However,
with recent increasing secularization of culture and government in the
developed world influence from government and cultural entities might pressure
Bible-adherent pastors to conform to modern cultural norms (1-4).
Consequently,
maintaining Biblical principles sets a stage for potential conflict with
secular society. Accordingly, such cultural tensions could produce mental
health issues for pastors in their attempt to maintain their ethical positions.
However, little data has been accumulated from Bible adherent pastors regarding
the influence of any adversarial relationship with culture and government.
Therefore,
we surveyed pastors who graduated from Bible adherent seminaries to assess
their perception of their role in society and the potential psychological
impact of any adversarial attitudes of culture or government against their
ministry.
Of 1064
invitations sent, 164 (15 %) answered the survey. Pastors overwhelmingly
believed that Christianity provides a historical and current positive ethical
foundation to American society.
Even
more strongly, pastors asserted Christianity provides for enhanced wellbeing
for society and individuals.
Pastors
appear concerned, however, of a larger government encroaching on freedom of
religious expression. Approximately 75% indicated that constitutional freedoms
were vital to allow full expression of religious beliefs and two-thirds noted
that a larger government more likely represses religious expression and acts as
a replacement of many actions normally provided by the church or a deity (5).
Pastors
were further concerned, by a wide margin, that the government favored other
religions over Christianity (Humanism, Atheism and Islam).
In
addition, many pastors noted concern over their ability to express freely a
political opinion from the pulpit because of current culture, governmental opposition
and IRS regulations.
Approximately,
45% said they had suffered persecution for their beliefs. This perceived
persecution was most commonly psychological through being mocked, social
isolation and a cause of anxiety in some cases. However, a strong minority had
experience workplace or educational institutional bias.
In
response, pastors indicated that they should be able to express a political
viewpoint from the pulpit, that Christians should be active in politics as an
expression of their faith in the public square and support candidates who
espouse free expression of religious beliefs.
Our
study suggested that Bible adherent pastors overwhelmingly believe that
Christianity’s ethical teaching is beneficial for the wellbeing of individuals
and society. However, many pastors feel negative societal and governmental
pressure because of their beliefs with a potential psychological impact.
Accordingly, pastors generally assert the importance of constitutional freedoms
of expression to maintain their ability to express themselves from the pulpit.
Table: Short summary of
responses
|
Number
agree
|
Percent
agree
|
|
|
Christianity
played an important positive role in shaping American history.
|
151
|
92%
|
|
Christianity
helps promote a good, civil, ethical society and government.
|
157
|
96%
|
|
Christianity
assists in producing wellbeing
|
155
|
95%
|
|
Protecting
constitutional freedoms is vital to allow the full expression of religious faith
and the Gospel.
|
122
|
74%
|
|
A
large government generally leads to repression of religion and replacement of
God
by the state?
|
124
|
76%
|
|
Do
you believe the federal government favors one religion over another?
|
118
|
72%
|
|
If
you believe the federal government favors one religion, which does it favor?
|
||
|
Humanism
|
81
|
62%
|
|
Atheism
|
45
|
34%
|
|
Muslim
|
34
|
26%
|
|
I
feel repressed in my ability to express a political opinion from the pulpit
because of the current presidential administration or popular culture.
|
55
|
34%
|
|
I
feel repressed in my ability to express a political opinion from the pulpit
because of IRS regulations.
|
60
|
37%
|
|
I
fear reprisal in expressing the gospel in society.
|
60
|
37%
|
|
I
have suffered physical or emotional abuse because of my Christian faith.
|
72
|
44%
|
|
What
type of abuse?
|
||
|
Mocked
|
71
|
95%
|
|
Social isolation
|
41
|
55%
|
|
Workplace or educational
institutional bias
|
30
|
40%
|
Thanks for visiting. I look forward to your
comments and questions.
WC Stewart
1.
Chaves,
M. (2011). Religious Trends in America. Social Work &
Christianity, 38: 119-132.
2.
Payne,
M.W. (2007). Philosophy among the ruins: Twentieth century and beyond. In W.
Andrew Hoffecker, ed. Revolutions in worldview: Understanding the flow of
western thought. Philipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing Company.
3.
Pearcy,
N. (2010). Saving Leonardo: A call to resist the secular assault on mind,
morals, & meaning. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4.
Wells,
D.F. (2005). Above all earthly powers: Christ in a postmodern world. Grand
Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
5.
Bloom,
P.B., Arikan, G., & Sommer, U. (2014). Globalization, threat and religious
freedom. Political Studies, 62: 273–291.
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