My Blog Post Archives - Page 20 of 45

Should Pastors, Religious Leaders Endorse Political Candidates and Is It Legal?

One of the more common strategies any candidate or campaign seeks to employ is to use the endorsement of high profile individuals who are willing to lend their name and personal support to a candidate with the intention of influencing others to do the same. But the issue gets a bit sticky when those endorsing are connected to a church or a major religious organization. But perhaps before answering whether they should, the first question to ask is can they legally endorse political candidates? Under the 501 (c) (3) section of the Internal Revenue Service Code, it states that churches may engage in some "legislative activity" and still qualify for favored tax status, as long as such activity is not more than an "insubstantial" part of its overall activity in terms of time and money (e.g., worship service, Sunday school programs, etc.). In other words, the amount of permissible legislative activity is somewhat vague. Legislative activity that amounts to 5 percent of all church activity is generally considered "safe." Legislative activity between 5 and 20 percent is less certain and, therefore, less safe. Activity over 20 percent has been found unacceptable by the Internal Revenue Service, although the rule has [...]

By Paul Stanley|2012-10-30T10:36:28-05:00October 30th, 2012|My Blog Post|Comments Off

‘Beyond Ordinary;’ An Amazing Story of Brokenness and Reconciliation

A year or so ago I connected with Justin Davis, an Associate Pastor under Pete Wilson at Cross Point Church in Nashville. We had a few things in common. Justin was a senior minister at a mid-western church when he had an affair with a fellow staff member who was also a friend of his wife, Trisha. It was a recipe for disaster. Although the affair was not public at the time, Justin was so disgusted with himself that after telling his wife he went and packed up his office, vowing never again to return to the ministry. After several months of separation, prayer and counseling, Justin and Trisha were able to reconcile and begin rebuilding their life. No doubt it was a huge and painful process. But they not only survived, but they were blessed beyond their wildest dreams. Beyond Ordinary is the title of their forthcoming book and will hit stores and websites in a few months. In the meantime they are sharing the first chapter of their book in hopes it will generate discussion and book sales which is critical in expanding their ministry. Click here to read their first chapter. Like me, I believe you'll be [...]

By Paul Stanley|2012-10-05T10:12:53-05:00October 5th, 2012|My Blog Post|Comments Off

A Breakdown from One of President Obama Biggest Fans

There is a lot of hype in presidential debates, especially from those who report and analyze it on a daily basis. Romney scored a clear and decisive victory in last night's first presidential debate. But don't take the right's slant on it; just read what one of Obama's biggest fans had to say about the president's weak performance. Lot's of anxiety pills being taken this morning. This play-by-play by Andrew Sullivan merits reading from the bottom (beginning of the debate) to the top. Here is one example of Sullivan's observations. "9.51 pm. Romney is dominating Lehrer. And the debate. Just in pure alpha male terms."

By Paul Stanley|2012-10-04T08:11:37-05:00October 4th, 2012|My Blog Post|Comments Off

Obama’s ‘Other Accent’ Used to Praise Jeremiah Wright, Charge Racism in Katrina Aftermath

A 2007 video has been making its way around the web that shows then Sen. Barack Obama using an "urban" accent to praise his former minister, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He also goes to great lengths to say any delay in responding to Hurricane Katrina was the result of racism. But before I go any further you should read this article from The Daily Caller and watch the video. In fact, there is nothing more I need to say about this video.

By Paul Stanley|2012-10-03T10:19:28-05:00October 3rd, 2012|My Blog Post|Comments Off

Americans Depend on TV, Online Media for Political News; Print Media Sees Steep Decline

If you are seeking your daily dose of political news, chances are you obtain it from television or online media sources before you read your daily newspaper or listen to your favorite radio station, according to an updated Pew survey. "The transformation of the nation's news landscape has already taken a heavy toll on print news sources, particularly print newspapers," says the Pew study. "But there are now signs that television news – which so far has held onto its audience through the rise of the Internet – also is increasingly vulnerable, as it may be losing its hold on the next generation of news consumers." Around the time Bill Clinton was running for his first term as president in 1991, 68 percent of Americans got their political news from TV, while 56 percent read daily newspapers and 54 percent tuned into a local radio station. Back then the Internet was restricted to researchers, academics and of course, (the unofficial inventor of the internet) Al Gore. But now things are different. A Pew study has found that in 2012, television still leads with way with 55 percent of the people tuning in for political news. However, online and mobile news [...]

By Paul Stanley|2012-10-03T09:54:01-05:00October 3rd, 2012|My Blog Post|Comments Off