The recent IRS decision revoking the rule that stripped tax-exempt status from churches endorsing political candidates has sent ripples through the religious and political landscape. While many on the Christian right celebrate this as a victory, some analysts argue it’s a short-sighted move that could backfire spectacularly.
For those outside the world of the Christian right, the change might seem minor. However, the subtle yet pervasive messaging from conservative pastors—calling for prayer in schools, national repentance, and the appointment of “righteous” judges—effectively steered their congregations towards specific political candidates, even without explicitly endorsing them. This was further amplified by a vast network of Christian media relentlessly portraying Democrats as demonic and voting for them as a path to hell.
Predictably, figures like Robert Jeffress rejoiced, claiming the IRS had no right to dictate pulpit speech. Others echoed this sentiment, falsely claiming the previous rule aimed to silence opposition rather than protect democracy. But this celebration might be premature.
The potential for this decision to backfire is significant. While Trump already enjoys overwhelming support from white evangelicals, this move essentially offers churches a “payola” for their political endorsements. This creates an incentive for wealthy donors to funnel money into churches, transforming them into political campaign arms. This will likely lead to a decreased focus on spiritual needs, diverting resources towards political campaigning.
This shift could alienate even those parishioners who share right-wing views. Will they continue attending services that resemble extended political ads for the GOP? The exhaustion factor alone could drive many away. Even if some see this as a call to “spiritual warfare,” many others will find the blatant politicization of their faith off-putting. Polls reveal that most believers, including a significant number of white evangelicals, oppose ending the Johnson Amendment, highlighting the potential for widespread discontent.
The growing “exvangelical” movement, composed of individuals leaving right-wing churches due to issues like racism and homophobia, already signifies a decline in Christian affiliation. This new IRS rule risks accelerating this trend by further prioritizing partisan politics over spiritual matters. For those who remain, the value of community and shared faith might be overshadowed by the relentless political messaging.
The Trump era is characterized by short-term gains and disregard for long-term consequences. This church-focused strategy mirrors similar examples of political expediency and disregard for ethics seen in other sectors. The Bible warns against serving two masters, and churches that prioritize Trump over Christ risk losing their flock. The consequences of this gamble may not be immediate, but the reaping season is undoubtedly approaching.
The long-term implications for churches are uncertain, but prioritizing political gain over spiritual guidance could prove to be a disastrous miscalculation. The potential for a mass exodus from evangelical churches, driven by the increasing politicization of their faith, is a very real possibility.
