"I have never endorsed Rick Perry or any candidate for any office....we have a very diverse congregation, we have many Democrats, we have Republicans, and I don't think any pastor should engage in partisan politics....I'm not going to publicly endorse a candidate....even when it comes to Rick Perry, in my television appearances I have purposely come just short of even personally endorsing Rick Perry....I don't anticipate endorsing anybody, certainly publicly or even privately for president." Robert Jeffress to his congregation in church, 8/28/11-------------------------------------
On Sunday August 28th, Jeffress told his congregation he would not be endorsing a candidate, either from the pulpit or as a private citizen. He cited two reasons: one was that he wouldn't want to alienate members of his politically diverse congregation, and second he wouldn't want to risk his church's tax exempt status.
One could argue that his introduction/endorsement of Rick Perry at the Value Voter's Summit was done as a private citizen. Sure, he has a right to do that. But then why is his church posting on their website a video clip of him endorsing Rick Perry? They are also posting clips of all of his media appearances where he explains why Rick Perry is the superior candidate over Mitt Romney. Is this not getting dangerously close to the line of a church endorsing a political candidate, through their pastor's words and then posting his words on their website?
Notice on their church website, the headlines read "Pastor Sparks National Debate" and "Dr. Jeffress Introduces Rick Perry at Value Voters Summit." All of those clips together provide a clear message: FBC Dallas endorses and supports their pastor's endorsement of a political candidate.
Let Robert Jeffress say what he wants about whatever candidate he wants to support. But his church, and he as the pastor, should keep it out of his church and off the church website.
47 comments:
Steve Gaines at Bellevue Baptist just did the same thing in a local election (anti- gay), and they don't care what the law says.
TV Story
Web Story
Bellevue Web Page now down
But black churches and their pastor's can endorse any Democratic candidate they want and say what they want.
Okay, Tom.
You're getting nuttier by the minute.
Anonymous said...
" But black churches and their pastor's can endorse any Democratic candidate they want and say what they want.
Okay, Tom.
You're getting nuttier by the minute."
If it wasn't for the nutty Mega Pastors who are answerable to no one, this blog wouldn't even be here.
No, black churches can't legally endorse any candidate they want. They might get away with it, but that doesn't make it right.
Besides, Jeffress himself said he would not endorse anyone. I guess he couldn't resist all the media coverage that would go along with his endorsement.
@Anonymous that's not completely true! I've always been part of the black church construct and I have never witness this taking place....I never had a pastor to make a endorsement from the pulpit....some of them do but not all of them.
I heard about this blog. 'Watchdog', who are you? Doesn't sound like a Christian thing for you to be doing what you are doing. Seems to me like God can take care of 'watching' over all of these things you make and issue. I sure would not want to be a part of whatever you are a part of. Certainly not a Christian example.
Oh Great....
Now they've found Robert Jeffress
attacking Roman Catholics
"Last year on his show Pathway To Victory, Jeffress said that Satan is behind the Roman Catholic Church."
Link to video
Sunday Morning News TV will be abuzzing ....
Now what was the new name for the SBC.....
Quack
That's the problem, Tom. They DO get away with it. They always do. And it's a ridiculous double standard.
Anonymous said...
"Seems to me like God can take care of 'watching' over all of these things you make and issue."
Then why do we have police, judges, jails?
"I sure would not want to be a part of whatever you are a part of."
Well you just did , thank you for coming.
Anonymous said...
"That's the problem, Tom. They DO get away with it. They always do. And it's a ridiculous double standard."
Did you ever report the incident you are talking about to the IRS?
Now that's the Problem.
Man...it seems that there are more and more anons coming out of the woodwork everyday. Honestly, how much longer can these people drink the kool-aid, and remain blind to their ignorance and arrogance? They're rude, and down right uninformed, and devoid of truth! I don't get it?
Keep on Watchdog, maybe someday people will choose to be informed and willing to face the ugly truth of just how far their religion has strayed from the true teachings of Jesus! At least that's my hope and prayer.
Thanks Watchdog!!
The Southern Baptist new Mission agenda is to send Mega Pastors to start Churches in Strategic Cities. Part of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force resolution just passed.
Send North America
Cities
Suggestions:
Send Robert Jeffress to Salt Lake City to win Mormans?
Send Mac Brunson to Boston to win Roman Catholics?
Send Steve Gaines to Chicago to win the Mob?
So who wants San Francisco? Rick Warren?
And this is how they sell the sweet and loving SBC:
video
NYT > The Political Pulpit
Anonymous 12:44
So the Mega's, who give the least, are now able to tap those funds for these ventures?
Sorry Wade, guess you weren't invited.
I personally think pastors should not recommend any candidate for any office. So many turn out to be someone else after they are elected to an office. Some steal everything thats not nailed down while others commit crimes and misdemeanors. Even presidents are thrown out for shady deals along with other polotical representatives that are supposed to represent us....the people. I believe the verse "all have come short of the glory of God". Just because a man says he's a Christian is not necessarily a true statement regardless of the denomination of which he is a member. We are to test the spirits...this seldom is being done and the main reason the so called "church", has lost creditibility. God help us get back to the truths in the Bible and quit listening to those who would lead us astray with their focus groups, opinion polls, and even carrying a bible around with them on Sunday morning.
FBD thrives on being told what to believe. Most members love this kind of stuff and join in the fist pumping. It makes them proud.
Many others have left. Others hate what is going on but will never leave.
The ultimate irony here is that Jeffress' words and actions are actually going to work against Perry.
It will be interesting to see what Perry does about it.
Readers - best analysis so far on the Jeffress media storm. This says it perfectly. A must read
Keep up the good work Watchdog - keeps all us W/D puppies informed! As our good brother quotes, worse & worse!
The following blurb is on the FBC Dallas website under the video of him endorsing Perry:
** The posting of video clips and media accounts of Dr. Robert Jeffress’ recent media appearances does not constitute First Baptist Dallas’ endorsement of any political candidate. As Dr. Jeffress has noted in multiple interviews, his political views and endorsements do not represent the church, but him personally. **
I wonder if this blurb was put there before or after the national media started criticizing Jeffress' comments. Either way, it is disingenuous for FBC Dallas to prominently display clips of Jeffress endorsing Perry, and try to maintain that his statements don't represent the church.
And, with him having so recently said he would not make either public or private endorsement of a candidate, it's astounding that the church would not be ashamed to so openly demonstrate to the world that their pastor is a liar.
But then, I guess it is to be expected -- the Butch Caner saga showed us how little it matters to Southern Baptist leaders and churches when preachers stand up and tell lies.
Jeffress received a standing ovation this morning as he "explained" his comments. The position of the church seems clear.
Here's his answer to you critics.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/09/us-usa-campaign-jeffress-idUSTRE7982DV20111009
Jeffress error is not in what he said about Mormonism being a "cult". His definition of "cult from a theological standpoint" (a religion with a human founder verses a divine founder) is not entirely accurate, but it is probably as much as one can hope to fit into a TV news sound bite. And there are sociologists who would say that, at least in some areas, Mormonism is a cult from the sociological standpoint also. Nonetheless, he's correct in stating that Mormonism is not within the framework historic Christianity and has been (and properly should be) classified as a cult due to aberrant doctrines that are contrary to Christian orthodoxy.
The real problems with Jeffress statements are in his public endorsement of a political candidate (and defending it before his church, and the church posting it on their website), when he so recently stated it would be inappropriate for him to endorse a candidate either in public or in private and that he would not do so. Going back on his words is a much more serious problem than his view of Mormonism.
On top of that, Jeffress is also kidding himself if he really thinks Perry is a "true conservative" politically. Both Romney and Perry have their less than conservative political positions (Romney has Massachusetts health care and Perry has the Texas Dream Act).
If Jeffress felt it necessary to go back on his word and endorse a true conservative, he'd be better off going with Michele Bachmann or Herman Cain. But the SBC doesn't have the greatest track record of supporting women or African Americans, do they?
Ever hear of flip flopping? Seems The pastor has flipped and that is his priveledge. For me to see pastors, particularly prominent ones, involved in the political arena is something I cAN't agree with. We all have our views and we have a vote but as a pastor think we must remember what we do reflects on Christ. also let me say I think u are doing an enlightening thing w.d. as u try to expose certain things. Jesus siad what is done in the closet will be shouted from the internet Oh i mean housetop. Keep shouting I my not agree with u all the time but read most every blog
Junkster, well said! Oh that all the comments were are intelligent, informed, and rational. Thank you!
Get ready for churches to lose their tax exempt status if this lunacy continues through the election cycle.
FBC Dallas will be the first, especially if the current President is re-elected.
Is there anyway you could put some sort of program on your blog that would allow me to post your articles on fb, or email to my friends. You present information that needs to be seen by so many!
How 'bout it? :-)
Wow...talk about lack of intelligence, I should have re-read my comment to Junkster. I don't know how I let "are" in there?!
@Jack....all you have to do is copy the URL for whatever article is of interest and paste it into an email or into your status thing on Facebook......like the URL for this article is:
http://fbcjaxwatchdog.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-is-fbc-dallas-publicizing-and.html
Why haven't you highlighted and complained about black preachers doing much worse than this, or is it because you must be prejudiced? I think its time we got more Christians involved in the political process. Maybe they would make a good difference (that is unless they are Southern Baptist mega pastors).
Your question "why is FBC Dallas Publicizing..." - the answer is because their communications dept is told to. They are to post every appearance he makes.
If you noticed, his interview with Fox & Friends on Sunday morning was posted on the site before the first service even started.
The church also sends out email blasts to members and prospects announcing his appearances and encouraging them to tune in.
I think its time we got more Christians involved in the political process.
People should get involved, the church has always been involved. Often behind the smoke and mirrors of control. Even Iseral had a political religion.
What ever good comes from christians getting involved in the political affairs of their nation will not come from the despotic church.
Here is Jeffress in the Pulpit Sunday Morning
As Christians we must push back against evil (Mormons=False Religions)
But what about the Southern Baptist's ?
Isn't Nashville becoming the new Rome of the 20th Century!!!!!
Anonymous said...
"If you noticed, his interview with Fox & Friends on Sunday morning was posted on the site before the first service even started.
The church also sends out email blasts to members and prospects announcing his appearances and encouraging them to tune in."
All (most) of Robert Jeffress comments are here on
YouTube
Joined: Sep 15, 2011
** The posting of video clips and media accounts of Dr. Robert Jeffress' media appearances does not constitute First Baptist Dallas' endorsement of any political candidate. As Dr. Jeffress has noted in multiple interviews, his political views and endorsements do not represent the church, but him personally. **
You can be sure that this was done professionally (church staff?) as Jeffress doesn't have a clue how to do this.
"But black churches and their pastor's can endorse any Democratic candidate they want and say what they want."
Sad but true! America has some screwy political correctness and unfortunately in this coming election saying anything against the incumbent will be taken strictly as racist even though 99.99999% of the time it is not about race.
10/10/2011 new update
Robert Jeffress..
A Theological Cult
"Mormonism ...was invented 1800 years after Jesus Christ (when Christianity was invented?)...
who has a Human Leader instead of a Divine Leader, Joseph Smith "
Even the original religion of God ie: the Judaism did not /does not believe/teach that Jesus was Divine?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews_for_Jesus
Down to "Mainstream Jewish opposition"
So to the Jews and Judaism , Christianity is a Cult??
"A belief in the divinity of Jesus is incompatible with Judaism:
One of the most important Jewish principles of faith is the belief in one God and one God only with no partnership of any kind (see Deuteronomy 6:4), and belief in Jesus as deity, son of God, or Christ, is held as incompatible with Judaism.
The point is this: that the whole Christology of the Church – the whole complex of doctrines about the Son of God who died on the Cross to save humanity from sin and death – is incompatible with Judaism, and indeed in discontinuity with the Hebraism that preceded it." Rayner, John D. A Jewish Understanding of the World, Berghahn Books, 1998, p. 187. ISBN 1-57181-974-6
"It has always been recognized, for instance, after the rise of Christianity and Islam, that these two religions are incompatible with Judaism and that no Jew can consistently embrace them while remaining an adherent of Judaism." Neusner, Jacob & Avery-Peck, Alan Jeffery. The Blackwell Reader in Judaism, Blackwell Publishing, 2001, p. 8. ISBN 0-631-20738-4
"Aside from its belief in Jesus as the Messiah, Christianity has altered many of the most fundamental concepts of Judaism." Kaplan, Aryeh. The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology: Volume 1, Illuminating Expositions on Jewish Thought and Practice, Mesorah Publication, 1991, p. 264. ISBN 0-89906-866-9
"...the doctrine of Christ was and will remain alien to Jewish religious thought." Wylen, Stephen M. Settings of Silver: An Introduction to Judaism, Paulist Press, 2000, p. 75. ISBN 0-8091-3960-X
"For a Jew, however, any form of shituf is tantamount to idolatry in the fullest sense of the word. There is then no way that a Jew can ever accept Jesus as a deity, mediator or savior (messiah), or even as a prophet, without betraying Judaism. To call oneself, therefore, a 'Hebrew-Christian,' a 'Jew for Jesus,' or in the latest version a 'messianic Jew,' is an oxymoron. Just as one cannot be a 'Christian Buddhist,' or a 'Christian for Krishna,' one cannot be a 'Jew for Jesus.'" Schochet, Rabbi J. Immanuel. "Judaism has no place for those who betray their roots", Canadian Jewish News, July 29, 1999.
This July, Hebrew-Christian groups such as Jews for Jesus will work to convert Jews to another religion. The Jewish Response to Missionaries (NY Board of Rabbis)
Judaism and Jesus Don't Mix (foundationstone.com)
Jews believe that "Jews for Jesus," "Messianic Jews," and "Hebrew Christians" are no longer Jews, even if they were once Jews (whatjewsbelieve.org)
part 2
"If you believe Jesus is the messiah, died for anyone else's sins, is God's chosen son, or any other dogma of Christian belief, you are not Jewish. You are Christian. Period." (Jews for Jesus: Who's Who & What's What by Rabbi Susan Grossman (beliefnet – virtualtalmud) August 28, 2006)
"For two thousand years, Jews rejected the claim that Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies of the Hebrew Bible, as well as the dogmatic claims about him made by the church fathers – that he was born of a virgin, the son of God, part of a divine Trinity, and was resurrected after his death. ... For two thousand years, a central wish of Christianity was to be the object of desire by Jews, whose conversion would demonstrate their acceptance that Jesus has fulfilled their own biblical prophecies." (Jewish Views of Jesus by Susannah Heschel, in Jesus In The World's Faiths: Leading Thinkers From Five Faiths Reflect On His Meaning by Gregory A. Barker, editor. (Orbis Books, 2005) ISBN 1-57075-573-6. p.149)
"... there are limits to pluralism, beyond which a group is schismatic to the point where it is no longer considered Jewish. For example, everyone considers Messianic Judaism and belief in Buddha as outside of the Jewish sphere." (Why did the majority of the Jewish world reject Jesus as the Messiah, and why did the first Christians accept Jesus as the Messiah? by Rabbi Shraga Simmons)
"No Jew accepts Jesus as the Messiah. When someone makes that faith commitment, they become Christian. It is not possible for someone to be both Christian and Jewish." (Why don't Jews accept Jesus as the Messiah? by Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner)
In his book A History of the Jews, Paul Johnson describes the schism between Jews and Christians caused by a divergence from this principle:
"To the question, Was Jesus God or man?, the Christians therefore answered: both. After 70 AD, their answer was unanimous and increasingly emphatic. This made a complete breach with Judaism inevitable." (Johnson, Paul (1987). A History of the Jews. HarperCollins, p.144. ISBN 0-06-091533-1.)
Any wonder Jews for Jesus Posted this complaint (can't take critiquing)?:
"An editor has expressed a concern that this section lends undue weight to certain ideas relative to the article as a whole. Please help to discuss and resolve the dispute before removing this message. (June 2011)"
So that's where my tithe money went:
http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story/Former-Church-Treasurer-Gets-8-Years-of-House/0i5J55GyiESNudMTOg79jw.cspx?rss=59
Email blast went to FBC Dallas members today encouraging them to watch RJ on Hardball with Chris Matthews this afternoon at 4 CT.
Here's the byline:
"Dr. Jeffress will talk about personally endorsing Rick Perry, why we should prefer Mitt Romney to Barack Obama and his recent comments about Mormonism."
Sounds like damage control to a membership who might have pushed back somewhat.
Anonymous said...
"Sounds like damage control to a membership who might have pushed back somewhat."
No, just some big contributor/s who has Robert Jeffress ear.
Anonymous said...
So that's where my tithe money went:
No, It was used Secretly to Purchase this
Ghost Town
Oh no, another cult coming to America
Watchdog... it appears that most of your critiques are against mega church's and their pastors. Just curious, but at what size do you consider a church to be "mega?"
Bigger than the one I attend.
:)
I actually would love to see this church lose their tax exempt status.
It would then be required to file tax returns that account for expenditures and the salaries of its employees.
Wouldn't that be a storm with epic fecal repercussions...
Anonymous said...
"Watchdog... it appears that most of your critiques are against mega church's and their pastors. Just curious, but at what size do you consider a church to be "mega?""
How about any church who can afford a pastors salary package is over $100,000 ?
And Church Property over $10 Million?
NYT > A Theologian Weighs In on the Mormon Church
REgarding:I heard about this blog. 'Watchdog', who are you? Doesn't sound like a Christian thing for you to be doing what you are doing. Seems to me like God can take care of 'watching' over all of these things you make and issue. I sure would not want to be a part of whatever you are a part of. Certainly not a Christian example.
Yeah, just sit back and never say or do anything. You are right - that's the Christian way. You just pay your money to your church and everything will work out for you.
Don't criticize or look at anything. Your brainwashed minds might open.
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