ICYMI, I appeared this morning on AM Joy on MSNBC with Bishop William Barber and Bishop Michael Curry to discuss Jeff Sessions’ and Evangelicals’ use of the bible to justify the separation of children from their parents at our borders and how the Christians who still support Donald Trump are now condoning a vicious form of child abuse that goes against everything it means to follow Jesus. We have to take back our country –and our vote– in 2018, 2020, and beyond. Learn more about this movement at www.votecommongood.com.
https://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16/videos/1272188312911272/
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I’m glad Bishop Bauer called out Franklin Graham’s both sides to it. Graham just couldn’t admit Trump and Sessions’ public policy is cruel and racist. Concerned readers of this blog check out this article in Slate on what we can do to end to this awful policy. https://tinyurl.com/familiestogether Cheers.
As Bishop Curry points out, it is telling the white Evangelical leaders who support Trump don’t recite verses about helping the poor and comforting the broken hearted. In the parable about the rich man who allegedly asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life, Jesus allegedly told him to sell what he owns, give it to the poor and follow him. According to the legend, the rich guy didn’t.
The real problem, however, is not whether or not the Bible has been misinterpreted to justify an inhumane policy, but that was used at all. Evangelicals are happy Trump moved the US embassy to Jerusalem because of their delusional belief in the Second Coming of Jesus. After all, these are the last day, right? Wrong. We have a secular government and religion should play no part in determining domestic or foreign policy.
I understand Mr. Sessions was responding to criticism from Catholic Bishops, but he has gone on to recite more Bible verses in support his and Mr. Trump’s child abuse. Folks it’s past time to insist our secular government maintain the separation between church and state. I’m all for working for the common good, but religious beliefs usually divide rather than united people. Good luck, Frank. You will need it. Cheers!
The far right’s use of Romans 13 to justify the detaining of children at the border is stunningly ridiculous. The teachings of Jesus clearly, very clearly, condemn what the administration is doing. When the attorney general makes such a lame argument he only proves that his knowledge of Scripture is very limited. Many Christians are beginning to see what is going on. I believe that every time Christians speak up, a few, still only a few, are waking up.
The facts behind the separating of immigrant children from parents are now being given even on Fox News. The following clip contains Laura Ingrahm’s spin about the matter, but it also contains footage by others who are now being heard – even on Fox News. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jeff-sessions-doj-not-like-nazis_us_5b2887e1e4b0f0b9e9a43e7d Hillary Clinton is on the clip and she very clearly calls the administration’s spin “a lie”.
Notice that Sessions tries to frame the administration’s position as one that is only following the law, yet he and Ingrahm each call the position a “policy”. Ingrahm gets to the point at 6:30 when she bluntly asks Sessions whether the policy, at least in part, is to deter illegal immigration. I.E., are these children being used as pawns? Sessions tried to skirt her question, but Ingrahm asked again, and Sessions finally says “So, Yes”. Therefore, though it will be re-spun soon, Sessions admitted that what is happening is not following the law, it is a policy which is, at least in part, meant as a deterrence against illegal immigration. That the truth is being said even on Fox News means that the few Christians and others who are standing up and yelling are being heard. Praise the Lord.
Preach it Brother! you out-preached both our man Curry and Bishop Barber, which i didn’t think possible. Perfectly expressed the rage and grief so many of us feel. ” Pimps of evil ” is the phrase of the year.
Frank – our sons didn’t serve for this.