In 1954, Senator Lyndon Johnson introduced legislation that prohibits pastors from mentioning, endorsing, or raising money for any candidate.

The IRS has taken over the task of muzzling pastors by increasing their scope of the very narrow law and intimidating pastors into compliance. This has led to much of the clergy refusing to speak on anything political for fear of losing their 501c (3) status. Many of these pastors do not understand the very narrow scope of the legislation, nor of the American tradition of “election sermons.”

These yearly sermons were a cornerstone of our American Revolution and continued until 1954. Johnson was infuriated that many in the Texas pulpits considered him corrupt and they stated so unequivocally during his campaign. Before his introduction of this legislation, it was very common for pastors to speak of candidates and their records, as well as the civic duty of Christians. In fact, it was from the pastors of the revolutionary era that our ideas for liberty were birthed. This is evidenced in a great primary source available from the Library of Congress and can be found here: Pulpits of the American Revolution.pdf A study of these sermons clearly presents the very principles laid forth in the Declaration of Independence.

Before the disastrous Johnson Amendment, American clergy understood that God is sovereign over all spheres of life, including government, and that no facet of the human experience should be off limits in the sermons of our pastors.

So, what does all of this have to do with Donald Trump? First off, I was shocked when he mentioned it during his first campaign and declared that he would see it destroyed. Many Americans are not even aware of this odious legislation so right off the bat, Trump impressed me merely by his knowledge of it.

While he did not enjoy the support of the establishment-run Republican House and Senate, and was therefore unable to repeal the bill, he nonetheless directed his Department of Justice to not prosecute any pastor who went against this legislation in obedience to their conscience. It is unfortunate that he did not have authority to repeal it entirely, but his actions clearly emphasized his friendliness to Christians and religious liberty.

Much has been discussed about the morality or supposed lack thereof in Trump’s past. It is here I will remind my readers that God has used very flawed men to powerful purpose. Look at David, Moses, and Paul as just the tip of the iceberg. At this point as a Christian, I care less about his past and more about the practical application and restoration of our religious liberty that he has steadfastly embodied. He has shown himself true to the God-given liberties of the devout of all Christian denominations.

It is my hope that if you are undecided or staying home on election day, that you prayerfully consider voting for Trump. The topic addressed in this post is just one of many issues paramount to the faithful by which Trump has stood strong.