"Baptists and the Johnson Amendment" by J. David Holcomb examines the Johnson Amendment and its implications for churches, particularly Baptist congregations. Enacted in 1954, the Johnson Amendment prohibits churches and other tax-exempt organizations from engaging in political campaigns. The article details President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order attempting to weaken the amendment and explores varying Baptist reactions, from support among conservative Baptists to opposition from moderate and progressive groups. The article also addresses the historical, legal, and constitutional debates surrounding the amendment and its impact on the relationship between religion and politics.
