The political gospel according to Paul

Thank goodness we’ve got a good old-fashioned religious fight to give us temporary relief from political warfare.

Oh, wait. This battle features religion and politics.

Taking center stage (or pulpit; take your pick) is another round of political proselytizing from Pastor Paul. That’s Paul Van Noy, leader of a large flock at Candlelight Christian Fellowship in Coeur d’Alene.

On Oct. 23, Van Noy delivered what sounded like a heavenly tune to his conservative Republican followers, a condemnation of Hillary Clinton specifically and liberal leanings generally. The sermon tasted a lot more like a sulfur sandwich to anyone in the crowd who might have been unprepared for the preacher’s political passion. One Press letter writer dared question whether the hallowed halls of a place of worship should also serve as an oversized ballot booth.

In Pastor Van Noy’s world, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Van Noy is nothing if not consistent. He testified ardently against Coeur d’Alene’s anti-discrimination ordinance in the spring of 2013. A year later, he made headlines for emailing his congregation a primary voters guide that pointed out each Republican candidate’s position on issues he considered of greatest moral significance. The problem some people had was that the candidates’ stated “positions” weren’t necessarily accurate. They were the “positions” as interpreted by a far-right political organization that considers some of our most conservative legislators radical liberals.

We know Paul Van Noy. While we might not agree with all the planks in his political platform, we do believe he loves sinners while hating their sins. As a matter of fact, we like the man quite a lot. We admire his commitment to what he believes, so we are not going to be surprised when he uses his bully pulpit to share his interpretations of God’s truths. Neither should you.

What makes America great is the freedom we all have to choose. Hundreds of good North Idahoans choose to attend Pastor Paul’s church, and it’s clear that their lives are better for the experience. Many others choose to go elsewhere, or even stay home.

When you venture into Pastor Paul’s kingdom on U.S. 95 close to an election, just be ready to sing from a slightly different hymnal.