“Shouldn’t the prophetic office serve as a watchdog of the Church and the State?” asks Gary Van. Prophets point out injustice and speak uncomfortable truth to those in authority regardless of their political party or church affiliation, he rightly says. Their function in society is not bound solely by the parameters of religion, he explains. Their authority to rebuke and bring correction historically extends into every social dimension where justice is lacking and mercy is needed.

Van writes: “Where is there a clear prophetic voice rising from the American societal landscape today? Where is the group or individual who dares to expose the injustice committed in our name by our government regardless of who is in power? Why do the preachers of the left and right only rebuke those leaders of the opposite party and never their own? Where is the prophet who is bold enough to confront the harlotry of the Church as she runs recklessly into the seductive arms of corrupt and conscienceless political suitors?

“It is a terrible and costly compromise when preachers and prophets offer their endorsement of any party or candidate who is not willing to work legislatively for mercy and justice on every front. It is an even greater compromise when they dare not speak needed confrontational truth to those whom they have endorsed. The fear of losing their privileged place at the trough with the other lobbyists tragically enforces their silence.”

2008 will be one of the most political years the nation of America has seen in recent memory. The fact that the political jockeying has already begun and the primaries are being held earlier than ever hints at what is to come in 2008. In his editorial on OpedNews.com, Van makes some strong points and clearly demonstrates concern for politically correct prophets. I share this concern.

In my book, The Heart of the Prophetic, I devote an entire chapter to hitting what I call P.C. prophets and showing readers the root of this ungodly behavior. I’ll share more with you in a future post. For now, click here to check out Van’s editorial entitled, “Where Are the Prophets?” If you are one of those faithful prophets who are standing in the gap with grace and mercy, but refuse to toe the party line for popularity, I want to hear from you.