The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Your View

October 14, 2012

Your View: Churches divide over election issues

John Bipes, Mankato

The late Oswald Hoffmann began as a young Lutheran clergyman, professor of Greek, and dean at Mankato’s own Bethany College. He went on to become the world-renowned preacher of the international “Lutheran Hour” and chaplained presidents in Washington, prime ministers abroad, and both U.S. troops and their commanders in Vietnam.

Bethany probably still carries his autobiography, “What More is There to Say but Amen.”

Hoffmann mused during an election season long ago, “As a general rule, politicians do not make good preachers and vice versa.” It struck him “a bit strange when people can push or press a commitment to a certain candidate or issue like a religious duty instead of committing themselves to the central message of Christ and His church when the Biblical message is clear: ‘Trust not in princes but solely and alone in the living God.’”

A bygone sage is helpful again these latter days when churches are split over voting issues. Christians remind us that no one nor any political party is closer to God, yet God passionately draws close to us.

Thankfully, most church lawns are not sprouting campaign signs — the coercive council or bishop notwithstanding.

George Will described years ago how Protestantism influenced much of what we in the West call democracy and within it, an individual’s freedom of conscience. Meanwhile, those of us experiencing icy stares from friends with whom we’d rather be laughing over a cup of coffee, or diverting our own eyes from others at mass, can take heart; in a month we’ll be able to muse with the long-loved Hoffmann, “What More is There to Say but Amen.”

Until the next election, of course.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Your View
  • mfp dekruifmug DFL budget leaves out reform The 2013 Minnesota Legislature started facing a projected budget shortfall of $635 million and by state mandate must balance the budget. The new DFL controlled government has a "fix" for this shortfall; raising taxes and fees for all Minnesotans by a

    May 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Bell of Honor sign of respect for heroes Recently, I had the opportunity to go to the North Mankato Funeral Home for David Sandmeyer's military visitation. It was a very moving experience. Sandmeyer was the young man who was a 21-year-old Marine from Mankato. He was stationed in North Carol

    May 18, 2013

  • MSU falls while coach Hoffner will win again Attention MSU Alumni You and I have just learned of the decision that the Minnesota State University leadership, i.e. Dr. Davenport, Mr. Kevin Buisman (and probably others) have made concerning Todd Hoffner, the former MSU Football Coach. This firing

    May 17, 2013

  • Minnesota deserves lawmakers with a clue Our senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken were part of a group to vote for and pass Obamacare. You know the overwhelming law that the Democratic leadership (Reid and Pelosi) said you'll have to pass it to find out what's in it. Exactly what they did

    May 17, 2013

  • Laws of life essays were inspiring essays inspired What a pleasure it was to read the Laws of Life essays in the May 5 edition. It is this kind of reporting that makes The Free Press our hometown newspaper. And congratulations to Shane Price and Fahad Qureshi. Your writings were a good read. Bruce Bi

    May 16, 2013

  • mfp dekruifmug DFL budget leaves out reform The 2013 Minnesota Legislature started facing a projected budget shortfall of $635 million and by state mandate must balance the budget. The new DFL controlled government has a “fix” for this shortfall; raising taxes and fees for all Minnesotans by a

    May 16, 2013 1 Photo

  • Remodeled building serves St. John's well Last weekend my wife and I were in the Mankato area for an extended family event. While in Mankato we participated in a Eucharist celebration at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Last Sunday happened to be the one-year anniversary of the remodeli

    May 15, 2013

  • Marketplace Fairness Act not about fairness The Marketplace Fairness Act is not about fairness. It is about revenue and regulatory capture by Internet giants. It is said that Internet retailers have an advantage in that they don't have to collect sales tax. That may be an advantage, but it do

    May 14, 2013

  • Sand project may taint Coughlan standing In an earlier state Senate committee hearing, one of the of Jordan Sands party waved his arms and proudly proclaimed that Bob Coughlan's family had installed the limestone that prominently adorns the room. The Coughlan Cos. and Kasota Stone have a lo

    May 13, 2013

  • Let's talk about mental illness We talk about our blood pressure, thyroids, hip replacements, etc. We talk about the doctors who treat us. We give advice to friends and family as to the quality of care or lack thereof from our attending physicians. So why then are mental health iss

    May 12, 2013