POLITICIANS & FAITH
- Greg Abbott - John Adams - Rick Allen - Michele Bachmann - Joe Biden - Lauren Boebert - Ben Carson - Ron DeSantis - Michael Flynn - Heidi Gahnal - Al Gore - Marjorie Taylor Greene - Josh Hawley - Kevin Hern - Brandon Johnson - John O'Connor - Ben Moss - Mike Pence - Kevin Phillips - Janet Porter - Sidney Powell -Kim Reynolds - Tim Scott -
greg Abbott
Zorek Richards
December 16, 2022:
After the 2018, Santa Fe High School shooting, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that he would consult across Texas in an attempt to prevent gun violence in schools. He had a series of round-table discussions followed at the state capitol. In a speech to a NRA convention in Dallas almost two weeks later, Abbott said, "The problem is not guns, it’s hearts without God".
So, if that is the problem..what is the answer? It would be making efforts to turn hearts toward God, would it not? Or is it blaming the Christian church for not reaching those hearts? And how does an elected official deal with that when separation of church and state is a paramount issue throughout America's history?
A few days later Abbott published a Youtube video saying the shooter broke "two gun laws the day he committed the multiple murders"..... It is a felony to possess a gun on school property" and "what he did on campus is capital murder. That's a crime that would have subjected him to the death penalty in Texas." So, if that is the answer..what is the problem? Are shooters concerned about committing a crime? Obviously not. The State of Texas has executed 578 people since 1982. Seems to me that if you combine both responses from Governor Abbott that the shootings resulted because they had a godless heart and ignorance of capital penalties.
Before God reaches hearts, men are subject only to or restrained by secular rules and laws of society. Don't kill people with guns. Governments can only really control the penalty phase of any legal breach of justice...though lawyers can often breach that and do quite often.
Reaching hearts is actually the most sure way. But you can't make reaching hearts a law with consequences no matter how hard you try to legislate it. And since the second amendment is applied in the way it is today which gives any gun enthusiast an orgasm there aren't much options...or maybe none at all
-Zorek Richards 12.16.22
After the 2018, Santa Fe High School shooting, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that he would consult across Texas in an attempt to prevent gun violence in schools. He had a series of round-table discussions followed at the state capitol. In a speech to a NRA convention in Dallas almost two weeks later, Abbott said, "The problem is not guns, it’s hearts without God".
So, if that is the problem..what is the answer? It would be making efforts to turn hearts toward God, would it not? Or is it blaming the Christian church for not reaching those hearts? And how does an elected official deal with that when separation of church and state is a paramount issue throughout America's history?
A few days later Abbott published a Youtube video saying the shooter broke "two gun laws the day he committed the multiple murders"..... It is a felony to possess a gun on school property" and "what he did on campus is capital murder. That's a crime that would have subjected him to the death penalty in Texas." So, if that is the answer..what is the problem? Are shooters concerned about committing a crime? Obviously not. The State of Texas has executed 578 people since 1982. Seems to me that if you combine both responses from Governor Abbott that the shootings resulted because they had a godless heart and ignorance of capital penalties.
Before God reaches hearts, men are subject only to or restrained by secular rules and laws of society. Don't kill people with guns. Governments can only really control the penalty phase of any legal breach of justice...though lawyers can often breach that and do quite often.
Reaching hearts is actually the most sure way. But you can't make reaching hearts a law with consequences no matter how hard you try to legislate it. And since the second amendment is applied in the way it is today which gives any gun enthusiast an orgasm there aren't much options...or maybe none at all
-Zorek Richards 12.16.22
john adams
John Adams
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law-book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged, in conscience, to temperance and frugality and industry; to justice and kindness and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence, towards Almighty God. In this commonwealth, no man would impair his health by gluttony, drunkenness, or lust; no man would sacrifice his most precious time to cards or any other trifling and mean amusement; no man would steal, or lie, or in any way defraud his neighbor, but would live in peace and good will with all men; no man would blaspheme his Maker or profane his worship; but a rational and manly, a sincere and unaffected piety and devotion would reign in all hearts. What a Utopia; what a Paradise would this region be!...............We have no government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition and Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” --John Adams
rick allen
Richard Wayne Allen (born November 7, 1951) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Georgia's 12th congressional district since 2015. He is a member of the Republican Party. During a closed-door Republican meeting about an amendment that prohibited discrimination against LGBT workers, Allen read a Bible verse that says of homosexuals, "they which commit such things are worthy of death."He told the assembled Republicans that they were "going to Hell" if they voted for the amendment. After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Allen offered prayers to the families of the victims but did not apologize or retract his past comments. Rep. Allen intentionally spread inaccurate claims about voter fraud and the 2020 presidential election results. He was supportive of the Texas amicus brief, an effort meant to overturn the results of the presidential election across multiple states. A day before the insurrection on the United States Capitol building, Rep. Allen told his Twitter followers that he was “Fighting to make sure every legal vote is counted,” even though there was no indication that every legal vote had not been counted. Rep. Allen did not vote in support of the bipartisan commission proposal to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection. Rep. Allen made it clear that he had no interest in supporting our democracy.
Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) said during an appearance on Centerpoint “God wants us to make America great again” and encouraged viewers to “vote for candidates that represent biblical values.” According to Allen, God is personally invested in the U.S and Trump’s success, saying, “God wants us to make America great again, for crying out loud. Who would be against that?” [TBN, Centerpoint, 3/22/23]
Rick Allen Files
Mark, please know that I have prayed for President Trump, his family, for you and the entire Administration. Our Nation is at war, it is a Spiritual War at the highest level. This is not a war that can be fought conventionally, this is God's battle and He has used President Trump in a powerful way to expose the deceit, lies and hypocrisy of the enemy[...][...]What I heard during my prayers is the Trump family and the Administration need to be surrounded by those great Pastors and Evangelicals who have and continue to love and support them. President Trump need to be ministered to, he needs the love that only Jesus Christ offers! This is his opportunity to confess that he can no longer fight this battle alone, he must give it to Christ and Gid almighty will show him the way to victory. I will continue to pray for all of you, please let me know how I can help??
--Text from Rick Allen to Mark Meadows after the 2020 election
--Text from Rick Allen to Mark Meadows after the 2020 election
joe biden
John D Ferrer
To everyone saying that Joe Biden’s “loan forgiveness” proposal is “Christ-like” and the federal government is reflecting the Gospel by modeling forgiveness and grace, I hear you guys. Grace, forgiveness, freedom from bondage – that’s all part of salvation. Jesus did forgive our debts. He calls us to forgive our debtors. Scripture scolds people for charging certain kinds of interest, and for being greedy debt-collectors. And Scripture warns against getting into debt. There’s a lot in Scripture about debts, interest rates, and loans. And the Gospel is often described, rightfully I think, in terms of “debt” and “forgiveness.” ..........First, when a debt is owed, there are two parties who have a right to “forgive” that debt – the person financing that loan and God Himself. Now, the gov’t isn’t God. Biden isn’t Jesus, and we’re not a theocracy merging church and state either. So, while Federal authorities might sometimes be PLAYING god, they aren’t God. In that way, redistributed debt is a false analogy to the Gospel.
Second, that leaves one rightful party who can forgive the debt – the financer. In this case, that would be tax-payers. Now, there’s a good chance that this Biden proposal falls apart precisely because Biden lacks the authority to do this, in part because he’s working (with the gov’t) as the broker/steward of our tax-dollars, and he’s not financing the loans the way the American people are broadly. Biden and his entire administration aren’t qualified to “forgive” those loans since it was never their money. The gov’t works for us – the American people. We employ the federal gov’t. They are our servants. We’re not their servants. We have no king – but Christ alone (sola Christus). As such, the federal gov’t is disqualified on two counts: they aren’t God and they aren’t even bankrolling the loans – they’re just brokering the loans. As such, they aren’t qualified to forgive loans, strictly speaking. In this way, redistributed debt is a false analogy to the Gospel. --John D Ferrer; Intelligent Christian Faith; DEBT FORGIVENESS AND THE GOSPEL 8.27.22
Second, that leaves one rightful party who can forgive the debt – the financer. In this case, that would be tax-payers. Now, there’s a good chance that this Biden proposal falls apart precisely because Biden lacks the authority to do this, in part because he’s working (with the gov’t) as the broker/steward of our tax-dollars, and he’s not financing the loans the way the American people are broadly. Biden and his entire administration aren’t qualified to “forgive” those loans since it was never their money. The gov’t works for us – the American people. We employ the federal gov’t. They are our servants. We’re not their servants. We have no king – but Christ alone (sola Christus). As such, the federal gov’t is disqualified on two counts: they aren’t God and they aren’t even bankrolling the loans – they’re just brokering the loans. As such, they aren’t qualified to forgive loans, strictly speaking. In this way, redistributed debt is a false analogy to the Gospel. --John D Ferrer; Intelligent Christian Faith; DEBT FORGIVENESS AND THE GOSPEL 8.27.22
lauren boebert:
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Sept 14, 2023: Denver Post: Lauren Boebert is part of a dangerous religious movement that threatens democracy, experts say
“It’s time for us to position ourselves and rise up and take our place in Christ and influence this nation as we were called to do,” Boebert told a Woodland Park crowd in September |
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ben carson
June 2, 2023: Media Matters: American theocracy: Trinity Broadcasting Network’s nightly news program is spreading Christian nationalism
- Centerpoint guest and Former Trump Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson argued for more federally sanctioned prayer and claimed that Christianity is a key component of America's identity because of the message “in God we trust” on U.S. currency. According to Carson, “When you think about the fact that our pledge of allegiance says we're one nation under God. All of our coins, all of our bills say, “In God we trust,” so it should be an essential part of our identity and who we are and how we act.” [TBN, Centerpoint, 1/30/23]
Ron DeSantis
Some of Donald Trump 's top rivals for the Republican presidential nomination addressed a large gathering of influential Iowa evangelical Christians on Saturday night, hoping to woo them away from the former president at an event he is skipping.
Former Vice President Mike Pence was attending the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual banquet and town hall in Des Moines along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Also speaking were Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd.“Once again it starts in Iowa and it depends on you,” Republican Iowa Gov. Reynolds told the crowd. “Are you ready to take our country back?”
The crowd of more than 1,000 also heard Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson play “Amazing Grace” on her violin with many singing along. It featured many devout and well-connected social conservatives whose ranks are large enough to play a decisive role in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses in January. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz used strong appeals to evangelical Republicans to win the GOP's 2016 caucuses.This time, however, Trump's rivals face a much tougher task as he has built a large early GOP primary lead. That's despite his skipping the event and many of the gatherings that attract most of the other candidates. He's also remained popular with evangelical Christians and social conservatives in Iowa and elsewhere who were delighted to see his three picks for the U.S. Supreme Court vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision last year and erase a federally guaranteed right to abortion.DeSantis was among the candidates who also held a series of pre-banquet events throughout Iowa. The governor spoke at a town hall in the rural community of Red Oak earlier Saturday, and at the evangelical Christian church on Des Moines’ southside of the politically influential pastor Mike Demastus.
There, DeSantis led a discussion on religious liberty and railed against what he called the “steady chipping away” by “the left in this country intent on infringing on religious freedom.”
The Florida governor called to the altar supporters who praised his signing a Florida law this year banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and others who praised his support for allowing religious exceptions for businesses who have refused to provide services for same-sex marriages out of their religious conscience.
Yet DeSantis didn’t discuss his own faith, a hallmark of successful caucus candidates, even going back to George W. Bush who in 1999 famously said when asked to identify his favorite political philosopher, named “Jesus Christ,” “because he changed my heart.”
Instead, DeSantis stood on the altar while more than a dozen pastors placed their hands on him and prayed that “he has his ears as open as he can for you to speak to him.”
Robin Star of Waukee, just west of Des Moines, attended DeSantis' address at the church and said she was glad the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade but that Trump doesn't deserve all the credit. Still, Star said she'd vote for Trump if he’s the Republican nominee but fears he cannot unify the Republican Party enough heading into the general election against President Joe Biden.
--News-Press Now; Trump skips Iowa gathering of evangelical Christians. His rivals hope for a chance to gain ground 9.16.23
Former Vice President Mike Pence was attending the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual banquet and town hall in Des Moines along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Also speaking were Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd.“Once again it starts in Iowa and it depends on you,” Republican Iowa Gov. Reynolds told the crowd. “Are you ready to take our country back?”
The crowd of more than 1,000 also heard Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson play “Amazing Grace” on her violin with many singing along. It featured many devout and well-connected social conservatives whose ranks are large enough to play a decisive role in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses in January. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz used strong appeals to evangelical Republicans to win the GOP's 2016 caucuses.This time, however, Trump's rivals face a much tougher task as he has built a large early GOP primary lead. That's despite his skipping the event and many of the gatherings that attract most of the other candidates. He's also remained popular with evangelical Christians and social conservatives in Iowa and elsewhere who were delighted to see his three picks for the U.S. Supreme Court vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision last year and erase a federally guaranteed right to abortion.DeSantis was among the candidates who also held a series of pre-banquet events throughout Iowa. The governor spoke at a town hall in the rural community of Red Oak earlier Saturday, and at the evangelical Christian church on Des Moines’ southside of the politically influential pastor Mike Demastus.
There, DeSantis led a discussion on religious liberty and railed against what he called the “steady chipping away” by “the left in this country intent on infringing on religious freedom.”
The Florida governor called to the altar supporters who praised his signing a Florida law this year banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and others who praised his support for allowing religious exceptions for businesses who have refused to provide services for same-sex marriages out of their religious conscience.
Yet DeSantis didn’t discuss his own faith, a hallmark of successful caucus candidates, even going back to George W. Bush who in 1999 famously said when asked to identify his favorite political philosopher, named “Jesus Christ,” “because he changed my heart.”
Instead, DeSantis stood on the altar while more than a dozen pastors placed their hands on him and prayed that “he has his ears as open as he can for you to speak to him.”
Robin Star of Waukee, just west of Des Moines, attended DeSantis' address at the church and said she was glad the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade but that Trump doesn't deserve all the credit. Still, Star said she'd vote for Trump if he’s the Republican nominee but fears he cannot unify the Republican Party enough heading into the general election against President Joe Biden.
--News-Press Now; Trump skips Iowa gathering of evangelical Christians. His rivals hope for a chance to gain ground 9.16.23
July 24, 2023:
There has been some confusion as to what kind of faith Ron DeSantis has. Not for me, because if he is a member of any particular faith he ignores it in rallies and interviews by demonizing everyone who does not talk like him. That puts far short of Jesus and the great commission to preach to the ends of earth (ie. to preach Christ and Him crucified..not Ron DeSantis crucified). Slate has an article stating that he "is solidly Roman Catholic. A recent descendant of Italian immigrants, DeSantis counts a Catholic priest as an uncle and a nun as an aunt. He grew up going to Catholic school and attending Catholic mass every Sunday." Now there is uncertainty as to whether he is still a practicing Catholic. When the Catholic magazine America reached out to his press team to clarify his religious denomination, for example, they got no response. Given that DeSantis makes faith integral to his political identity, it became confusing enough that the Orlando Sentinel published a story with this reveal:
After months of dodging the question, DeSantis’ staff and a priest have confirmed
that DeSantis and his family regularly attend the handful of Catholic churches in the
Tallahassee area.
Now we know....or do we? His talk and speeches he gives do use some of the Christian decorum...but not a large part. He spends a lot of time attacking anyone to the left of him. Hardly any legit claim on Christianity can be made by him (or Donald Trump...which goes without saying). His stump speeches have him come off as a rebel without a cause or, at least, without a moral compass. He ran an ad (alluding to Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” speech) implying that he had been sent by God to be a fighter. But, truly, God has sent no one to demonize people.
There has been some confusion as to what kind of faith Ron DeSantis has. Not for me, because if he is a member of any particular faith he ignores it in rallies and interviews by demonizing everyone who does not talk like him. That puts far short of Jesus and the great commission to preach to the ends of earth (ie. to preach Christ and Him crucified..not Ron DeSantis crucified). Slate has an article stating that he "is solidly Roman Catholic. A recent descendant of Italian immigrants, DeSantis counts a Catholic priest as an uncle and a nun as an aunt. He grew up going to Catholic school and attending Catholic mass every Sunday." Now there is uncertainty as to whether he is still a practicing Catholic. When the Catholic magazine America reached out to his press team to clarify his religious denomination, for example, they got no response. Given that DeSantis makes faith integral to his political identity, it became confusing enough that the Orlando Sentinel published a story with this reveal:
After months of dodging the question, DeSantis’ staff and a priest have confirmed
that DeSantis and his family regularly attend the handful of Catholic churches in the
Tallahassee area.
Now we know....or do we? His talk and speeches he gives do use some of the Christian decorum...but not a large part. He spends a lot of time attacking anyone to the left of him. Hardly any legit claim on Christianity can be made by him (or Donald Trump...which goes without saying). His stump speeches have him come off as a rebel without a cause or, at least, without a moral compass. He ran an ad (alluding to Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” speech) implying that he had been sent by God to be a fighter. But, truly, God has sent no one to demonize people.
There are other ways he takes on this spiritual warfare language, as when he ran an ad (alluding to Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” speech) implying that he had been sent by God to be a fighter. It’s a religious tone that fits the candidate’s culture-war sensibilities. |
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michael flynn
July 7, 2023: Washington Post: Born-again Christians are less Southern Baptist than they used to be
Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the ReAwaken tour, a nationwide roadshow that gathers Trump supporters to hear from figures such as Trump’s first national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trump’s sons, right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, worship protester Sean Feucht or “prophetess” Amanda Grace. Part conspiracy convention, part revival meeting and part MAGA merchandising display, the tour is frequently held at Pentecostal and Charismatic congregations around the nation, where speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy abound.
Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the ReAwaken tour, a nationwide roadshow that gathers Trump supporters to hear from figures such as Trump’s first national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trump’s sons, right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, worship protester Sean Feucht or “prophetess” Amanda Grace. Part conspiracy convention, part revival meeting and part MAGA merchandising display, the tour is frequently held at Pentecostal and Charismatic congregations around the nation, where speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy abound.
May 15, 2023:
Following are a few of the most bizarre things that was preached last night at the REAwaken Tour, which is essentially a Christian Nationalist Lovefest for Donald, the sexual predator, Trump. Michael Flynn's remarks (below) are dehumanizing and dangerous.
MAGA cultists gathered at The Trump National Doral resort last night for a "Pastors For Trump" event that kicked off with a prayer asking God to "intervene in the affairs of this nation" by giving Trump "divine wisdom" and "divine discernment."
Self proclaimed "Prophet" Amanda Grace, in one of the most bizarre messages, warned of technologically advanced “mermaids and water people” spreading perversion and told the crowd, “we are meant for hand to hand combat.”
Ex-American Idol contestant and Flat-Earther right-wing activist Jimmy Levy resurrected a conspiracy theory that was championed by QAnon. These people are drinking the blood of children," Levy proclaimed. "These (Hollywood) people are injecting a chemical called adrenochrome that they extract from children that are scared." (apparently because he was on American Idol he is an expert on all things Hollywood ¯\_(ツ)_/¯).
Pastor Mark Burns cited the Bible to suggest that violence is needed to take power: "You got to get to the point where you realize that when they smack you in the face you smack them back two times harder," Burns said, quoting Matthew 5:38-40, which reads, "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." He then suggested violence as he noted that the "Bible says the violent take it... and we take it by force," in reference to Matthew 11:12, which reads, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.""We are here ready to take this nation back," said Burns during the event this week. "And I believe without a shadow of a doubt, the only man that God has anointed him...to be the next President of the United States of America and that is Donald Trump. That's why we got to declare war on this transgender agenda that tried to destroy our children's minds in the United States of America."
Michael Flynn weighed in, of course: "The other side is an ideology that they don't have faith. They don't believe in God. They have no soul. They have no consciousness......When we think about something, we go, you know, black and white right and wrong, good and evil. They don't see things like that. They don't see in those terms."
Baptist Pastor Brian Kaylor said that Flynn's comment is a "dangerous dehumanizing rhetoric," and that he's "painting this as a battle between God's people & soulless creatures."
If they can keep pushing the idea that anyone left of them is soul-less..........they are doing the same thing Hitler did in German with the Jews. Soul-less people are easier to kill. And they will do it to purify whatever race or creed they are claiming. Last night, after he cancelled his Iowa rally, Trump called Michael Flynn and told him he would "bring him back" in his next administration. The "Reawaken" tour came to the Trump National Doral Miami for a three-day conference.
Following are a few of the most bizarre things that was preached last night at the REAwaken Tour, which is essentially a Christian Nationalist Lovefest for Donald, the sexual predator, Trump. Michael Flynn's remarks (below) are dehumanizing and dangerous.
MAGA cultists gathered at The Trump National Doral resort last night for a "Pastors For Trump" event that kicked off with a prayer asking God to "intervene in the affairs of this nation" by giving Trump "divine wisdom" and "divine discernment."
Self proclaimed "Prophet" Amanda Grace, in one of the most bizarre messages, warned of technologically advanced “mermaids and water people” spreading perversion and told the crowd, “we are meant for hand to hand combat.”
Ex-American Idol contestant and Flat-Earther right-wing activist Jimmy Levy resurrected a conspiracy theory that was championed by QAnon. These people are drinking the blood of children," Levy proclaimed. "These (Hollywood) people are injecting a chemical called adrenochrome that they extract from children that are scared." (apparently because he was on American Idol he is an expert on all things Hollywood ¯\_(ツ)_/¯).
Pastor Mark Burns cited the Bible to suggest that violence is needed to take power: "You got to get to the point where you realize that when they smack you in the face you smack them back two times harder," Burns said, quoting Matthew 5:38-40, which reads, "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." He then suggested violence as he noted that the "Bible says the violent take it... and we take it by force," in reference to Matthew 11:12, which reads, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.""We are here ready to take this nation back," said Burns during the event this week. "And I believe without a shadow of a doubt, the only man that God has anointed him...to be the next President of the United States of America and that is Donald Trump. That's why we got to declare war on this transgender agenda that tried to destroy our children's minds in the United States of America."
Michael Flynn weighed in, of course: "The other side is an ideology that they don't have faith. They don't believe in God. They have no soul. They have no consciousness......When we think about something, we go, you know, black and white right and wrong, good and evil. They don't see things like that. They don't see in those terms."
Baptist Pastor Brian Kaylor said that Flynn's comment is a "dangerous dehumanizing rhetoric," and that he's "painting this as a battle between God's people & soulless creatures."
If they can keep pushing the idea that anyone left of them is soul-less..........they are doing the same thing Hitler did in German with the Jews. Soul-less people are easier to kill. And they will do it to purify whatever race or creed they are claiming. Last night, after he cancelled his Iowa rally, Trump called Michael Flynn and told him he would "bring him back" in his next administration. The "Reawaken" tour came to the Trump National Doral Miami for a three-day conference.
Jan 23, 2023: New Republic: The Rise of Spirit Warriors on the Christian Right
You might also have noticed the many warnings about demons and spiritual battle on the campaign trail. In the runoff for the Georgia Senate, which he lost by a narrow margin, Herschel Walker—he of the vampires and werewolves—alerted us that the nation is entangled in “spiritual battle” and offered himself as a “warrior for God.” On Eric Metaxas’s radio show, where he interviews conservative politicians and cultural figures, repeat guest Roger Stone told Metaxas that a “demonic portal” had opened above the White House. At an Idaho stop on Mike Flynn’s ReAwaken America tour in September—a traveling road show of conspiracists, candidates for political office, and religious zealots—the Pentecostal pastor Mark Burns called out to the cheering crowd, “I’ve come here to declare war on every demonic, demon-possessed Democrat that comes from the gates of hell.” Sean Feucht, a preacher known for hosting large-scale public evangelism events and a repeat guest on the ReAwaken America tour circuit, cast Democratic initiatives as “schemes of the devil in the political realm.”
You might also have noticed the many warnings about demons and spiritual battle on the campaign trail. In the runoff for the Georgia Senate, which he lost by a narrow margin, Herschel Walker—he of the vampires and werewolves—alerted us that the nation is entangled in “spiritual battle” and offered himself as a “warrior for God.” On Eric Metaxas’s radio show, where he interviews conservative politicians and cultural figures, repeat guest Roger Stone told Metaxas that a “demonic portal” had opened above the White House. At an Idaho stop on Mike Flynn’s ReAwaken America tour in September—a traveling road show of conspiracists, candidates for political office, and religious zealots—the Pentecostal pastor Mark Burns called out to the cheering crowd, “I’ve come here to declare war on every demonic, demon-possessed Democrat that comes from the gates of hell.” Sean Feucht, a preacher known for hosting large-scale public evangelism events and a repeat guest on the ReAwaken America tour circuit, cast Democratic initiatives as “schemes of the devil in the political realm.”
heidi ganalh
 Heidi Ganahl
“My daughter is a Young Life leader and leads a Wyld Life group, and there are some amazing organizations like the Wyld Life groups at some middle schools. The kids just love each other and they are so close. They support each other...........I know Young Life has some controversial views. They just love on the kids at that level. I think you’ve got to find places where young people, kids, can kind of fit into the slots and have conservative values put in front of them. You’ve got to be intentional about it, though.”
--Heidi Ganahl; Colorado Times Recorder; Welcome to the Logh Cabin; 8.2.23 |
The Log Cabin Republicans are the Republican organization dedicated to representing LGBTQ conservatives, and Young Life is the Christian youth program that was featured in a 2020 Denver Post exposé that highlighted how the group bars members of the LGBTQ community from becoming leaders or working at camps, even after they’ve spent years volunteering.
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al gore
“I’m so troubled, always, when I see people who are sure that they know exactly what God’s plan for the world is, what political party God belongs to, what God’s ideology is, and what God’s position on particular cases and controversies might be.” --Al Gore, VP, statement to civil liberties and religious leaders July 14, 1994
marjorie Taylor Greene
On the eve of testifying in a lawsuit that seeks to prevent her from running for re-election, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the legendary or notorious Georgia Republican, granted an hourlong interview in her home to an unlikely outlet: the far-right Catholic news organization Church Militant, which for years has positioned itself as one of the noisiest and most outlandish partisans in the Roman Catholic Church's ongoing fight with itself. Greene is an evangelical Protestant, not a Catholic, but Church Militant is making the most of this opportunity, and has featured segments of the interview all week, starting with its opening video on Monday, entitled "Marjorie for Pope."
In the interview, Greene rehashed old beefs, described herself as a victim of Jan. 6, said the United States is so sinful she doesn't understand "why God hasn't destroyed us" and — most exciting for Church Militant — suggested that Satan is controlling the Catholic Church. -Kathryn Joyce: Salon
In the interview, Greene rehashed old beefs, described herself as a victim of Jan. 6, said the United States is so sinful she doesn't understand "why God hasn't destroyed us" and — most exciting for Church Militant — suggested that Satan is controlling the Catholic Church. -Kathryn Joyce: Salon
josh hawley
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July 7, 2023: Church Leaders: Josh Hawley Tweets Fake Quote About US Founding, Sparking Allegations of Christian Nationalism
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley is fielding allegations of Christian nationalism this week after he tweeted out a quote falsely attributed to a Founding Father claiming the U.S. was founded “on the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and later tweeted out a thread of other quotes along similar lines. |
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kevin hern
Televangelist Kenneth Copeland’s Victory Channel held a special broadcast of its weekly “Flashpoint” program Thursday night on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, where the Christian nationalist host and speakers railed against the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and spread the Big Lie that it had been stolen from former President Donald Trump.
Host Gene Bailey opened by acknowledging the various elected officials who were in attendance, such as Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor, multiple state senators and representatives, as well as various members of law enforcement and local elected leaders. Following the introductions, Bailey led the audience in praying that these leaders “cannot escape” God: “No matter what they do, they’re gonna run right into you.” -Right Wing Watch
Host Gene Bailey opened by acknowledging the various elected officials who were in attendance, such as Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor, multiple state senators and representatives, as well as various members of law enforcement and local elected leaders. Following the introductions, Bailey led the audience in praying that these leaders “cannot escape” God: “No matter what they do, they’re gonna run right into you.” -Right Wing Watch
Brandon Johnson
Matt Mcmanus
".....everyone hopes God is on Brandon Johnson’s side — and a statement of hope about the environment. And that wraps this meeting of the ecology reading group of the Institute for Christian Socialism — a name the political Right would locate somewhere between oxymoron and heresy.
The Institute for Christian Socialism (ICS), founded in the late 2010s by scholars and activists, is one of a growing number of left Christian organizations to emerge or be revived over the past decade, from radical Black churches to LGBTQ-affirming congregations. Stridently opposed to the right-wing approach to the Gospels, Christian leftists and socialists profess a radical faith centered on our duties to the least among us. Conventional wisdom suggests all forms of socialism share a bedrock commitment to atheistic materialism, following Marx’s infamous description of religion as the “opiate of the masses.” Less remembered is that, in context, Marx suggests religion is something like medicinal: it’s “the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions.” Many socialists agree with Marx’s dialectical take here, that one of religion’s major draws is how it makes sense of an unjust world. But to Christian socialists, religion isn’t merely consolation; it’s a profound call to action and good works. The roots of Christian socialism are in scripture itself. While conservative Christians view humanity as radically fallen — thus requiring the steady hand of tradition and authority to curb evil — Christian socialists turn that theology into an injunction against the corrupting influence of political and economic power. For Christian socialists, the equality of souls under God obligates us to care for the marginalized and vulnerable while guarding against domination. When Jesus declared that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, or insisted that God stands with the “wretched of the earth” — the title of Frantz Fanon’s anti-colonial masterpiece — he laid the groundwork for Christian socialism. --Matt Mcmanus; In These Times; Christian Socialists Are Reclaiming Faith from the Right 9.18.23
The Institute for Christian Socialism (ICS), founded in the late 2010s by scholars and activists, is one of a growing number of left Christian organizations to emerge or be revived over the past decade, from radical Black churches to LGBTQ-affirming congregations. Stridently opposed to the right-wing approach to the Gospels, Christian leftists and socialists profess a radical faith centered on our duties to the least among us. Conventional wisdom suggests all forms of socialism share a bedrock commitment to atheistic materialism, following Marx’s infamous description of religion as the “opiate of the masses.” Less remembered is that, in context, Marx suggests religion is something like medicinal: it’s “the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions.” Many socialists agree with Marx’s dialectical take here, that one of religion’s major draws is how it makes sense of an unjust world. But to Christian socialists, religion isn’t merely consolation; it’s a profound call to action and good works. The roots of Christian socialism are in scripture itself. While conservative Christians view humanity as radically fallen — thus requiring the steady hand of tradition and authority to curb evil — Christian socialists turn that theology into an injunction against the corrupting influence of political and economic power. For Christian socialists, the equality of souls under God obligates us to care for the marginalized and vulnerable while guarding against domination. When Jesus declared that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, or insisted that God stands with the “wretched of the earth” — the title of Frantz Fanon’s anti-colonial masterpiece — he laid the groundwork for Christian socialism. --Matt Mcmanus; In These Times; Christian Socialists Are Reclaiming Faith from the Right 9.18.23
ben moss
Mark Creech
March 3, 2023: Blue Ridge Christian News: ‘In God We Trust’ Would be Placed in N.C. Legislative Chambers Under New Bill
“In Washington, our national motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ appears opposite the President of the United States Senate, who is also the Vice President of the United States. The same phrase in very large letters appears in the marble, and backdrops the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. I know that I speak for all of the churches who support the Christian Action League when I say we are thrilled Rep. (Ben) Moss has filed a bill to have ‘In God We Trust” placed before our state’s Senate and House...........Absolutely necessary to the survival of this nation is this forceful and explicit statement that the hope and strength of our great state and nation is not in our own intellect, ingenuities or even inclusiveness,” Creech said. “Our strength and our hope, as a people, is primarily determined by our trust in the God of the Bible.” --Christian Action League Executive Director Rev Mark Creech 3.3.23
“In Washington, our national motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ appears opposite the President of the United States Senate, who is also the Vice President of the United States. The same phrase in very large letters appears in the marble, and backdrops the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. I know that I speak for all of the churches who support the Christian Action League when I say we are thrilled Rep. (Ben) Moss has filed a bill to have ‘In God We Trust” placed before our state’s Senate and House...........Absolutely necessary to the survival of this nation is this forceful and explicit statement that the hope and strength of our great state and nation is not in our own intellect, ingenuities or even inclusiveness,” Creech said. “Our strength and our hope, as a people, is primarily determined by our trust in the God of the Bible.” --Christian Action League Executive Director Rev Mark Creech 3.3.23
john O'Connor
Televangelist Kenneth Copeland’s Victory Channel held a special broadcast of its weekly “Flashpoint” program Thursday night on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, where the Christian nationalist host and speakers railed against the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and spread the Big Lie that it had been stolen from former President Donald Trump.
Host Gene Bailey opened by acknowledging the various elected officials who were in attendance, such as Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor, multiple state senators and representatives, as well as various members of law enforcement and local elected leaders. Following the introductions, Bailey led the audience in praying that these leaders “cannot escape” God: “No matter what they do, they’re gonna run right into you.” -Right Wing Watch
Host Gene Bailey opened by acknowledging the various elected officials who were in attendance, such as Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor, multiple state senators and representatives, as well as various members of law enforcement and local elected leaders. Following the introductions, Bailey led the audience in praying that these leaders “cannot escape” God: “No matter what they do, they’re gonna run right into you.” -Right Wing Watch
mike pence
July 13, 2023: NPR: Republican presidential candidates vie for the influential evangelical Christian vote
MIKE PENCE: I couldn't be more proud to be part of the administration that appointed three of the justices that sent Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history where it belongs. But I take issue with the former president and with others who have suggested that the Supreme Court only return that question to the states.
MASTERS: Pence will be among those attending The Family Leader summit in Des Moines. Bob Vander Plaats heads up this evangelical Christian group and is an influential kingmaker in Republican politics here. Vander Plaats endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz ahead of his caucus win over Trump in 2016.
MIKE PENCE: I couldn't be more proud to be part of the administration that appointed three of the justices that sent Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history where it belongs. But I take issue with the former president and with others who have suggested that the Supreme Court only return that question to the states.
MASTERS: Pence will be among those attending The Family Leader summit in Des Moines. Bob Vander Plaats heads up this evangelical Christian group and is an influential kingmaker in Republican politics here. Vander Plaats endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz ahead of his caucus win over Trump in 2016.
SO WHAT DID PENCE SAY?Here’s the full quote from Pence’s speech that has people talking:
“Let’s run the race marked out for us. Let’s fix our eyes on Old Glory and all she represents. Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire. And let’s fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith and freedom and never forget that where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom — and that means freedom always wins.”
THAT SEEMS VAGUELY FAMILIARThat may be because Pence references two different Bible verses in his remarks.
One is 2 Corinthians 3:17, which according to the New International Version translation reads, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
The other is Hebrews 12:1-2, the version of which he quoted most closely resembling the translation in the Berean Study Bible, with some notable changes.
That passage reads:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
WHAT DID HE CHANGE?First, Pence substituted “Old Glory” for “Jesus.” He took a similar approach in the next line, inserting an additional line: “Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire,” before returning to the biblical text.
He also described Jesus (or Old Glory, as the case may be) as “the author and perfecter of our faith and freedom,” adding the words “and freedom,” which do not appear in the Hebrews passage.
The inserted lines appeared to be references to the context Pence chose for his speech: The vice president delivered his address from Fort McHenry, where an 1814 battle inspired the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and he was speaking on the third night of the RNC, when the theme was “Land of Heroes.”
-Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins; Christian headlines; Citing Scripture, Pence Switches out Jesus for the American Flag in Convention Speech 8.28.20
“Let’s run the race marked out for us. Let’s fix our eyes on Old Glory and all she represents. Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire. And let’s fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith and freedom and never forget that where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom — and that means freedom always wins.”
THAT SEEMS VAGUELY FAMILIARThat may be because Pence references two different Bible verses in his remarks.
One is 2 Corinthians 3:17, which according to the New International Version translation reads, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
The other is Hebrews 12:1-2, the version of which he quoted most closely resembling the translation in the Berean Study Bible, with some notable changes.
That passage reads:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
WHAT DID HE CHANGE?First, Pence substituted “Old Glory” for “Jesus.” He took a similar approach in the next line, inserting an additional line: “Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire,” before returning to the biblical text.
He also described Jesus (or Old Glory, as the case may be) as “the author and perfecter of our faith and freedom,” adding the words “and freedom,” which do not appear in the Hebrews passage.
The inserted lines appeared to be references to the context Pence chose for his speech: The vice president delivered his address from Fort McHenry, where an 1814 battle inspired the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and he was speaking on the third night of the RNC, when the theme was “Land of Heroes.”
-Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins; Christian headlines; Citing Scripture, Pence Switches out Jesus for the American Flag in Convention Speech 8.28.20
Mike Pence
“Let’s run the race marked out for us. Let’s fix our eyes on Old Glory and all she represents. Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire. And let’s fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith and freedom and never forget that where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom — and that means freedom always wins.”
--Mike Pence; Republican National Convention; 8.26.20
--Mike Pence; Republican National Convention; 8.26.20
The rise of the South produced the religiosity of the Republican Party. -Kevin Phillips; Interview, C-SPAN After Words, March 25, 2006
Janet Porter
Rick Joyner, a dominionist leader and hard-right political activist, is urging his followers to support the congressional candidacy of anti-abortion activist Janet Porter, who is running in a crowded Republican primary in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. The primary election is tomorrow, May 3.
Porter is best known for her campaigns to criminalize abortion, but as Right Wing Watch has reported, she is also a longtime opponent of LGBTQ equality and a promoter of extreme conspiracy theories about liberals’ supposed plans to “criminalize Christianity” and lock up conservatives in concentration camps -Right Wing Watch
Porter is best known for her campaigns to criminalize abortion, but as Right Wing Watch has reported, she is also a longtime opponent of LGBTQ equality and a promoter of extreme conspiracy theories about liberals’ supposed plans to “criminalize Christianity” and lock up conservatives in concentration camps -Right Wing Watch
sidney powell
April 27, 2023: Metro Voice: Fox News settlement raises stakes for Christian media influencers
Here’s a look at five Christians who publicly attacked Coomer but later admitted they had no evidence for doing so.
Sidney Powell
Metaxas echoed claims first aired by attorney Sidney Powell on Fox News Nov. 8, 2020.
Powell told a Christian Television Network host that she is a Christian and a woman of prayer.
“God hates deceit, and truth is the armor of God,” she said, “so I’ve always felt like as long as I stand for truth and all I want is truth, then I’m definitely wearing the armor of God.”
Powell, who is also being sued by Dominion, claimed that Coomer programmed Dominion machines to use algorithms that switched millions of votes from Trump to Biden. Like Metaxas, she testified under oath that she never sought to verify her wild claims.
The following exchange was typical of her testimony:
ATTORNEY: OKAY. WHAT IS IT SPECIFICALLY THAT YOU CONTEND ERIC COOMER DID THAT INFLUENCED THE OUTCOME OF THE ELECTION?
POWELL: I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT WHAT MR. COOMER PERSONALLY DID.
In her deposition she blamed a previously little-known Colorado political activist and conspiracy theorist named Joe Oltmann.
Here’s a look at five Christians who publicly attacked Coomer but later admitted they had no evidence for doing so.
Sidney Powell
Metaxas echoed claims first aired by attorney Sidney Powell on Fox News Nov. 8, 2020.
Powell told a Christian Television Network host that she is a Christian and a woman of prayer.
“God hates deceit, and truth is the armor of God,” she said, “so I’ve always felt like as long as I stand for truth and all I want is truth, then I’m definitely wearing the armor of God.”
Powell, who is also being sued by Dominion, claimed that Coomer programmed Dominion machines to use algorithms that switched millions of votes from Trump to Biden. Like Metaxas, she testified under oath that she never sought to verify her wild claims.
The following exchange was typical of her testimony:
ATTORNEY: OKAY. WHAT IS IT SPECIFICALLY THAT YOU CONTEND ERIC COOMER DID THAT INFLUENCED THE OUTCOME OF THE ELECTION?
POWELL: I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT WHAT MR. COOMER PERSONALLY DID.
In her deposition she blamed a previously little-known Colorado political activist and conspiracy theorist named Joe Oltmann.
kim reynolds
July 13, 2023: NPR: Republican presidential candidates vie for the influential evangelical Christian vote
MASTERS: Trump won't be at the summit this year, and it wouldn't have been that warm of a welcome if he was. This week Trump attacked Iowa's Governor Kim Reynolds for remaining neutral in the race. And while Vander Plaats praises Trump's first term in office, he says it's time for a new nominee.
MASTERS: Trump won't be at the summit this year, and it wouldn't have been that warm of a welcome if he was. This week Trump attacked Iowa's Governor Kim Reynolds for remaining neutral in the race. And while Vander Plaats praises Trump's first term in office, he says it's time for a new nominee.
tim scott
Tim SCott
“As a guy who was raised in a single-parent household mired in poverty, I understand that devastation when a family breaks up. I live with the consequences of a father who was not there. I made a commitment to make sure that never happened in my life. I’m so thankful to know a risen savior that has helped guide my way, and I’m so thankful that he’s allowed my life to intersect at the right time with the right person. And I just say, praise the living God.” --Tim Scott; 9.16.23
Myah Ward
“So other than your mama, is there any special lady in your life?” asked Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird at the Faith and Freedom Coalition in Des Moines (To Tim Scott), where a number of GOP presidential hopefuls participated in a town hall. Scott, telling the crowd “yes,” quipped that it’s been “one of the more asked questions recently,” and said he’s surprised if anyone in the room hasn’t read about her yet.
“I’m dating a lovely Christian girl,” Scott said, addressing the question for the first time since a lengthy Washington Post report on his relationship status, and the mystery of it, published earlier this week.
“One of the things I love about the gospel of Jesus Christ is it points us always in the right direction. Proverbs 18:22 says, ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord,’” he added.
Scott, 57, then knelt to the ground, asking the room to please pray for him before quickly rising with a big grin. The audience laughed.
Scott has never been married, drawing questions in GOP circles about the presidential candidate’s relationship status, especially as he looks to court evangelical voters. Though the percentage of adults remaining single later in adulthood has risen in recent years, the Republican Party, particularly the more religious bloc of voters, continues to hold traditional ideas about marriage and family. -Myah Ward; Politico; ‘A lovely Christian girl’: Scott addresses relationship status at Iowa evangelical forum 0.16.23
“I’m dating a lovely Christian girl,” Scott said, addressing the question for the first time since a lengthy Washington Post report on his relationship status, and the mystery of it, published earlier this week.
“One of the things I love about the gospel of Jesus Christ is it points us always in the right direction. Proverbs 18:22 says, ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord,’” he added.
Scott, 57, then knelt to the ground, asking the room to please pray for him before quickly rising with a big grin. The audience laughed.
Scott has never been married, drawing questions in GOP circles about the presidential candidate’s relationship status, especially as he looks to court evangelical voters. Though the percentage of adults remaining single later in adulthood has risen in recent years, the Republican Party, particularly the more religious bloc of voters, continues to hold traditional ideas about marriage and family. -Myah Ward; Politico; ‘A lovely Christian girl’: Scott addresses relationship status at Iowa evangelical forum 0.16.23
donald trump
Some of Donald Trump 's top rivals for the Republican presidential nomination addressed a large gathering of influential Iowa evangelical Christians on Saturday night, hoping to woo them away from the former president at an event he is skipping.
Former Vice President Mike Pence was attending the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual banquet and town hall in Des Moines along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Also speaking were Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd.“Once again it starts in Iowa and it depends on you,” Republican Iowa Gov. Reynolds told the crowd. “Are you ready to take our country back?”
The crowd of more than 1,000 also heard Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson play “Amazing Grace” on her violin with many singing along. It featured many devout and well-connected social conservatives whose ranks are large enough to play a decisive role in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses in January. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz used strong appeals to evangelical Republicans to win the GOP's 2016 caucuses.This time, however, Trump's rivals face a much tougher task as he has built a large early GOP primary lead. That's despite his skipping the event and many of the gatherings that attract most of the other candidates. He's also remained popular with evangelical Christians and social conservatives in Iowa and elsewhere who were delighted to see his three picks for the U.S. Supreme Court vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision last year and erase a federally guaranteed right to abortion.
“No president has ever fought for Christians as hard as I have, and I will keep fighting for Christians as hard as I can for four more years in the White House,” Trump said at the Family Research Council’s annual Pray Vote Stand conference in Washington on Friday night. He added, "Every promise I made to Christians as a candidate, I delivered.” --News-Press Now; Trump skips Iowa gathering of evangelical Christians. His rivals hope for a chance to gain ground 9.16.23
Former Vice President Mike Pence was attending the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual banquet and town hall in Des Moines along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Also speaking were Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd.“Once again it starts in Iowa and it depends on you,” Republican Iowa Gov. Reynolds told the crowd. “Are you ready to take our country back?”
The crowd of more than 1,000 also heard Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson play “Amazing Grace” on her violin with many singing along. It featured many devout and well-connected social conservatives whose ranks are large enough to play a decisive role in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses in January. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz used strong appeals to evangelical Republicans to win the GOP's 2016 caucuses.This time, however, Trump's rivals face a much tougher task as he has built a large early GOP primary lead. That's despite his skipping the event and many of the gatherings that attract most of the other candidates. He's also remained popular with evangelical Christians and social conservatives in Iowa and elsewhere who were delighted to see his three picks for the U.S. Supreme Court vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision last year and erase a federally guaranteed right to abortion.
“No president has ever fought for Christians as hard as I have, and I will keep fighting for Christians as hard as I can for four more years in the White House,” Trump said at the Family Research Council’s annual Pray Vote Stand conference in Washington on Friday night. He added, "Every promise I made to Christians as a candidate, I delivered.” --News-Press Now; Trump skips Iowa gathering of evangelical Christians. His rivals hope for a chance to gain ground 9.16.23
Scot Loyd
Donald Trump once famously claimed that even if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York City, his supporters wouldn’t abandon him. A recent survey by CBS News suggests he might be right. The survey, conducted during the week of August 16th, 2023, focused on people likely to vote for Trump in the Republican Presidential Primaries. It found that these voters trust Trump’s words more than other sources like conservative media, religious leaders, or even their own friends and family. This strong support for Trump doesn’t surprise me anymore, but it still disappoints me that many American evangelicals continue to back him in his third run for the Presidency.
Like 2016 and 2020, when about 80% of evangelicals reportedly voted for Trump, it appears that a significant number of them are again planning to support him in 2024. And now as Trump takes a commanding lead in the GOP Primary polls, even among four criminal indictments to date, I’m reminded of a question an ancient leader asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Jesus, the embodiment of truth, was asked this by Pontius Pilate, and unlike some American Christians and most politicians today who claim to follow him, Jesus didn’t feel the need to defend himself. The disposition of Jesus contrasts sharply with the behavior of many of his supposed followers in American evangelicalism.
For instance, Russell Moore of Christianity Today recently spoke with NPR and expressed his frustration with the current state of GOP politics that are so closely aligned with evangelicalism. Moore reported that many pastors citing the Sermon on the Mount in their sermons would then have those messages dismissed by some parishioners as “liberal talking points.” Considering this admission and the CBS News Poll results, it seems that many Trump supporters trust Trump’s words more than they do the teachings and example of Jesus.
I believe most of the people who support Trump mean well, but they’ve been influenced by years of fear-driven messages. These messages have convinced them that their faith, status, and safety are under threat. These perceived threats are often categorized as an “attack on religious liberty,” which politicians use to rally support for themselves or their policies. This is true for Trump and those who share his views. They tap into the fears of white majorities who feel their power is diminishing amidst changing American demographics.
-Scot Loyd Sept 2023
Like 2016 and 2020, when about 80% of evangelicals reportedly voted for Trump, it appears that a significant number of them are again planning to support him in 2024. And now as Trump takes a commanding lead in the GOP Primary polls, even among four criminal indictments to date, I’m reminded of a question an ancient leader asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Jesus, the embodiment of truth, was asked this by Pontius Pilate, and unlike some American Christians and most politicians today who claim to follow him, Jesus didn’t feel the need to defend himself. The disposition of Jesus contrasts sharply with the behavior of many of his supposed followers in American evangelicalism.
For instance, Russell Moore of Christianity Today recently spoke with NPR and expressed his frustration with the current state of GOP politics that are so closely aligned with evangelicalism. Moore reported that many pastors citing the Sermon on the Mount in their sermons would then have those messages dismissed by some parishioners as “liberal talking points.” Considering this admission and the CBS News Poll results, it seems that many Trump supporters trust Trump’s words more than they do the teachings and example of Jesus.
I believe most of the people who support Trump mean well, but they’ve been influenced by years of fear-driven messages. These messages have convinced them that their faith, status, and safety are under threat. These perceived threats are often categorized as an “attack on religious liberty,” which politicians use to rally support for themselves or their policies. This is true for Trump and those who share his views. They tap into the fears of white majorities who feel their power is diminishing amidst changing American demographics.
-Scot Loyd Sept 2023
Terry Amann
“If he can extract himself from the legal morass that he's in, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. But it just remains to be seen how that's all going to go.............I would say they've learned from the first and second go-around. I'd say they're very highly organized and structured, and I think they'll be impressive.” --Pastor Terry Amann on Donald Trump & his campaign in Iowa 7.7.23
Earl Chappell
In preparing for a Bible study lesson recently, I was referred to Proverbs 6:16-19. Within the six things that God hates, two involve “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who utters lies.” Fully one-third of a human’s traits that God hates involves human lies. Why are my fellow Christians who are attached to Trump willing to ignore God? Shouldn’t we “hate” what God hates? -Earl Chappell; Baptist news Global; Reading BNG’s news this year made me think of the Antichrist 12.28.21
Rob Grayson
America is an empire, which means the biblical forebear with which it should rightly be most closely associated is not Israel but Babylon. Such is the contention of Missouri-based pastor and author Brian Zahnd in his most recent book Postcards from Babylon: The Church in American Exile, released January 2019. Postcards is also an undeniably political book. I don’t, of course, mean Zahnd advocates for any particular party or policy line; rather, he calls those who profess to follow Jesus to let their politics be shaped first and foremost by the politics of Jesus, otherwise known as the kingdom of God. It is to this, rather than to any nation or flag, that our undiluted allegiance must be pledged. So that there might be no doubt, the book even includes a chapter titled “Trumped”, in which Zahnd spells out just how diametrically opposed the forty-fifth president is to all that Christ and his reign stand for. To be so outspoken about Trump might well draw fire from some quarters of US evangelicalism, but someone has to do it; and here again, Zahnd’s priority is to summon a church that has become enamoured with power and influence at any cost back to faithfulness rather than simply to berate a divisive and dangerous political leader.
All in all, Postcards from Babylon is a bold and timely book delivering a call to faithfulness that is as concerned and compassionate as it is clear and uncompromising. Although, as its subtitle indicates, it is squarely and unashamedly aimed at American believers, readers from other countries will also find plenty to inspire and challenge. Let the one who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches! --Rob Grayson; Faith Meets World: Book review: Postcards from Babylon by Brian Zahnd 2.10.19
All in all, Postcards from Babylon is a bold and timely book delivering a call to faithfulness that is as concerned and compassionate as it is clear and uncompromising. Although, as its subtitle indicates, it is squarely and unashamedly aimed at American believers, readers from other countries will also find plenty to inspire and challenge. Let the one who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches! --Rob Grayson; Faith Meets World: Book review: Postcards from Babylon by Brian Zahnd 2.10.19
tommy tuberville
Steve Rabey
Family Research Council has praised Tuberville’s courage in a series of fundraising emails, hailing his “David vs. Goliath standoff with the Biden administration’s Department of Defense and even fellow senators in order to protect unborn lives and the rule of law. … For months he has courageously stood firm. …What if every Bible-believing Christian in America took seriously the calling of Jesus for each of us to be salt and light in the darkening world around us?”
Family Research Council also claimed the Defense Department is acting in bad faith: “Let’s be absolutely clear: The Pentagon’s new abortion policy has everything to do with activist politics and nothing to do with Congress’ obligation to raise and maintain armed forces to provide for the common defense.” ..Gary Bauer of the James Dobson Family Institute said the military has gone “woke” in promoting “abortion, transgender ideology and Critical Race Theory / anti-American history.” He claimed this shift is hurting recruitment because “millions of American families will not encourage their sons and daughters to serve in such a military.” Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen also praised Tuberville: “In Washington, D.C., it’s rare for politicians to follow through on commitments they’ve made. But so far, Sen. Tuberville has done exactly that.” --Steve Rabey; Baptist news Global; Christian groups applaud Tommy Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions 9.8.23
Family Research Council also claimed the Defense Department is acting in bad faith: “Let’s be absolutely clear: The Pentagon’s new abortion policy has everything to do with activist politics and nothing to do with Congress’ obligation to raise and maintain armed forces to provide for the common defense.” ..Gary Bauer of the James Dobson Family Institute said the military has gone “woke” in promoting “abortion, transgender ideology and Critical Race Theory / anti-American history.” He claimed this shift is hurting recruitment because “millions of American families will not encourage their sons and daughters to serve in such a military.” Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen also praised Tuberville: “In Washington, D.C., it’s rare for politicians to follow through on commitments they’ve made. But so far, Sen. Tuberville has done exactly that.” --Steve Rabey; Baptist news Global; Christian groups applaud Tommy Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions 9.8.23
Paul C. Vitz (Ph.D., Stanford University) published these words nearly thirty years ago:
One of the major characteristics of moral decline in the United States in recent decades has been the rapid growth of moral relativism. The idea is now widespread that each individual has some kind of a sovereign right to create, develop, and express whatever values he or she happens to prefer. . . . Hard work, self-reliance, self-control, the delaying of gratification, sexual restraint, an active concern for democracy and patriotism have all fallen on hard times. Unfortunately, America has now reached the point where it permits almost everything and stands for almost nothing—except a flabby relativism.
One of the major characteristics of moral decline in the United States in recent decades has been the rapid growth of moral relativism. The idea is now widespread that each individual has some kind of a sovereign right to create, develop, and express whatever values he or she happens to prefer. . . . Hard work, self-reliance, self-control, the delaying of gratification, sexual restraint, an active concern for democracy and patriotism have all fallen on hard times. Unfortunately, America has now reached the point where it permits almost everything and stands for almost nothing—except a flabby relativism.
