The "Johnson Amendment"

People use words rather loosely. Recently there has been fresh discussion of the, so-called, “Johnson Amendment.” Using the term “amendment” confuses people. We normally use that term of constitutional amendments. The “Johnson Amendment” amended only the tax code, not the constitution. It was, and is, a completely unconstitutional action with no validity either constitutionally or spiritually.

I believe that the main purpose of the “Johnson Amendment” was to silence churches that were beginning to speak out against racial prejudice. Lyndon Johnson was, in the 1950s, a recognized leader among the southern congressmen who supported segregation and opposed attempts to pass a civil rights bill. He would change his tune later, but the “Johnson Amendment” was one of a series of actions he took to prevent equality among the races. Some brave churches ignored it then, and all churches should ignore it today.

The church has not only a right but a responsibility to speak against institutionalized sin. That includes institutionalized racism and it includes the shedding of innocent blood by means of abortion. We try to steer clear of trouble with the “Johnson Amendment” by not using the names of individual politicians who are guilty of supporting racism and the shedding of innocent blood. But we should not be afraid to say that those who vote for such scum are unlikely to be found on the Savior’s right hand in judgment.

I did not vote for Donald Trump (or for Hillary Clinton). I consider President Trump to be wrong about many things, but he is right about the “Johnson Amendment.” It is unjust, unconstitutional, and it should be removed from the tax code. But whether it is removed or not, the church should still make it clear that voting for race baiters and abortion mongers is sin.

A vote is a way of giving consent, and those who give their consent to sin are as guilty as the ones who actually commit the sinful act. That is not my personal claim; it is the plain statement of scripture. “Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:32, ESV).

Do not give approval to sin. Never cast a vote for a pro-abortion candidate, or for any candidate who would institute legal protection for sin. Often that may mean registering a protest vote (voting for neither of the major parties). But when the final judgment comes, you will be glad you took that stand.