Sound of Silence

Bruce Prescott over at the Mainstream Baptist blog has made a very astute observation—Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, has been notably silent over President Bush's admission that he misled the American people. This is the case despite the fact that Land was extremely vocal during the Clinton scandal.

This silence seems to match previous criticisms by Robert Parham of the Baptist Center for Ethics that some religious leaders are becoming merely "court prophets."

Striving to uphold Truth and ethics must trump all political affiliations. If we really wish to be considered credible prophets we must challenge all political leaders who stray—even if we support their politics. To do otherwise is to sell our souls and ministries for earthly political kingdoms.

If our Christian leaders do not stand up equally to all leaders, regardless of political affiliations, then they are no better than the court prophets of old. If they become that then they hurt the credibility of the Kingdom—and thus the King—that they are supposed to pledge allegiance to. We would be better served with court jesters than court prophets because at least the former will put a smile on our face!