In my opinion, if we have any empathy at all, we should be talking about what Christian Progressives are doing about Gaza. As for evangelicals and their internal squabbles, - let us back Pope Francis's advice to Kolinsky - make a peace treaty with Russia. We should not be perpetuating the Russia-Ukraine war or the Israel-Palestinian war by sending weaponry.
The defense industry is a top donor to Johnson’s campaign. Plus there is a military presence in his district. This, rather than evangelical piety, is why he supported the Ukraine funding bill.
I read an article in the May issue of the Atlantic titled Clash of the Patriarchs by Robert F. Worth which brings the Russian Orthodox Church into this story. Jon Ward
Thank you very much, Diana, for another thoughtful analysis. As I read it, I remembered something that Franklin Graham wrote in support of Putin, which most likely swayed many evangelicals to have a "soft spot" for this dictator. If my memory serves correctly, Graham lauded Putin for banning homosexuals to participate in the Russian Olympics. In his article, Graham acknowledged that Putin was a bad guy and all, but wow, was his commitment to sexuality spot on. Putin's position on sexuality was enough for Graham to look the other way in every other way, and Graham wanted it to be enough for American evangelicals to look the other way, too. I think Graham needs to be put out to pasture if he hasn't already! I am so grateful for your exposure of evangelicals and their wrongs.
Thank you Diana. This is a great summary of what's going on at the highest political levels. Love that you are able to articulate political issues as they relate to peoples' faith. Bravo!
One can hope that Mike Johnson is moving toward moderation and being more a statesman than a partisan. But for now, it’s in my “be wise as serpents, innocent as doves” file.
My motto: Bipartisan is not a dirty word. Thinking about bumper stickers or tshirts.
This is a very helpful article. I am struck by the naivety of MTG - that Zelenskyy is the one who is seeking to destroy the church. It doesn’t take that much energy to learn history and understand that the Soviets sought to wipe out all religious sentiment in Russia and other Soviet block nations. Bless her heart. MTG is so in over her head.
And it is also pretty sad to me that the only people Evangelicals will stand behind are Christians made in their own image.
I thought I was an evangelical. But I don’t see MAGA, MTG or any of the pro Christian nationalism as Christian actually. I thought in this country we were religious freedom fighters like the Baptists and quakers who fled religious persecution. Now I am the persecuted one fleeing the MAGA republicans. WOW.
Mike Johnson felt the ground shifting under his feet. I feel relief that at last aid was passed. Just look at the votes for it. I would be careful about reading too much into Johnson's "change of heart". Please remember he was central to much of the house right wing cabal agitating against President Biden. Johnson did not vote to support certification of the election. It is true he has been receiving the kind of security reports only available to the "Gang of Eight". He may be speaking truthfully that he believes the reports. However, that he felt compelled to invite himself (djt did not invite him) to Mar A Lago indicates something troubling to me. Johnson is not a stupid man. He is a Christian nationalist. Maybe even a Christo-fascist. He's not changing his spots but he is doing a good job of camouflaging them IMHO.
Hard to digest all this....definitely going to read it again. And again. And a......
In my opinion, if we have any empathy at all, we should be talking about what Christian Progressives are doing about Gaza. As for evangelicals and their internal squabbles, - let us back Pope Francis's advice to Kolinsky - make a peace treaty with Russia. We should not be perpetuating the Russia-Ukraine war or the Israel-Palestinian war by sending weaponry.
The defense industry is a top donor to Johnson’s campaign. Plus there is a military presence in his district. This, rather than evangelical piety, is why he supported the Ukraine funding bill.
I read an article in the May issue of the Atlantic titled Clash of the Patriarchs by Robert F. Worth which brings the Russian Orthodox Church into this story. Jon Ward
Thank you very much, Diana, for another thoughtful analysis. As I read it, I remembered something that Franklin Graham wrote in support of Putin, which most likely swayed many evangelicals to have a "soft spot" for this dictator. If my memory serves correctly, Graham lauded Putin for banning homosexuals to participate in the Russian Olympics. In his article, Graham acknowledged that Putin was a bad guy and all, but wow, was his commitment to sexuality spot on. Putin's position on sexuality was enough for Graham to look the other way in every other way, and Graham wanted it to be enough for American evangelicals to look the other way, too. I think Graham needs to be put out to pasture if he hasn't already! I am so grateful for your exposure of evangelicals and their wrongs.
If anyone can write an evangelical breakup with 45 … song, Medema can. Just sayin :>)
Thank you Diana. This is a great summary of what's going on at the highest political levels. Love that you are able to articulate political issues as they relate to peoples' faith. Bravo!
This is very helpful. Thank you.
One can hope that Mike Johnson is moving toward moderation and being more a statesman than a partisan. But for now, it’s in my “be wise as serpents, innocent as doves” file.
My motto: Bipartisan is not a dirty word. Thinking about bumper stickers or tshirts.
Thank you, Diane for this terrific analysis that I can’t find anywhere else. Your understanding of the evangelical landscape is invaluable. Bill
Thank you for this excellent, incredibly researched article.
Terrific analysis. This deserves main stream treatment.
This is a very helpful article. I am struck by the naivety of MTG - that Zelenskyy is the one who is seeking to destroy the church. It doesn’t take that much energy to learn history and understand that the Soviets sought to wipe out all religious sentiment in Russia and other Soviet block nations. Bless her heart. MTG is so in over her head.
And it is also pretty sad to me that the only people Evangelicals will stand behind are Christians made in their own image.
Wow!! that was very informative and an excellent read. Thank you so much Diana Butler Bass!
I hope the evangelicals find Jesus and loose themselves
Insightful article but also so confusing.
I thought I was an evangelical. But I don’t see MAGA, MTG or any of the pro Christian nationalism as Christian actually. I thought in this country we were religious freedom fighters like the Baptists and quakers who fled religious persecution. Now I am the persecuted one fleeing the MAGA republicans. WOW.
Mike Johnson felt the ground shifting under his feet. I feel relief that at last aid was passed. Just look at the votes for it. I would be careful about reading too much into Johnson's "change of heart". Please remember he was central to much of the house right wing cabal agitating against President Biden. Johnson did not vote to support certification of the election. It is true he has been receiving the kind of security reports only available to the "Gang of Eight". He may be speaking truthfully that he believes the reports. However, that he felt compelled to invite himself (djt did not invite him) to Mar A Lago indicates something troubling to me. Johnson is not a stupid man. He is a Christian nationalist. Maybe even a Christo-fascist. He's not changing his spots but he is doing a good job of camouflaging them IMHO.
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/31552
This link from PBS Newshour concerns Russian persecution of Christians in Ukraine.
https://youtu.be/jh0IdyeiAiQ?si=G3ERoQ8xFJt6Gaoc