When all else fails, threaten them!

Church folk should be aware that those who resent any organized restraints on their personal power, wealth, or control, however they are expressed, are skilled in introducing both of the concepts inherent in the words “political” and “spiritual” to defend their ideology and keep certain subjects like guns, profits, and sharing the wealth out of the realm of moral and ethical discourse. Both words can be used with great effectiveness.

Gun zealots are well aware when they label gun violence a political matter, whether in the faith community, the PTA, or gatherings of citizens that the charge will make enough members nervous over losing unity or togetherness or their 501-C-3 status, that they will drop or table the subject. If someone is determined to keep a particular concern from being raised in the church, the most effective tactic is to label it “political” and remind the body we are “spiritual,” not community leaders.—America and Its Guns: A Theological Expose, page 16

<idle musing>
Because we all know that fear works. It certainly sells! I suspect that's why John says that perfect love casts out all fear. And Jesus says, "Fear not!" And, in the upper room discourse, Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid for he has overcome the world.

Would that we believed him! Lord, set us free from fear that we might see you in all our circumstances!
</idle musing>