An official campaign video ad released by the Biden campaign yesterday, features Adventist pastor Garrison Hayes of Alexandria, VA stumping for Joe Biden and attacking Donald Trump. To our dismay he also says “Oh my God!” twice in the video. Click on the image below to watch the short campaign video:
Here are some SOP quotes that were made available to us:
“Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work” (Gospel Workers, p. 393).
“those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures” (Gospel Workers, p. 391).
Based on the above counsel, we are opposed to Adventist leaders stumping for either candidate in this hotly contested election. Shall the Lord’s workers become servants of political worldly schemes? The Lord would have His people bury political questions.
As to the maledict “Oh my God”, we believe that the best way for a believer to repeat those words is in the chorus of the song Unto Thee Oh Lord. To use those words in a politically-charged attack ad, is questionable—at best—for a Seventh-day Adventist pastor.
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“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9).
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).