Christian Nationalism
The Haystack: Christian Nationalism
April 7, 2023:
For the most devoted Trump conspiracy theorists, there are no coincidences and timing is everything. So when ex-President Donald Trump was arraigned Tuesday on charges that he falsified business records to obscure hush money payments in an effort to influence the 2016 election, some of his most ardent followers quickly noted the court appearance came during Christianity's most sacred week, Holy Week, when many Christians commemorate Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. ''Seems there was someone else who was tortured and crucified this week,'' read one post on Gab, a platform popular with Trump supporters. A similar post on Telegram put Trump's case in apocalyptic terms: ''Good vs Evil. Biblical times. Divine timing.'' Comparisons likening Trump to Christ were among the top online narratives about the Republican former president and his criminal charges circulating in the last several days, according to an analysis of online and social media content conducted by Zignal Labs, a media intelligence firm, on behalf of The Associated Press. Zignal's analysis found tens of thousands of mentions calling Trump a martyr. The number more than doubled immediately after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., linked the prosecution of Trump to the persecution of Christ during an interview. |
Christian Nationalist Organizations & People:
- ACLJ - Ark of Grace Ministries - Bedford County Patriots - Bible Answers for Daily Living - Canada Free Press - Capstone Report - Charisma Podcast Network - Citizens for Renewing America - Ethics and Public Policy Center - Faith Education & Commerce United Faith - Family Research Center - Freedom First Network - My Faith Votes - Pulpit & Pen - The Gatekeepers - Truth & Liberty Coalition - US Pastor Council - - Perry Stone - Lance Wallnau - 
- Uncivil Religion -
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October 12, 2022:
After the Alex Jones verdict today, Marjorie Taylor Greene had this to say about it: “No matter what you think of Alex Jones all he did was speak words.” She wrote on Twitter: "He was not the one who pulled the trigger.
Were his words wrong and did he apologize? Yes. That’s what freedom of speech is. Freedom to speak words. Political persecution must end."
The problem with illogical people like Greene is that Jones was espousing nonsense and claiming it was "the truth." Now had Jones stated before every show that he was making stuff up...then it would be different. And he could rattle off all the nonsense he wanted to.
Jones (and Trump..and Greene) follow the same school of logic in that they feed their nonsense to "the uneducated" and and purposely feed their nonsense to the lowest common denominator on the "Illogical" scale of reality.
Greene is a Christian Nationalist, and, hence has little knowledge of what is in the Bible, let alone know who God is. ...but James 3:3-6 says; When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
I fully accept the explanation of the power of the tongue by James.
After the Alex Jones verdict today, Marjorie Taylor Greene had this to say about it: “No matter what you think of Alex Jones all he did was speak words.” She wrote on Twitter: "He was not the one who pulled the trigger.
Were his words wrong and did he apologize? Yes. That’s what freedom of speech is. Freedom to speak words. Political persecution must end."
The problem with illogical people like Greene is that Jones was espousing nonsense and claiming it was "the truth." Now had Jones stated before every show that he was making stuff up...then it would be different. And he could rattle off all the nonsense he wanted to.
Jones (and Trump..and Greene) follow the same school of logic in that they feed their nonsense to "the uneducated" and and purposely feed their nonsense to the lowest common denominator on the "Illogical" scale of reality.
Greene is a Christian Nationalist, and, hence has little knowledge of what is in the Bible, let alone know who God is. ...but James 3:3-6 says; When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
I fully accept the explanation of the power of the tongue by James.
Pennsylvania Capitol Star: Wisconsin group launches effort to counter Christian nationalism in state politics 10.2.22
October 1, 2022:
Lauren Boebert says God told her to run for Congress because her win will lead people to embrace Jesus: “God told me it would be a sign and a wonder to the unbeliever.”
This is the same Lauren Boebert who recently read in public from Romans 1:28-32, “Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating.” But when Boebert hit the word “wanton,” she pronounced it as “wonton.”
She abruptly (and seriously) tells her audience, “I don’t know what a wonton killing is. I’m gonna have to look that one up. But it sounds interesting. And I don’t think I want to be a part of it.”
For the record no one has ever been killed by a wonton.
Lauren Boebert says God told her to run for Congress because her win will lead people to embrace Jesus: “God told me it would be a sign and a wonder to the unbeliever.”
This is the same Lauren Boebert who recently read in public from Romans 1:28-32, “Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating.” But when Boebert hit the word “wanton,” she pronounced it as “wonton.”
She abruptly (and seriously) tells her audience, “I don’t know what a wonton killing is. I’m gonna have to look that one up. But it sounds interesting. And I don’t think I want to be a part of it.”
For the record no one has ever been killed by a wonton.
June 9. 2022: Right Wing Watch: MAGA Candidate Mark Burns Says Those Promoting ‘LGBTQ Indoctrination’ Should Be Executed for Treason
Mark Burns, an unabashed Christian nationalist MAGA pastor who is running for Congress in South Carolina, declared that if he is elected, he will reinstate the House Un-American Activities Committee so that the government can “start executing people” guilty of treason. Who does Burns believe is guilty of treason? Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham whose supposed crime is potentially supporting some gun control measures, and LGBTQ-supporting parents and teachers.
Mark Burns, an unabashed Christian nationalist MAGA pastor who is running for Congress in South Carolina, declared that if he is elected, he will reinstate the House Un-American Activities Committee so that the government can “start executing people” guilty of treason. Who does Burns believe is guilty of treason? Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham whose supposed crime is potentially supporting some gun control measures, and LGBTQ-supporting parents and teachers.
People might be confused about how a Republican Party that once worried about government overreach now seeks to control medical care for transgender children and retaliate against a corporation for objecting to a bill targeting LGBTQ students,” Rubin explains. “And why is it that the most ambitious Republicans are spending more time battling nonexistent critical race theory in schools than on health care or inflation? To explain this, one must acknowledge that the GOP is not a political party anymore. It is a movement dedicated to imposing White Christian nationalism.” -Jennifer Rubin; Washington Post
April 15, 2022:
There is a blog called "A Biblical Worldview" that adds to the name this qualification: "The most politically incorrect blog on the internet, devoted to the glory of the LORD Jesus Christ." I thought, well OK, let's see what it is here. The latest post was from April 9 and titled "The End is Near." He writes a bit of history to back his comments and then mentions, BTW, that organizations like BLM can be summarized this way: Money appears to be the goal of this group, and now that they have a lot of it from corporations and private donors alike.. ????????
But the author expands his rhetoric with comments that would make Tucker Carlson proud: Rulers in power making it illegal to buy the very medicine that would cure the ailment, they also closed businesses, caused people to lose their livelihoods, forced medical treatment on free citizens, and forced people to wear face diapers in order to manipulate them and cause psychological damage. {??} Of, course, we know who is responsible for that kind of insane rhetoric and hyperbole.
In the authors next post it is titled "Black American Must Do Better" and, of course, he rakes the incident with Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars as a major part of his theme that "Black American Must Do Better." He then pontificates on right wing nonsense being sent around the internet. Because, you know, when you are pushing "A Biblical View" of the world..the best place to get the news is from some right wing nutjob pushing propaganda and then adding Bible verses to explain it as racist and how because of the Oscars event "black people need to do better."???really??
I, unfortunately, do have experience in understanding these right wing positions as I used to push them myself not all that long ago. The author (I have to say the author because I dont know if its male or female..though my guess would be that it is a white male) likely feels very smug and proud of having addressed the problem with such "Biblical expertise. The author does use Bible verses but they are kind of a filling. The intent of the verse, in the authors mind, aids the authors worldview...but only in the authors mind. Not in the real world. But, that how right wingers and Christian Nationalists operate.
There is a blog called "A Biblical Worldview" that adds to the name this qualification: "The most politically incorrect blog on the internet, devoted to the glory of the LORD Jesus Christ." I thought, well OK, let's see what it is here. The latest post was from April 9 and titled "The End is Near." He writes a bit of history to back his comments and then mentions, BTW, that organizations like BLM can be summarized this way: Money appears to be the goal of this group, and now that they have a lot of it from corporations and private donors alike.. ????????
But the author expands his rhetoric with comments that would make Tucker Carlson proud: Rulers in power making it illegal to buy the very medicine that would cure the ailment, they also closed businesses, caused people to lose their livelihoods, forced medical treatment on free citizens, and forced people to wear face diapers in order to manipulate them and cause psychological damage. {??} Of, course, we know who is responsible for that kind of insane rhetoric and hyperbole.
In the authors next post it is titled "Black American Must Do Better" and, of course, he rakes the incident with Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars as a major part of his theme that "Black American Must Do Better." He then pontificates on right wing nonsense being sent around the internet. Because, you know, when you are pushing "A Biblical View" of the world..the best place to get the news is from some right wing nutjob pushing propaganda and then adding Bible verses to explain it as racist and how because of the Oscars event "black people need to do better."???really??
I, unfortunately, do have experience in understanding these right wing positions as I used to push them myself not all that long ago. The author (I have to say the author because I dont know if its male or female..though my guess would be that it is a white male) likely feels very smug and proud of having addressed the problem with such "Biblical expertise. The author does use Bible verses but they are kind of a filling. The intent of the verse, in the authors mind, aids the authors worldview...but only in the authors mind. Not in the real world. But, that how right wingers and Christian Nationalists operate.
| A badly-outnumbered police officer asked them to leave the Senate Chamber because “this is like the sacrediest place.” The insurrectionists ignored his plea and instead lined up behind the podium. “Jesus Christ, we invoke your name! Amen!” one of them shouted with a hand raised upward. Others also shouted “amen” as Chansley, suddenly inspired, added, “Let’s all say a prayer in this sacred space.” So, he set down the American flag he’d been carrying and picked up a bullhorn to pray. He started, paused for everyone to take off their Trump hats (or furry horns), and then started again. “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this opportunity to stand up for God-given unalienable rights,” he offered. “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being the inspiration needed to these police officers to allow us into the building, to allow us to exercise our rights, to allow us to send a message to all the tyrants, the communists and the globalists that this is our nation, not theirs.” (Rom. 12:9). .” ~ Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood; A Public Witness |
January 9, 2022:
I listened to a short video today by a preacher named Perry Stone. It was short but it caught my attention so I started listening to another one by him and it went south real quick as he started making him the subject and started making it clear that God was giving him prophetic insights that most people wouldn't understand and then going into politics and banging that Christian Nationalist gong.
I put his name in google and apparently he has a lot of sexual misconduct charges against him lately.
That would probably make sense because the "faux" in Christian Nationalist would not really have a moral compass. Which makes Trump the ultimate poster boy for Christian Nationalism.
I listened to a short video today by a preacher named Perry Stone. It was short but it caught my attention so I started listening to another one by him and it went south real quick as he started making him the subject and started making it clear that God was giving him prophetic insights that most people wouldn't understand and then going into politics and banging that Christian Nationalist gong.
I put his name in google and apparently he has a lot of sexual misconduct charges against him lately.
That would probably make sense because the "faux" in Christian Nationalist would not really have a moral compass. Which makes Trump the ultimate poster boy for Christian Nationalism.
| Shannon Rivers, member of the Native American Akimel O’otham, said the history of Christian nationalism began when the European settlers answered the Native Americans’ welcome with a belief that divine providence had ordained their domination of Indigenous land. Rivers said that to confront Christian nationalism honestly, churches and other houses of worship need to focus on a papal bull issued by Pope Alexander VI in 1493 known as the Doctrine of Discovery. Though it gave theological justification for colonization as the Americas were occupied by European powers, Alexander’s bull threaded its way into United States law, providing the basis for a key 1823 Supreme Court decision awarding the American West to the U.S. |
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Jan 6, 2022: Relevant: A Year After January 6, the Church Still Isn’t Taking Christian Nationalism Seriously
But there is a case to be made that the event really can’t be understood outside of a religious context. That’s the view of Samuel Perry. He’s an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Oklahoma, and co-author of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States along with Andrew L. Whitehead. He argues that the events of January 6 re a sign of the future of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. — and it’s a sign the Church needs to pay attention to if it wants to be a part of healing some of America’s deepest and toughest wounds. He spoke with RELEVANT about what Christian Nationalism really is, the direction it’s going in the U.S. and why Christians can feel hope for the future.
But there is a case to be made that the event really can’t be understood outside of a religious context. That’s the view of Samuel Perry. He’s an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Oklahoma, and co-author of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States along with Andrew L. Whitehead. He argues that the events of January 6 re a sign of the future of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. — and it’s a sign the Church needs to pay attention to if it wants to be a part of healing some of America’s deepest and toughest wounds. He spoke with RELEVANT about what Christian Nationalism really is, the direction it’s going in the U.S. and why Christians can feel hope for the future.
Jan 5, 2022: Religion News Service: Violence isn’t the only way Christian nationalism endangers democracy
One year ago at the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, the world witnessed one way in which Christian nationalism imperils American democracy. We’ve all seen photos and footage of the mob violence perpetrated by Americans waving Christian flags, clad in Christian clothing, saying Christian prayers. As some increasingly isolated and radicalized religious conservatives react to their loss of power, the threat of their political violence is real. But it is not the only way Christian nationalism jeopardizes our democracy.
One year ago at the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, the world witnessed one way in which Christian nationalism imperils American democracy. We’ve all seen photos and footage of the mob violence perpetrated by Americans waving Christian flags, clad in Christian clothing, saying Christian prayers. As some increasingly isolated and radicalized religious conservatives react to their loss of power, the threat of their political violence is real. But it is not the only way Christian nationalism jeopardizes our democracy.
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December 21, 2021:
CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM RISING (still): Re: Donald Trump Jr
Donald Trump Jr. told young Republicans attending a conference Sunday that biblical teachings have gotten the party nowhere after damning new texts revealed he was aware of the magnitude of the Capitol riots.
'We've turned the other cheek and I understand the biblical reference, I understand the mentality,' he said. 'But it's gotten us nothing."
Where they go now carrying that kind of religious dogma can be dangerous.
The problem is that they will use the Bible and God as an excuse to continue to push racism and fascism. Similar to what happened in the the 1930s with Hitler. He used the Bible and Christianity to gain followers and then when he had Naziism locked into place...he became a dictator. Granted, it wont gain them anything eternally..but short sighted Christianity never has. Its temporal fruit, though, is a dangerous dogma.
The US is “closer to civil war than any of us would like to believe”, a member of a key CIA advisory panel has said. The analysis by Barbara F Walter, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego who sits on the Political Instability Task Force, is contained in a book due out next year and first reported by the Washington Post.
CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM RISING (still): Re: Donald Trump Jr
Donald Trump Jr. told young Republicans attending a conference Sunday that biblical teachings have gotten the party nowhere after damning new texts revealed he was aware of the magnitude of the Capitol riots.
'We've turned the other cheek and I understand the biblical reference, I understand the mentality,' he said. 'But it's gotten us nothing."
Where they go now carrying that kind of religious dogma can be dangerous.
The problem is that they will use the Bible and God as an excuse to continue to push racism and fascism. Similar to what happened in the the 1930s with Hitler. He used the Bible and Christianity to gain followers and then when he had Naziism locked into place...he became a dictator. Granted, it wont gain them anything eternally..but short sighted Christianity never has. Its temporal fruit, though, is a dangerous dogma.
The US is “closer to civil war than any of us would like to believe”, a member of a key CIA advisory panel has said. The analysis by Barbara F Walter, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego who sits on the Political Instability Task Force, is contained in a book due out next year and first reported by the Washington Post.
December 16, 2021:
This paragraph is from an article from Charisma News:
As the popularity of the tour grew and the demand for Clark to appear on various media outlets rose, someone sent him the Kim Clement prophecy from April 20, 2013, that seems to have a clear connection to his calling to reawaken America. It mentions a "man by the name of Mr. Clark," and says in part, "You have been determined through your prayers to influence this nation. You're watching me; you're an influential person. The Spirit of God says, 'Hear the word of the prophet to you as a king, I will open that door that you prayed about.'"
In essence, it is Christian Nationalism in its formative stages in the Charismatic movement today. Clay Clark is a part of the "Reawaken America" (being sponsored by Charisma Magazine) tour. To begin with, a prophecy only points to revelation about Jesus Christ. Clark, for the record, is NOT Jesus...though he appears to claim a relationship. Kim Clement is a faux self-proclaimed prophet and has been spewing pro-Trump "prophecies" for a few years now. Don't be deceived. Clark is a grifting charlatan who uses worse from the Bible to meet his end. Good and bad things came out of the Charismatic Movement...but more bad than good...and a lot of hurt people who may have walked away from God forever because of it. Fellow members of Reawaken America include Michale Flynn, Roger Stone, Mike Lindell, Sam Sorbo, Sidney Powell, Alan Keyes, Alex Jones, Lara Logan and Ken Paxton, among others.
The thing that makes people like Cark dangerous is that they believe they are on a mission from God.
This paragraph is from an article from Charisma News:
As the popularity of the tour grew and the demand for Clark to appear on various media outlets rose, someone sent him the Kim Clement prophecy from April 20, 2013, that seems to have a clear connection to his calling to reawaken America. It mentions a "man by the name of Mr. Clark," and says in part, "You have been determined through your prayers to influence this nation. You're watching me; you're an influential person. The Spirit of God says, 'Hear the word of the prophet to you as a king, I will open that door that you prayed about.'"
In essence, it is Christian Nationalism in its formative stages in the Charismatic movement today. Clay Clark is a part of the "Reawaken America" (being sponsored by Charisma Magazine) tour. To begin with, a prophecy only points to revelation about Jesus Christ. Clark, for the record, is NOT Jesus...though he appears to claim a relationship. Kim Clement is a faux self-proclaimed prophet and has been spewing pro-Trump "prophecies" for a few years now. Don't be deceived. Clark is a grifting charlatan who uses worse from the Bible to meet his end. Good and bad things came out of the Charismatic Movement...but more bad than good...and a lot of hurt people who may have walked away from God forever because of it. Fellow members of Reawaken America include Michale Flynn, Roger Stone, Mike Lindell, Sam Sorbo, Sidney Powell, Alan Keyes, Alex Jones, Lara Logan and Ken Paxton, among others.
The thing that makes people like Cark dangerous is that they believe they are on a mission from God.
December 13, 2021:
The American family Association, based out of here in Mississippi, is looking to establish a center "like a Pentagon" in order to furth er efforts of Christian Nationalism. The announcement with a plea for donations (something Wildmon, the founder, has been doing many many many years) Part of the description says "Like the Pentagon in Washington, the Don Wildmon Center will serve as command central as we combat the forces that seek to destroy Christian influence in America and overthrow the founding principles of our republic."
If you look at other parts of the website the "action alerts" are just a litany of far right wing agendas. They "hold to a form of godliness but deny the power thereof." (II Tim 3) (Which is, in essence, a foundation of what "Christian Nationalism" is) Link is Here: https://www.afa.net/donwildmoncenter?fbclid=IwAR0VA9LSIgBqlxhLxEonnuEfw5bXBimVo6e9vGzP-WCmDVzDTLBiKmm5j9Y
The American family Association, based out of here in Mississippi, is looking to establish a center "like a Pentagon" in order to furth er efforts of Christian Nationalism. The announcement with a plea for donations (something Wildmon, the founder, has been doing many many many years) Part of the description says "Like the Pentagon in Washington, the Don Wildmon Center will serve as command central as we combat the forces that seek to destroy Christian influence in America and overthrow the founding principles of our republic."
If you look at other parts of the website the "action alerts" are just a litany of far right wing agendas. They "hold to a form of godliness but deny the power thereof." (II Tim 3) (Which is, in essence, a foundation of what "Christian Nationalism" is) Link is Here: https://www.afa.net/donwildmoncenter?fbclid=IwAR0VA9LSIgBqlxhLxEonnuEfw5bXBimVo6e9vGzP-WCmDVzDTLBiKmm5j9Y
December 8, 2021:
Found this from an article posted at Wesmont College:
Implying that Americans are blessed by God simply for being Americans cheapens the biblical concept of blessing and often equates it with material prosperity. What about those Christians living and often suffering in other lands? Are we blessed by God and they are not? What about the dirt-poor Pentecostals in Ukraine who in Soviet times suffered because of their faith? Are we blessed by God and they are not? The lyrics of “God Bless America” are not statements of fact. They are, in fact, a prayer. In 1938, that is what Irving Berlin had in mind.
While studying recently I came across this quote: “Treason is in the air around us everywhere. It goes by the name of patriotism.” -Ambrose Bierce (Civil War era). Reminds me of a quote (attributed to several people) that says "when facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
That kind of conflation I mentioned above could easily set a lot of people up for such a person...and I think it is a large part of what drives the hard core Trumplicans for Trump.
Found this from an article posted at Wesmont College:
Implying that Americans are blessed by God simply for being Americans cheapens the biblical concept of blessing and often equates it with material prosperity. What about those Christians living and often suffering in other lands? Are we blessed by God and they are not? What about the dirt-poor Pentecostals in Ukraine who in Soviet times suffered because of their faith? Are we blessed by God and they are not? The lyrics of “God Bless America” are not statements of fact. They are, in fact, a prayer. In 1938, that is what Irving Berlin had in mind.
While studying recently I came across this quote: “Treason is in the air around us everywhere. It goes by the name of patriotism.” -Ambrose Bierce (Civil War era). Reminds me of a quote (attributed to several people) that says "when facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
That kind of conflation I mentioned above could easily set a lot of people up for such a person...and I think it is a large part of what drives the hard core Trumplicans for Trump.
Dec 3, 2021: Right Wing Watch: David Lane and Mark Robinson Want Christian Nationalism to ‘Reign Supreme’ in North Carolina
For months, North Carolina’s radically Christian nationalist Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has traveled around the state, promoting his extremist views in churches in an effort to convince right-wing Christians to become more politically engaged.
For months, North Carolina’s radically Christian nationalist Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has traveled around the state, promoting his extremist views in churches in an effort to convince right-wing Christians to become more politically engaged.
Nov 12, 2021: Christian Post: Beware the nationalism trap (part 1)
The evangelical church must not fall into the nationalism trap.
I say this as one who has worked in both politics and church.
The evangelical church must not fall into the nationalism trap.
I say this as one who has worked in both politics and church.
Oct 18, 2021:
Going forward I will use "Religious Nationalism" instead of "Christian Nationalism." Christianity is already taking a big hit via the "Nationalism" and the non religious just see the word "Christian" and there are already many Anti-theism folks ready to pounce on Christianity. The big issue right now is lots of calls for taxing the church because of politics. The condition of the non tax status is to keep church and state separate as per the Constitution. So I am not in favor of taxing all the churches, but I believe the ones that are pushing politics should have their tax exempt status removed. If you havent noticed..the most vocal Religious Nationalists leaders usually come from Mega-churches who push tithing and, hence, always seem to have unending bankrolls of money.
I Came across a great example of Religious Nationalism today while looking at an Iowa newspaper. Written by several Iowa pastors, It states: Whereas, God is the ultimate and highest authority, and his laws are the highest laws; and Whereas, masks cover the image of God by obscuring personal identity and violate the holy law of God by restraining the healthy in place of the symptomatic sick;
Keeping people healthy violates the holy law of God???
And the mask shouldn't be worn because it "covers the image of God??"
This has got to be a horrible revelation if you live on really cold parts of the country...like Iowa, for instance. And what about those sunglasses that covers the eyes of God's creation??? I cant imagine why the logic didnt push itself to its end and start condemning people for wearing any clothes at all because it would cover man who was made in Gods image.
The article goes on and conflates the Constitution on an even level with God's Holy law. There are a lot of people pushing Religious Nationalism ideas who are totally oblivious to the fact they are doing it because they see little to no difference between doing Gods will and pushing a political agenda. As I have stated before, we are seeing the culmination of a generation of Christian Americans who believe that the only way to serve God is through politics.....and the idea is to win political points for Jesus. (however they are scored)
Going forward I will use "Religious Nationalism" instead of "Christian Nationalism." Christianity is already taking a big hit via the "Nationalism" and the non religious just see the word "Christian" and there are already many Anti-theism folks ready to pounce on Christianity. The big issue right now is lots of calls for taxing the church because of politics. The condition of the non tax status is to keep church and state separate as per the Constitution. So I am not in favor of taxing all the churches, but I believe the ones that are pushing politics should have their tax exempt status removed. If you havent noticed..the most vocal Religious Nationalists leaders usually come from Mega-churches who push tithing and, hence, always seem to have unending bankrolls of money.
I Came across a great example of Religious Nationalism today while looking at an Iowa newspaper. Written by several Iowa pastors, It states: Whereas, God is the ultimate and highest authority, and his laws are the highest laws; and Whereas, masks cover the image of God by obscuring personal identity and violate the holy law of God by restraining the healthy in place of the symptomatic sick;
Keeping people healthy violates the holy law of God???
And the mask shouldn't be worn because it "covers the image of God??"
This has got to be a horrible revelation if you live on really cold parts of the country...like Iowa, for instance. And what about those sunglasses that covers the eyes of God's creation??? I cant imagine why the logic didnt push itself to its end and start condemning people for wearing any clothes at all because it would cover man who was made in Gods image.
The article goes on and conflates the Constitution on an even level with God's Holy law. There are a lot of people pushing Religious Nationalism ideas who are totally oblivious to the fact they are doing it because they see little to no difference between doing Gods will and pushing a political agenda. As I have stated before, we are seeing the culmination of a generation of Christian Americans who believe that the only way to serve God is through politics.....and the idea is to win political points for Jesus. (however they are scored)
Oct 13, 2021: Word & Way: John Fea on History, Trump, & Evangelicals
In episode 21 of Dangerous Dogma, John Fea, professor of American history at Messiah University and executive editor of Current, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about contemporary politics and how history informs our understanding of it. He also discusses his books Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? and Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump. Also mentioned is a CBS News documentary that both Kaylor and Fea were in earlier this year.
In episode 21 of Dangerous Dogma, John Fea, professor of American history at Messiah University and executive editor of Current, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about contemporary politics and how history informs our understanding of it. He also discusses his books Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? and Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump. Also mentioned is a CBS News documentary that both Kaylor and Fea were in earlier this year.
October 11, 2021:
I believe we are seeing the culmination of an entire generation of American church goers who have been raised their entire life believing that the only productive thing you could do "for Jesus" is to do something with politics.
I think abortion became the topping on that cake. Apparently you could commit many sine but the unforgivable one was abortion..or just not being against it.
The roots of that can be found in the teachings of the late Francis Schaeffer who a few years before he died proclaimed that the most important thing that Christians should be defeating is abortion. Schaeffer carried a lot of weight with the nondeminational/charismatic movements; along with the southern Baptists. That was about 7 years after Roe v Wade. Schaeffer was friends with Dr C Everett Koop who also became a mouthpiece pushing against abortion. Schaeffer died in 1984 but, then, Ronald Reagan made Koop his surgeon general...and voila...the movement began. I was there at the beginning and, at the time, went right along with it. I became a political activist for Jesus. Initially a Democrat... I was told that being a Democrat was not a good Christian witness (by my pastor) and joined the Republicans and the Reagan revolution "for Jesus."
And this is where we are.
I believe we are seeing the culmination of an entire generation of American church goers who have been raised their entire life believing that the only productive thing you could do "for Jesus" is to do something with politics.
I think abortion became the topping on that cake. Apparently you could commit many sine but the unforgivable one was abortion..or just not being against it.
The roots of that can be found in the teachings of the late Francis Schaeffer who a few years before he died proclaimed that the most important thing that Christians should be defeating is abortion. Schaeffer carried a lot of weight with the nondeminational/charismatic movements; along with the southern Baptists. That was about 7 years after Roe v Wade. Schaeffer was friends with Dr C Everett Koop who also became a mouthpiece pushing against abortion. Schaeffer died in 1984 but, then, Ronald Reagan made Koop his surgeon general...and voila...the movement began. I was there at the beginning and, at the time, went right along with it. I became a political activist for Jesus. Initially a Democrat... I was told that being a Democrat was not a good Christian witness (by my pastor) and joined the Republicans and the Reagan revolution "for Jesus."
And this is where we are.
I'm having a book signing this weekend, starting at 1 pm tomorrow until Barnes and Noble throws me out for writing in their books.
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Sept 7, 2021: Christianity Today: Trump’s Faith Advisers Reconvene in New Initiative
Paula White leads the 70-member group, which includes evangelical leaders who backed the former president. |
Sept 15, 2021:
Christ didnt die on the cross to protect my freedom of speech, my right to assemble or bear arms. He died that evil men would be redeemed. American Christian Nationalists do not believe this. Franklin Graham accused Democrats of going against the principles of Christianity and wants Christians to move away from the Democratic Party. Franklin is a poster boy for Christian Nationalism. He learned it from his dad, Billy Graham, who wrote as early as 1954 that "Communism is a religion that is inspired, directed and motivated by the Devil himself who has declared war against Almighty God." Franklin sees Democrats & Soviet Communists as the same thing and preaches accordingly. 
Sept 10, 2021:
Jesus stood against the politically religious of his day. Jesus didn't instruct us to try to setup God's kingdom on earth and over take secular systems. He indicated that we (individually) work out our own salvation with fear and trembling - not that we work out societies salvation with force of religion being inscribed into law. |
Christ didnt die on the cross to protect my freedom of speech, my right to assemble or bear arms. He died that evil men would be redeemed.
Sept 7, 2021:
John MacArthur believes he was right about his fight against "religious liberty" because he won the case in court. MacArthur believed tyranny was being committed against him because he had a right to ignore any government mandate concerning the pandemic because God was on his side. He won an $800,00 settlement in court. Leading the fight was the Thomas More Society and lawyers Jenna Ellis and Charles LiMandri. These lawyers won an $800,000 settlement from the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. It's interesting that he does not apply that same "logic" on other issues, like Roe V Wade, and all the times that losses were made in court that it wasnt considered a victory.. MacArthur is one of several mainstream pastors who are very much entrenched in Christian Nationalism.
This is disturbing:
New Apostolic Reformation = Christian Nationalism. Al Jazeera called the NAR "America's Own Taliban"
Last April, Rick Joyner, head of Morning Star Ministries in Charlotte, N.C., told Jim Bakker about a revelatory dream from 2018. Joyner urged “true disciples of Christ” to get their weapons ready because, according to Jesus, we are heading for a second American Revolution (or Civil War) in which God-ordained “militias would pop up like mushrooms.” The good news, he said, was that victory was assured.😳😳😳
1. Don’t equate the biblical kingdom of God with any human political party or nation. We must maintain the distinctiveness between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. We must never fuse the two (John18:36; Matt.6:33).
2. Don’t elevate a politician to messianic status. People often falsely think a politician can single-handedly produce supernatural social results. We have one Lord, and we must resist any attempt to exalt politicians to unrealistic heights (Matt.7:15; 1Pet.3:15).
3. Don’t just vote, but pray for the leaders of all political parties. Christians can be tempted to bless the politician of their choice, and curse his or her opponent, but remember, we must pray even for our enemies (1Tim.2:1–2; Matt.5:44).
4. Don’t forget that your ultimate security is in the unshakeable kingdom of God. Many Christians often elevate the outcome of presidential elections to an apocalyptic status. If a particular presidential candidate does not win, we begin to think or act as if the world will end. In so doing, however, we express an unbelief in the active sovereignty of God over human affairs (Heb.12:26–29).
5. Don’t bring the polarization of partisan politics into the family of God. Every Christian has freedom of conscience before God, and we must guard against allowing political perspectives to divide the church (Rom.16:17; 1Cor.1:11–12).
6. Don’t demonize anyone. Every person has been created in the image of God, and Christians must not demonize or dehumanize other people, whether we agree with them politically or not (Col.3:8; James4:12).
7. Don’t engage in angry, hostile confrontation. Present your political convictions through civil debate and rational dialogue instead. Confrontational arguments demonstrate an ugly pride that demeans Jesus Christ (James1:19–20; 2Tim.2:14).
8. Don’t become so intertwined with one political party that you forfeit your independence. When you do, you lose your right to be heard and to speak and clarify biblical truth to all politicians and political parties (1Tim.3:15; Rom.3:4).
9. Don’t allow yourself to support attempts to divide races, male and female, rich and poor, or young and old. Partisan politics often divides society into voting blocks, and separates society instead of uniting it. Christians should function as peacemakers and reconcilers in the public square and should resist every temptation to join the game of dividing people for political gain (Matt.5:9; 2Cor.5:18–19).
10. Don’t simply curse the darkness, but constructively engage it. The cultural and missional mandate of kingdom Christians is not to curse the darkness in our world, but to act as illuminating light and preserving salt. We must share the light of God’s truth and work to maintain the common welfare of our nation by overcoming evil through doing good (Matt.5:13–16).
This list appeared in the Viewpoint column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 04 (2008).
John MacArthur believes he was right about his fight against "religious liberty" because he won the case in court. MacArthur believed tyranny was being committed against him because he had a right to ignore any government mandate concerning the pandemic because God was on his side. He won an $800,00 settlement in court. Leading the fight was the Thomas More Society and lawyers Jenna Ellis and Charles LiMandri. These lawyers won an $800,000 settlement from the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. It's interesting that he does not apply that same "logic" on other issues, like Roe V Wade, and all the times that losses were made in court that it wasnt considered a victory.. MacArthur is one of several mainstream pastors who are very much entrenched in Christian Nationalism.
This is disturbing:
New Apostolic Reformation = Christian Nationalism. Al Jazeera called the NAR "America's Own Taliban"
Last April, Rick Joyner, head of Morning Star Ministries in Charlotte, N.C., told Jim Bakker about a revelatory dream from 2018. Joyner urged “true disciples of Christ” to get their weapons ready because, according to Jesus, we are heading for a second American Revolution (or Civil War) in which God-ordained “militias would pop up like mushrooms.” The good news, he said, was that victory was assured.😳😳😳
1. Don’t equate the biblical kingdom of God with any human political party or nation. We must maintain the distinctiveness between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. We must never fuse the two (John18:36; Matt.6:33).
2. Don’t elevate a politician to messianic status. People often falsely think a politician can single-handedly produce supernatural social results. We have one Lord, and we must resist any attempt to exalt politicians to unrealistic heights (Matt.7:15; 1Pet.3:15).
3. Don’t just vote, but pray for the leaders of all political parties. Christians can be tempted to bless the politician of their choice, and curse his or her opponent, but remember, we must pray even for our enemies (1Tim.2:1–2; Matt.5:44).
4. Don’t forget that your ultimate security is in the unshakeable kingdom of God. Many Christians often elevate the outcome of presidential elections to an apocalyptic status. If a particular presidential candidate does not win, we begin to think or act as if the world will end. In so doing, however, we express an unbelief in the active sovereignty of God over human affairs (Heb.12:26–29).
5. Don’t bring the polarization of partisan politics into the family of God. Every Christian has freedom of conscience before God, and we must guard against allowing political perspectives to divide the church (Rom.16:17; 1Cor.1:11–12).
6. Don’t demonize anyone. Every person has been created in the image of God, and Christians must not demonize or dehumanize other people, whether we agree with them politically or not (Col.3:8; James4:12).
7. Don’t engage in angry, hostile confrontation. Present your political convictions through civil debate and rational dialogue instead. Confrontational arguments demonstrate an ugly pride that demeans Jesus Christ (James1:19–20; 2Tim.2:14).
8. Don’t become so intertwined with one political party that you forfeit your independence. When you do, you lose your right to be heard and to speak and clarify biblical truth to all politicians and political parties (1Tim.3:15; Rom.3:4).
9. Don’t allow yourself to support attempts to divide races, male and female, rich and poor, or young and old. Partisan politics often divides society into voting blocks, and separates society instead of uniting it. Christians should function as peacemakers and reconcilers in the public square and should resist every temptation to join the game of dividing people for political gain (Matt.5:9; 2Cor.5:18–19).
10. Don’t simply curse the darkness, but constructively engage it. The cultural and missional mandate of kingdom Christians is not to curse the darkness in our world, but to act as illuminating light and preserving salt. We must share the light of God’s truth and work to maintain the common welfare of our nation by overcoming evil through doing good (Matt.5:13–16).
This list appeared in the Viewpoint column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 04 (2008).
Sept 7, 2021: Baptist News Global: Angels from Africa: Reckoning with the New Apostolic Reformation
Two days after Joe Biden was declared winner of the 2020 presidential election, Paula White, the ex-president’s thrice-married spiritual advisor, launched into a stunning rant. “I hear victory in the corridors of heaven,” White told her congregation, in a staccato, machine-gun cadence. “Angels have even been dispatched from Africa right now. They’re coming here, in the name of Jesus, from South America.” The angelic mission, apparently, was to “stop the steal.”
Two days after Joe Biden was declared winner of the 2020 presidential election, Paula White, the ex-president’s thrice-married spiritual advisor, launched into a stunning rant. “I hear victory in the corridors of heaven,” White told her congregation, in a staccato, machine-gun cadence. “Angels have even been dispatched from Africa right now. They’re coming here, in the name of Jesus, from South America.” The angelic mission, apparently, was to “stop the steal.”
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12
Aug 28, 2021:
I have read a lot of RJ Rushdoony's books with my favorite being his "Institutes of Biblical Law." My position has changed on this considerable since when I first read them. Now when I look at his writings I see he was really encouraging a battle between Christianity and the state (government)....which is also Christian Nationalism. I was steeped into it much more than I realized. Rushdoonys organization, Chalcedon" is largely a Reconstructionest movement designed to build Gods kingdom on earth.
I have read a lot of RJ Rushdoony's books with my favorite being his "Institutes of Biblical Law." My position has changed on this considerable since when I first read them. Now when I look at his writings I see he was really encouraging a battle between Christianity and the state (government)....which is also Christian Nationalism. I was steeped into it much more than I realized. Rushdoonys organization, Chalcedon" is largely a Reconstructionest movement designed to build Gods kingdom on earth.
My dish soap is Joy, my trash bags are Glad, and my household cleaner is Fantastik. Theoretically I should NEVER be depressed...
Aug 19, 2021: Baptist News Global: Attacks on Critical Race Theory didn’t come out of nowhere, panelists say
Recent attacks against Critical Race Theory are simply the latest expression of the white Christian nationalism that also inspired the Jan. 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill and subsequent voter-suppression efforts around the nation, writer and historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez said during an Aug. 18 webinar.
Recent attacks against Critical Race Theory are simply the latest expression of the white Christian nationalism that also inspired the Jan. 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill and subsequent voter-suppression efforts around the nation, writer and historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez said during an Aug. 18 webinar.
Aug 17, 2021: Godzooks: Hats off to "Christians Against Christian Nationalism"
It sounds like a contradiction in terms but is absolutely legit.
Founded in 2019 by the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty (BJC)
It sounds like a contradiction in terms but is absolutely legit.
Founded in 2019 by the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty (BJC)
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Christian Nationalism (circa 1940s?) Not Biblical Christianity but an unfortunate dominant theme. On a side note: You notice "wearing a mask" didnt seem to be "tyranny" to them back then
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Aug 13, 2021:
Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-Control.
See also: Galatians
Fruits of Christian Nationalism : hate, misery, irritable, wickedness, mean, selfish, impatient, lies, dishonor See also: Pro- Maga Evangelicals
Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-Control.
See also: Galatians
Fruits of Christian Nationalism : hate, misery, irritable, wickedness, mean, selfish, impatient, lies, dishonor See also: Pro- Maga Evangelicals
August 10, 2021:
In Christendom, conservative humanism is no better than a liberal humanism. It's the humanism that is wrong not merely the political coloration. The First Amendment was enacted that there would be no united church of the 13 colonies and that the state would never interfere with religion. The concept of the "separation of church and state" was to keep the state out of your religion. It did not, however, forbid, religious people from being involved in government.
What is not there (and never was) is an invite for people who call themselves Christian (or any other religion) to take over the state. The Bible makes no case for that either. Even the late theologian Francis Schaffer stated "there is no place this side of the New Testament for a theocracy...there should be no theocracy til the King comes back."
Too many Christians over the span of the last few decades have bought the idea that America is Christian by foundation and gives them license to push theocratic Christianity. Today this is more commonly known in todays vernacular as Christian Nationalism. CN's claim to do it in the name of freedom of religion and "for God," but it is truly fascist and tyrannical at its very nature. ....and would likely be worse as it attempts to implement.
"Religion" per the Constitution, does not give Christianity any special designation. CNs, however, view themselves as the only protected religion and cite books or ill informed blogs or pastors that say that since America was founded as a Christian nation that only Christian religions should be protected. That idea gives them license to hate anyone from any other religion and often race.
Democracy, however, and the Constitutional protections naturally works against that notion. Pushing back against the tyrannical efforts of Christendom, Athiests and even Satanists in recent years have declared themselves religions. I am not endorsing their world view but it is tyrannical efforts by Christian themselves that created that dilemma. What they are doing now could cause unimaginable harm as the events of Jan 6 testify to.
Jesus referred to Christians as the salt of the earth. When salt is mixed with water, the salt dissolves because the covalent bonds of water are stronger than the ionic bonds in the salt molecules. So diluted Christianity eventually destroys itself. As Jesus pointed out "but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Christianity and the freedom thereof only works through Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for it.
In Christendom, conservative humanism is no better than a liberal humanism. It's the humanism that is wrong not merely the political coloration. The First Amendment was enacted that there would be no united church of the 13 colonies and that the state would never interfere with religion. The concept of the "separation of church and state" was to keep the state out of your religion. It did not, however, forbid, religious people from being involved in government.
What is not there (and never was) is an invite for people who call themselves Christian (or any other religion) to take over the state. The Bible makes no case for that either. Even the late theologian Francis Schaffer stated "there is no place this side of the New Testament for a theocracy...there should be no theocracy til the King comes back."
Too many Christians over the span of the last few decades have bought the idea that America is Christian by foundation and gives them license to push theocratic Christianity. Today this is more commonly known in todays vernacular as Christian Nationalism. CN's claim to do it in the name of freedom of religion and "for God," but it is truly fascist and tyrannical at its very nature. ....and would likely be worse as it attempts to implement.
"Religion" per the Constitution, does not give Christianity any special designation. CNs, however, view themselves as the only protected religion and cite books or ill informed blogs or pastors that say that since America was founded as a Christian nation that only Christian religions should be protected. That idea gives them license to hate anyone from any other religion and often race.
Democracy, however, and the Constitutional protections naturally works against that notion. Pushing back against the tyrannical efforts of Christendom, Athiests and even Satanists in recent years have declared themselves religions. I am not endorsing their world view but it is tyrannical efforts by Christian themselves that created that dilemma. What they are doing now could cause unimaginable harm as the events of Jan 6 testify to.
Jesus referred to Christians as the salt of the earth. When salt is mixed with water, the salt dissolves because the covalent bonds of water are stronger than the ionic bonds in the salt molecules. So diluted Christianity eventually destroys itself. As Jesus pointed out "but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Christianity and the freedom thereof only works through Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for it.
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August 8, 2021
Been doing a lot of study on the subject of Christian Nationalism lately. I'm using dozens of sources and last week I had a timeline traced back to Barry Goldwater. Now I'm back to Eisenhower. I am not labeling either of them CN but things they did helped further it. There are people who probably have a timeline but it helps me to understand it better if I do it myself. Looking at history, It's kind of inevitable that we would be where we are at. I can say that if Trump was a smart person and not such a egomaniacal narcissist we could be in a very different place today. So in a sense we should consider ourselves blessed that Trump needs psychological help. I'll call that God's grace. The danger would be someone who is smart learning from Trumps mistakes in the future. That's why the Jan 6 Commission is so important. Trump and evangelicals used each other. Trump, who has never exhibited any fruit of being Christian, used Christians to further his agenda (himself manily)...at the same time Evangelicals...fueled by some insane propaganda they devoured which made them fearful after 8 years of Obama, grabbed on to anything they could who they thought would help further their interests and save them from "Communism". Hence, came the dangerous concoction which became Christian Nationalism. Most CN's dont know they are CN. They see their devotion to God as patriotic and believe their patriotic actions have Gods blessings as they attempt to "build God's kingdom on earth." AND they believe God is on their side. God, however, is not an American. Early in my Christian growth I was introduced to the teachings of JR Rushdoony. If I were to list the most impactful books on my life, for many years it was "The Institutes of Biblical Law" by Rushdoony. Had God not steered me away from CN..it would have been through those teachings that I would have gone full on CN. Rushdoony was only a part of it, but, as a life long culture watcher I have seen the trends the church has taken...and most silly trends fail without doing long lasting damage. Rushdoony's teachings are part of what he called "Reconstructionist" ideology. There are similarities to Calvinism and a lot of Baptist churches share that in their foundations....particularly southern Baptists (which explained a lot of stuff I see down here on that subject). CN combines the energy we give to being patriotic and the energy we give to our Christian duties. That merge becomes a powerful dogma...dangerous...and powerful. There is nothing wrong with being patriotic. But never is it equal with my duty as a Christian to love one another. CN's have long lists of people they hate and demonize. They claim they do not fear...but it is fear that brought them to CN in the first place. Becoming a CN gave the, an energy which repressed their fear. I have held from the beginning the idea that the covid deniers were deniers because they were motivated by fear. Anger gave them a sense of power over their fear. Still does. And that combination with the insane antics of Trump this last year brought us all to Jan 6. AND to where we are now. I am praying and studying over this all. Not sure where we are going from here... should be interesting but maybe also miraculous. As Christians we have a responsibility: Love the Lord they God with your heart, mind and soul...and love your neighbor as yourself. Keep those tenants and it will take us all home. On a final note, I will mention I have had many an email and message from people I have been friends, associates and affiliated with in some way who have been bothered that I have switched my "political position" (Ex GOP) and rail against their "dear leader" (aka...apparently their saviour Donald Trump). I have been called a Democrat (I am not, but I dont see it as bad....which also offends them BTW). I have been called a socialist, a person on the wrong side of "this thing", and a whole bunch of 4 letter words that also come from people who both claim to be Christian and "Constitutional Conservatives.") and I have had friends that I have known personally for many years as far back as South Dakota apparently discontinue our "friendship." And they love to throw around the word "prolife" as a weapon or point of guilt..not sure. C'est la vie. I pray for them any way. Prayer is my Christian duty. Storming the Capitol isn't |
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Aug 4, 2021:
👉As a book collector I was interested in buying a book written by Steve Gallagher called "Walking in Truth in a World of Lies." I had heard a couple of his teachings through Pure Life Ministries. The dueling realities we are now facing is baffling to me. 👉For an example, The other day I posted a quote by HL Mencken. (“It is the natural tendency of the ignorant to believe what is not true.”). I liked the quote and it makes sense but the odd thing about finding it was that it was posted on the profile intro of a a person who is so buried in conspiracies and Maga nonsense it will be a long time before he sees the light of day. But there's that dueling realities problem. 👉I have listened to Gallagher speak a few times and see seemed OK. He made claims he was "conservative" which made my ears perk up but he said nothing about politics. Not that I am anti-conservative but the word "conservative" also has a dual meaning with the rise of the Maga vernacular. Since I dont really watch TV much I do have my TV set up to watch Youtube. I happened to see a series of videos by Gallagher hyping his book. He said a couple things about Trump but nothing indicating he sold his soul to him..but then he started talking about Democrats and people opposed to Trump and the wreckless socialist course they were going to take us on and other similar stuff. About there I shut it off and unsubscribed to his channel. And will skip the book. Interestingly, normally when I get a sense that I should buy a book I just do it immediately. I did look the book up ...but....I hesitated. Saved me $18. I will likely be doing some more research and study just based off the premise of the title of the book. 👉Demonizing people you disagree with is, unfortunately, the sad nature of American politics...and something I suspect there will not be a cure for any time soon...if at all. But Gallagher is presenting Christianity. I just have a real problem with Christians demonizing anyone that way. Unless it's a real demon....but I havent heard a politician or Christian make a legit case for that yet. There are such things as Christian Democrats. There are athiest Republicans. God is not a member of either party. Lots of non-Christians see Christians as very hateful. In my rightwing days I did not see it. But now its glaring. 👉Jesus never said "Go Ye unto the earth..unless they do not think like you...then judge them and demonize them and go your way." That, however, is the Maga marching orders I seem to see from Maga folks all the time. It's all part of the "Christian Nationalism Syndrome" that has taken over rational Christian thought. One of my favorite theologians, Francis Schaeffer, use to talk about man and his "escape from reason" way back in the 60s. Almost 60 years later, for many "Christians" the escape has been made. It puts people like myself in a precarious spot. How does one reach the Twilight Zone from here? |
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July 21, 2021:
Ive noticed a lot of folks on social media who claim both Christianity and Nationalism love to put out the most absurd nonsense and even QAnonsense and then follow it up by posting a Bible verse. Marco Rubio is one of the most notorious ones that do it. Ted Cruz does it. Before Cruz went off the rails for The former guy he often touted his Christian convictions. But not having any real moral convictions anymore he seems to scream out crazy stuff with a Bible verse on top. Its like an absurd scoop of ice cream with a cherry picked random Bible verse: A cherry-picked Bible verse on top of his nutty "I Screamed." In my life as a Christian I know very well that there were times (too many times) I did something stupid then tried to justify with a Bible verse but I also know, from experience, that doing that is not a road to maturity by any means....and has no good end. As a non Christian I self justified stupid stuff by lying about it (wasn't me") or denying I did it...all designed to make me appear better then I knew I was. I think thats why these people like Cruz and Rubio do it: they know better and throwing out the Cherry picked Bible verse to cover the "I screamed" stuff helps them comfort their guilt. It is also a hallmark of Trump Evangelicals. They post the most absurd stuff and then throw out a post and a Bible Verse about how God is prolife. It doesnt help their absurdities by any means. But, I suspect it maybe it helps them sleep at night believing that God is so proud of them for standing up for the "prolife" cause while pushing lies simultaneously 
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July 20, 2021: Right Wing Watch: Right-Wing Pastor Leon Benjamin Tells Conspiracy Rally, ‘We Are the Next President of the United States’
mong the speakers this time around was “apostle” Leon Benjamin, a Virginia-based pastor who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020. Introduced as “a former spiritual adviser for the Trump administration,” Benjamin used his time on stage to declare that the church should “rule and reign” over America while promoting Seven Mountains Dominionism. Seven Mountains Domonionism is grounded in the belief that right-wing Christians are to “do whatever is necessary” to take control of each of the seven main “mountains” that shape our culture—education, government, media, business, arts and entertainment, family, and religion—in order to implement the will of God throughout the nation and the world.
mong the speakers this time around was “apostle” Leon Benjamin, a Virginia-based pastor who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020. Introduced as “a former spiritual adviser for the Trump administration,” Benjamin used his time on stage to declare that the church should “rule and reign” over America while promoting Seven Mountains Dominionism. Seven Mountains Domonionism is grounded in the belief that right-wing Christians are to “do whatever is necessary” to take control of each of the seven main “mountains” that shape our culture—education, government, media, business, arts and entertainment, family, and religion—in order to implement the will of God throughout the nation and the world.
July 17, 2021: LGBTQ Nation: Several churches are worshipping the gospel of Trump just as much as Christianity
Observers have been quick to point out the dangers of the new movement outlined in the story. “This is the backbone of Trump’s Jesus fascists,” tweeted best-selling author Frank Schaeffer. He has written extensively about his own strict evangelical upbringing.
Observers have been quick to point out the dangers of the new movement outlined in the story. “This is the backbone of Trump’s Jesus fascists,” tweeted best-selling author Frank Schaeffer. He has written extensively about his own strict evangelical upbringing.
July 14, 2021: Right Wing Watch: Trumpist Pastor Kent Christmas Declares ‘God Is Going to Begin to Kill Wicked Men and Women,’ Claims Trump Won ‘By About 80 Million Votes’
Thousands of right-wing Christians gathered at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on Independence Day for a “Let Freedom Ring” rally that featured self-proclaimed “prophets” and right-wing pastors Robin Bullock, Todd Coconato, Hank Kunneman, Mario Murillo, and Dutch Sheets as speakers.
Thousands of right-wing Christians gathered at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on Independence Day for a “Let Freedom Ring” rally that featured self-proclaimed “prophets” and right-wing pastors Robin Bullock, Todd Coconato, Hank Kunneman, Mario Murillo, and Dutch Sheets as speakers.
July 2, 2021: Christianity Today: Do Flags Belong in Churches? Pastors Around the World Weigh In.
The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year. As American churches consider how to recognize the United States’ independence day during their worship services, CT decided to revisit a question first posed to American church leaders in 2013.
The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year. As American churches consider how to recognize the United States’ independence day during their worship services, CT decided to revisit a question first posed to American church leaders in 2013.
July 2, 2021: Relevant Magazine: Can Patriotism Become Idolatry?
You see, we once were a people who, under the threat of death, boldly professed allegiance to a kingdom that was not of this world because Jesus, not Caesar is Lord. And yet here we are some 2,000 years later. We’ve brought the brass eagle home to dwell among us.
But there need not be an American flag hanging in the front of your sanctuary for the sin of patriotic idolatry to haunt your church. Flag or not, patriotism becomes idolatry when American ideology becomes the narrative that defines our lives, when being a good American is no different than being a good Christian and vice versa.
You see, we once were a people who, under the threat of death, boldly professed allegiance to a kingdom that was not of this world because Jesus, not Caesar is Lord. And yet here we are some 2,000 years later. We’ve brought the brass eagle home to dwell among us.
But there need not be an American flag hanging in the front of your sanctuary for the sin of patriotic idolatry to haunt your church. Flag or not, patriotism becomes idolatry when American ideology becomes the narrative that defines our lives, when being a good American is no different than being a good Christian and vice versa.
July 1, 2021: Relevant Magazine: Pew Study: Trump’s White Evangelical Support Increased Between 2016 and 2020
White evangelicals have reliably voted Republican since the Reagan years, but the voting bloc met challenges from within its own party, including vocal Trump critics like Dr. Russell Moore and Beth Moore. However, such criticisms appeared to fall on deaf ears. Pew estimates that without Trump’s White evangelical base, Biden would have walloped Trump by more than 20 points.
White evangelicals have reliably voted Republican since the Reagan years, but the voting bloc met challenges from within its own party, including vocal Trump critics like Dr. Russell Moore and Beth Moore. However, such criticisms appeared to fall on deaf ears. Pew estimates that without Trump’s White evangelical base, Biden would have walloped Trump by more than 20 points.
June 12, 2021: Manhattan Mercury: 'Jesus and John Wayne' exposes how 'warrior' Christianity fueled rise of Trump
This important book, “Jesus and John Wayne,” addresses the often-asked question of how a man whose life is wildly inconsistent with the teachings of evangelical Christianity could so capture the support, even adoration, of so much of the evangelical community in the last two Presidential elections. It turns out we must take a broad historical perspective to truly answer this.
This important book, “Jesus and John Wayne,” addresses the often-asked question of how a man whose life is wildly inconsistent with the teachings of evangelical Christianity could so capture the support, even adoration, of so much of the evangelical community in the last two Presidential elections. It turns out we must take a broad historical perspective to truly answer this.
May 4, 2021: Hill Reporter: Mario Murillo Calls on Christian Fanatics to Terrorize Democrats for God
Right-wing zealot Mario Murillo has trumpeted his herd of cultural crusaders to nationally mobilize in a campaign to terrorize Democrats and forcibly indoctrinate Americans into their cult.
Right-wing zealot Mario Murillo has trumpeted his herd of cultural crusaders to nationally mobilize in a campaign to terrorize Democrats and forcibly indoctrinate Americans into their cult.
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April 24, 2021:
👉 As one who used to espouse "Christian Nationalist" ideas unwittingly, I wish to now make it clear that the USA does protect Christians..but so does it protect every other religion. 👉"Christian Nationalism" (faux christianity) was at the forefront and a driving force of groups like the KKK. That can only come by a poor interpretation of the words of Jesus and other Biblical authors who said clearly: Love One Another. No one said "Love One Another unless they are different then me." 👉My grandparents migrated from Poland to the US in the 30s. I have foreign blood in my line as do most Americans. And the OT declares: "You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land..." And we are all strangers in the thing called life who are here but for a season. Why use that time to hate and defame anyone or everyone that does not think or look like you do? 👉Last note: the word "prolife" is batted around like its a special designation from God to Christians. But its become a meaningless political term used by political candidates to gain support. "Christian Nationalists" use it to pat themselves on the back for doing Gods work and give themselves a sense of "godliness" in their politics. Ive seen people support evil and vile candidates and sugar coat it with "prolife" language to give them some sense of "Christian" identification. I accept the word prolife but only if it is actually applied to ALL things life: 👉gun violence (if you need an AR to hunt youre doing it wrong), 👉a pandemic (NOT "just a flu"), along with lots of folks worldwide that used to look to the USA as a beacon. ......but now see us a fragile & maybe failing democracy. Jesus said love one another. Dont Pretend you do. |
Feb 8, 2021: Becky Garrison: Religious Dispatches: 2021 NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST: A KINDER GENTLER CHRISTIAN CAPITALISM
Gone were the Trumpian outward displays of a politicized version of Christianity that contained a toxic mixture of conservative white evangelicalism, prosperity gospel preaching, and Christian nationalism. Instead, all living former Presidents sans Donald J. Trump joined President Biden in promoting a future filled with faith and forgiveness. The Washington Post described the mood as a “return to the event’s historically lofty tone” that “highlighted the president’s effort to restore Washington’s institutions to their traditional pre-Trump form.”
Gone were the Trumpian outward displays of a politicized version of Christianity that contained a toxic mixture of conservative white evangelicalism, prosperity gospel preaching, and Christian nationalism. Instead, all living former Presidents sans Donald J. Trump joined President Biden in promoting a future filled with faith and forgiveness. The Washington Post described the mood as a “return to the event’s historically lofty tone” that “highlighted the president’s effort to restore Washington’s institutions to their traditional pre-Trump form.”
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Feb 5, 2021:
I saw most of Marjorie Taylor Greene's press conference. She could very well be the next Trump-swamp queen. Trump never knew much about Christianity so he didnt use the language. Greene appears to know something about it. MTG spouted all kind of Christianese while at the same time demonizing everyone and everything that did not think like she does. Jeremiah came to mind after contemplation on her speech. “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” (Jer 8). The tongue is a powerful force and when you break it down most of politics is about using and confronting that force. Today she claimed "peace" while, at the same time in the same press conference pushed back against Democrats & socialism and even the press because she didnt like being asked certain questions and pushing her red herring world views. She is now playing the victim card after she was removed from committees and lashed out against all the Democrats and the 11 Republicans who voted to have her removed. She may be the new Poster Child for Christian Nationalism. |
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Jan 13, 2021
👉Some people are suggesting we might be seeing a civil war. I don't know that its escalated to that point yet, but the similarities are there if compared to our first Civil War. 👉The Confederacy was largely Christian Nationalists (the faux Christian belief that God and Country are same thing). It was also an insurrection of southern states. If you've paid attention to where a lot of the people involved in the Jan 6 Capitol insurrection who have been arrested were from, it is mostly from southern states. 👉Christian Nationalism was alive and well before & during the Civil War and they viewed their battle against the Northern states as their Christian duty to defend. Slavery was, to them, a Christian right. Though Slavery was a central theme, one could also argue that money was also a motivation. If they lost their slaves they would have to pay a wage to other people to do their work. I am not saying Magas are pro-slavery...but there is a strong connection with White Supremacy groups. 👉Christian Nationalism never died in the south and is now making a comeback in the Maga Movement. I am not saying all southerners are that way, but it is here amongst us (I live in Mississippi). 👉Christian Nationalism still has money as motivation somewhat as many of the Maga crowd will tell you that under Trump they made more money and are sure that under Democrats they will lose that. It is also why many of the prosperity preachers became supporters of the Magas: prosperity preachers thrive in capitalist driven countries because God is not really blessing their methods they are just playing the economy...and living off the donations of unsuspecting Christians who are actively contributing to the economy with their labor. 👉Christian Nationalism and Maga are pretty much the same thing. It is why they can be involved in a seditious move on the US Capital where Police officers were beaten and carry Christian and Confederate flags with them. They see no contradiction in their philosophies. It is why the social media Magas can suggest killing elected officials while decrying abortion simultaneously. It is why you can look at one of their FaceBook profiles and see many hateful posts about Democrats and other enemies while they mix in Bible Verse memes in between. 👉They do not see contradiction or contradictions to their contradictions. They watch only news they agree with and are otherwise uninformed about what is going on in the world or even their own country. Science means little. They have created their own reality. Whatever they do they see as God ordained and is what makes them dangerous. Donald Trump, who actually knows very little about the Bible or the Constitution (and if he did he wouldn't care). In fact, his niece, Mary Trump , says Donald Trump does not read anything. Mary Trump has not been wrong about anything she has written about her uncle but too many people didn't pay attention. 👉And now he has become their leader. To many he is actually elevated to Messiah. 👉I dont know how this is all going to end. I pray that it will end well. Sanctions against any and all, including Trump, is a good start. But it will not end the fact that they think they are doing Gods will and if you mix that with political ideology it makes you think you are the smartest person in the room. Mix that with a gun and you have a very real danger. "God, Guns & Liberty" are the battle cry of the Magas, along with Trump2020...though now they have to find flags and signs that dont include Mike Pence. I may be adding more to this as I think about it more....or fix grammatical errors (Its hard to edit your own material😉) |
Jan 11, 2021: New York Times: The Roots of Josh Hawley’s Rage
Christian nationalists’ acceptance of President Trump’s spectacular turpitude these past four years was a good measure of just how dire they think our situation is. Even a corrupt sociopath was better, in their eyes, than the horrifying freedom that religious moderates and liberals, along with the many Americans who don’t happen to be religious, offer the world.
Christian nationalists’ acceptance of President Trump’s spectacular turpitude these past four years was a good measure of just how dire they think our situation is. Even a corrupt sociopath was better, in their eyes, than the horrifying freedom that religious moderates and liberals, along with the many Americans who don’t happen to be religious, offer the world.
Jan 11, 2021: Denison Forum: Was the Capitol riot a “Christian insurrection”? Why we must “live as though the truth were true”
Faith leaders were “nearly unanimous in condemning” the assault, as NPR reported on January 7. But evangelicals are nonetheless being widely blamed for the riot.
The Washington Post headlined: “Trump’s evangelicals were complicit in the desecration of our democracy.” The Atlantic called the riots “a Christian insurrection” and added, “Many of those who mobbed the Capitol on Wednesday claimed to be enacting God’s will.” Religion News Service stated, “Evangelicals must denounce the Christian nationalism in Capitol riots.”
Faith leaders were “nearly unanimous in condemning” the assault, as NPR reported on January 7. But evangelicals are nonetheless being widely blamed for the riot.
The Washington Post headlined: “Trump’s evangelicals were complicit in the desecration of our democracy.” The Atlantic called the riots “a Christian insurrection” and added, “Many of those who mobbed the Capitol on Wednesday claimed to be enacting God’s will.” Religion News Service stated, “Evangelicals must denounce the Christian nationalism in Capitol riots.”
Jan 11, 2021: Christian Post: Kingdom of God vs. Christian nationalism (part I)
During the past several months, there has been much talk and concern regarding Christian nationalism.
During the past several months, there has been much talk and concern regarding Christian nationalism.
Jan 11, 2021: Anxious Bench: “Sanctified Sinophobia” and the Role of Christian Nationalism in Anti-Asian Racism: An Interview with Lucas Kwong
In the stories, images, and video footage of last week’s insurrection at the Capitol, two details drew my attention. First, there was the open display of Christian nationalism. Pro-Trump activists erected a cross at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, and they danced to Christian music (and sometimes played shofars) in Washington, D.C. As Robert P. Jones argued afterward, the “seditious mob was motivated not just by loyalty to Trump, but by an unholy amalgamation of white supremacy and Christianity that has plagued our nation since its inception and is still with us today.”
In the stories, images, and video footage of last week’s insurrection at the Capitol, two details drew my attention. First, there was the open display of Christian nationalism. Pro-Trump activists erected a cross at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, and they danced to Christian music (and sometimes played shofars) in Washington, D.C. As Robert P. Jones argued afterward, the “seditious mob was motivated not just by loyalty to Trump, but by an unholy amalgamation of white supremacy and Christianity that has plagued our nation since its inception and is still with us today.”
Jan 11, 2021: Religion Dispatches: Q SHAMAN’S NEW AGE-RADICAL RIGHT BLEND HINTS AT THE BLURRING OF SEEMINGLY DISPARATE CATEGORIES
Fighting alongside Donald Trump and the angels in a spiritual war while sporting white supremacist-associated tattoos connects Q Shaman to evangelical Christian nationalism. At the same time, he identifies himself as a shaman. Now in federal custody, Q Shaman aka Jake Angeli aka Jacob Chansely [image below left] is a well-known figure at protests in Arizona in support of Trump’s false claims of election rigging, against Covid-19 lockdowns, as a counter-protestor at Black Lives Matter, and also at a climate protest.
Fighting alongside Donald Trump and the angels in a spiritual war while sporting white supremacist-associated tattoos connects Q Shaman to evangelical Christian nationalism. At the same time, he identifies himself as a shaman. Now in federal custody, Q Shaman aka Jake Angeli aka Jacob Chansely [image below left] is a well-known figure at protests in Arizona in support of Trump’s false claims of election rigging, against Covid-19 lockdowns, as a counter-protestor at Black Lives Matter, and also at a climate protest.
"Christian nationalism. When you attach the cause of cause of Christ or Christ's name to a political party or to a particular president or when you see, on the Capitol steps, the flags that say 'Jesus 2020'....I thought [to myself] that's impossible. Breaking and entering into the Capitol building-- that's not Jesus. This has hurt the cause of Christ. This has set us back. Don't we care about offending the least of these," --Seacoast Vineyard Church Lead Pastor Tommy Moore (ABC 15 News)
Jan 10, 2021:
👉God has and is using Trump to expose the stupidity and evil hearts of those who call Him Lord. "Christian Nationalism" is not of God. God demands devotion to love Him with all your heart your mind and your soul. Then to love your neighbor as yourself (even if you disagree with your neighbor).
👉The kingdom of God focuses on the advancement of the gospel. Nationalism focuses on the advancement of the politics of the nation. Politics and economics are vital and, to an extent, can represent biblical ethics. But Jesus made it clear that being committed to making disciples and seeing humanity change was more important, and a change that would be real and lasting.
👉It is also possible for a committed Christian to be a faithful witness for Jesus while serving in public life as an elected official. But anything that potentially distracts my energy and focus away from advancing the Gospel should take a backseat in my personal life and ministry.
1️⃣The kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Nationalism produces loyalty to the nation above all else.
2️⃣The kingdom of God produces martyrs for the cause of Christ. Nationalism produces citizens who are willing to die for their nation based simply on a political ideology.
3️⃣The kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Nationalism raises the national flag above all else...or based on what we saw this week, the Trump flag and even, more sadly, the Confederate flag.
4️⃣The kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Nationalism promotes the interests of the nation above the kingdom.
👉Christian Nationalism is a very dangerous dogma. When you think God is on your side and your politics is from Him...you see yourself as the smartest and the strongest person in the room. It is a dangerous faux humility.
▶️“His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence” (Psalm 11:5). Solomon instructed us, “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31).◀️
👉God has and is using Trump to expose the stupidity and evil hearts of those who call Him Lord. "Christian Nationalism" is not of God. God demands devotion to love Him with all your heart your mind and your soul. Then to love your neighbor as yourself (even if you disagree with your neighbor).
👉The kingdom of God focuses on the advancement of the gospel. Nationalism focuses on the advancement of the politics of the nation. Politics and economics are vital and, to an extent, can represent biblical ethics. But Jesus made it clear that being committed to making disciples and seeing humanity change was more important, and a change that would be real and lasting.
👉It is also possible for a committed Christian to be a faithful witness for Jesus while serving in public life as an elected official. But anything that potentially distracts my energy and focus away from advancing the Gospel should take a backseat in my personal life and ministry.
1️⃣The kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Nationalism produces loyalty to the nation above all else.
2️⃣The kingdom of God produces martyrs for the cause of Christ. Nationalism produces citizens who are willing to die for their nation based simply on a political ideology.
3️⃣The kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Nationalism raises the national flag above all else...or based on what we saw this week, the Trump flag and even, more sadly, the Confederate flag.
4️⃣The kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Nationalism promotes the interests of the nation above the kingdom.
👉Christian Nationalism is a very dangerous dogma. When you think God is on your side and your politics is from Him...you see yourself as the smartest and the strongest person in the room. It is a dangerous faux humility.
▶️“His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence” (Psalm 11:5). Solomon instructed us, “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31).◀️
Nov 20, 2020: John Pavlovitch: Dear Judas, (A Letter to the Evangelical Church)
Your thirty pieces of silver were these last four years,
some Supreme Court Justices,
a couple hundred of lower court judges,
the temporary high of a few political wins,
the bully pulpit of a President’s Twitter feed for forty-eight months,
and perhaps soon, a woman’s right to autonomy over her own body.
Your thirty pieces of silver were these last four years,
some Supreme Court Justices,
a couple hundred of lower court judges,
the temporary high of a few political wins,
the bully pulpit of a President’s Twitter feed for forty-eight months,
and perhaps soon, a woman’s right to autonomy over her own body.
Some days we are just a Happy Meal waiting for the devil. Be vigilant but fear not. 🙂
