IN 1775 PASTORS EXERCISED FREE SPEECH IN THE PULPIT

Then President Lyndon Johnson decided to do something about Free Speech in the Pulpit--he sic'ed the IRS on churches as a watch dog to restrict free speech.

http://godfatherpolitics.com/1362/its-time-to-revive-the-black-regiment/

Godfather Politics -- The Black Regiment -- 10/5/2011

Throughout the colonies leading up to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, ministers regularly delivered sermons on various occasions that addressed the political affairs of the day. The most common type was the Election Day sermon, which was preached every year in the presence of the governor and the newly elected members of the legislature reminding them of their duties as civil magistrates and the requirement that they act virtuously and justly in their public office.

Election Day sermons were the primary vehicle used by pastors in New England to articulate their political ideals and justify resistance to British oppression. This is a far cry from today when pastors are counseled to avoid preaching on politics because the ACLU or the IRS might knock on their door. There was greater fear in the eighteenth century. A British soldier might come knocking and haul you off on the charge of treason. By April 1775, the clergymen of America were not only solidly behind the defensive efforts of the colonial leaders, but they were leading the charge against the British. Ministers called on their congregations to take up action and encouraged them to “obey God rather than men.” Many pastors left their pulpits and took up arms and led the men of their congregations into battle.

Read more: It’s Time to Revive the Black Regiment | Godfather Politics http://godfatherpolitics.com/1362/its-time-to-revive-the-black-regiment/#ixzz1a2NxsrLkNorthwoods Patriots - Standing up for Faith, Family, Country - northwoodspatriotscomm@gmail.com