P.O.C. have taken “Our Stand” on the issue of selling our voice to “Sam,” a “other god.” You can read it HERE.
The short of my issue here is this. I saw this piece of propaganda last night, Monday. I was immediately offended because I realized that over the two days that preceded my seeing this ad, Clergy all over the state and the country had been prohibited from counseling their flocks on Governor Whitmer, anyone who might run against her, or any other political office holder. This ban is enforced under the authority of a compromise all bodies taking a “not-for-profit” tax status makes. Yet… as you can see from the excerpts supplied, when that same government calls to “enlist” them to “sell” their position, they seem oblivious to the hypocrisy of it.
As I said, it is not about the content, it is about the “stewards.” As I write this post, I am right in the middle of writing the 3rd book in The Hope Series, Fidelity to Hope. Standing on the Biblical foundation contained in the first two books I am taking on this very discussion, among others, but could not wait until that book is released to address this. First, the churches sell their God given responsibility, to God and the flock, to instruct when they have “hesitancy” about an elected ruler. Why do they do this? For a tax break, for the “love of money”. When elections come around and the flock “look to the clergy for guidance” and “seek advice,” as to the clergy’s godly insights, the church leaders say, I’m sorry but the church has signed its allegiance to Sam, and we must not represent God from the pulpit on that issue.
This last year and a half has exposed a lot about our representatives and the system of freedom they are elected to protect. But as I said this is not about them. This last year and a half has exposed a lot about the “faithful” in the pews and even more about those who would lead them.
WE NEED TO DO BETTER!
*The video is available on the state of Michigan’s Facebook page and HERE is the link. However, in my efforts to find a copy of this video for you I discovered many state videos that had “been removed by the uploader.” So, to be sure this important message is not lost, I supply it within this post.
© Scott A Caughel 4/13/2021