Religion and Politics – bendingtheneedle

My Christian Man Crush

I’ve been on a rant lately about the toxicity of religion in politics and the existential threat it poses to American democracy. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself in political lockstep with a devout Christian pastor and state legislator from Texas.

James Talarico is a state legislator, pastor, and former teacher representing Travis County, Texas. (When I hear the phrase Christian Pastor from Texas, I reflexively think this is not someone I’m going to connect with in any way, whatsoever).

As a humanist, my ethos is grounded in reason, compassion, and a commitment to human welfare, all without relying on religion or divine authority. I tend to distrust religious groups or individuals that emphasize moral absolutes, spiritual warfare, and cultural dominance, as many of today’s MAGA Christians do.

I deplore the charged and politically partisan nature of right-wing Christian leaders today, many of whom openly support Donald Trump as a divinely chosen figure. In my view, Donald Trump’s association with “the divine” is more accurately reflected in Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, which highlights how weak character and poor choices lead to moral decay in man – but I digress.

Although James Talarico and I disagree on the existence of God and the usefulness of faith, we share a common political identity and moral compass regarding the role of religion in politics and how we treat our fellow human beings.

When I listen to James Talarico speak, I hear humanism bathed in religious compassion. His arguments on why Texas should not display the Ten Commandments in schools are grounded in reason and commitment to the welfare of non-Christians and atheists.

Talarico’s political identity is fundamentally rooted in his Christian beliefs, which he draws upon to inform his legislative priorities and public stances. Now, one can say the same of the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, whom I detest.

Mike Johnson has informed Americans that the best way to understand his stance on any issue is to read the Bible. ‘That’s my worldview, that’s what I believe.‘ James Talarico proudly proclaims, “Jesus is the reason I’m in politics.”

So, we have two men who identify (quite publicly) as politicians guided by their Christian beliefs. Yet, the divide between them on almost every issue is wider than the Grand Canyon.

So, what gives?

Imagine two river boats (the SS MAGA for Christ and the SS Real Deal Christians) drifting down a wide river. The passengers on both boats refer to themselves as Christian, both rely on the same map for navigation — the Bible — but they interpret the terrain and the currents very differently.

The SS MAGA for Christ is sturdy and traditional, built from old wood passed down over generations. Its passengers believe God divinely determines the river’s course and shouldn’t be altered. They value order, hierarchy, and preserving the design of the boat as their ancestors built it. They’re wary of new boats with modern tech, worried those might drift off course or sink under unfamiliar values.
The SS Real Deal Christian is sleeker and adaptive, built with newer materials and open decks. Its passengers see the river as dynamic, winding through evolving cultures and perspectives. They believe their faith calls them to adjust their sails and reach out to those stranded along the shore, even if it means challenging long-held boating rules.

When the crew and passengers on the SS MAGA Christians see other boats on the river, like the SS Islam or the SS Atheists, they immediately consider them a threat and aggressively try to ram those boats or push them towards the riverbank to wreck them. Sometimes, crew members on the SS MAGA become pirate-like and try to board the other boats and convert their passengers to their dogmatic views of riverboat travel.

When the crew and passengers on the SS Real Deal Christians see other boats on the river, like the SS Islam or the SS Atheists, they share the waterways in the spirit of cooperation. They have no desire to board them or force them off the river.

In the analogy above, James Talarico is clearly aboard the SS Real Deal Christians. His interpretation of Christianity emphasizes tolerance, compassion, justice, and care for the marginalized or other, which he uses as the foundation for his political views.

Talarico’s political stances are an extension of Leviticus 19:18, which states, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord,” where he applies that verse to issues like healthcare, education, and immigration.

As a Real Deal Christian, Talarico’s faith calls on him to challenge far-right, conservative Christians and Christian Nationalists, making him a natural ally to humanists and non-believers like me.

He is known for quoting scripture in legislative debates, often to counter conservative Christian arguments. His speeches have gone viral for reframing Christianity as a force for inclusion, equity, and environmental stewardship.

For example, Talarico:

Opposed a Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms, calling it “un-Christian” and “idolatrous,” arguing that it misrepresents the teachings of Jesus.
Supports abortion rights, citing biblical passages that suggest life begins with breath and emphasizing the importance of consent in creation.
Rejects the idea that Christianity mandates opposition to LGBTQ+ rights or abortion, saying there’s no biblical basis for those positions.

Talarico describes Christian nationalism as “the worship of power – social power, economic power, political power, in the name of Christ” and has accused Christian Nationalists of turning Jesus “into a gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist” and argued that it is “incumbent on all Christians to confront it and denounce it.”

Political progressives and moderates in the Democratic and Republican parties would be smart to build coalitions with Christians, in the mold of James Talarico, and use these coalitions as a form of political activism moving forward.

Unfortunately, in America today, there’s no getting religion out of politics altogether. The best we can do is to fight fire with fire by co-opting the positive, humanistic ideals and values espoused by Mr. Talarico’s interpretation of Christianity (inclusion, equity, and tolerance) and use them politically to win the hearts and minds of voters.

A Mouth Full of Scripture, A Heart Full of Hate

Donny sells his Bible,
his MAGA hat and tees
a crypto-grifting-sneaker-whore
devoid of dignity

A grievance crowd
of dumb and proud
can’t wait to pay their fee
to the seditionist-exhibitionist
The king of bling chotchke

What trickles down
ain’t money
it’s hatefulness
and greed
no “love your neighbor”
sentiment
you’d rather
see them bleed

With a bible wrapped
in stars and stripes
and anger as your creed

A mouth
that’s full of scripture
with a heart
that’s full of hate
isn’t Christian
as you claim
and doesn’t
make us great

And so, I wonder
what God will say
When you’re standing
at his gate?

Let’s Ask Arty About What the Founding Fathers Said About Religion in Government

Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.

Query: Did the forefathers who drafted the US constitution warn about the dangers of state sanctioned religion? Can you provide a list of the warnings about religion in government?

The Founding Fathers were deeply concerned about the entanglement of religion and government, and they left behind a trail of warnings, principles, and legal safeguards to prevent state-sanctioned religion. Their views were shaped by centuries of religious conflict in Europe and the oppressive state churches many colonists had fled.

Constitutional Safeguards

First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This dual clause protects both freedom from government-imposed religion and freedom of personal religious practice.

Article VI: Prohibits religious tests for public office — a radical move at the time, ensuring that no one could be excluded from government based on faith.

Founders’ Warnings and Beliefs:

James Madison:

Warned that if Congress could define “general welfare,” it might “take the care of religion into their own hands” — appointing teachers, funding churches, and undermining limited government.
Championed the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom alongside Jefferson, opposing religious taxes and state interference.

Thomas Jefferson:

Coined the phrase “wall of separation between Church & State” in a letter to the Danbury Baptists, assuring them that government would not interfere in religious matters.
Authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, declaring that no person should suffer for religious opinions.

Benjamin Franklin:

Believed that corruption would lead people to demand despotism, including religious control, if they became “incapable of any other” form of government.

John Adams:

Declared: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” While he valued religion’s moral influence, he opposed state endorsement of any particular faith.

George Washington:

In his Farewell Address, warned against the “baneful effects of the spirit of party” and the consolidation of power — including religious authority — in one branch of government

Philosophical Foundations:

Many founders were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued that belief cannot be coerced and that religious liberty is a natural right.

They saw religious pluralism as essential to civic virtue and feared that state religion would lead to tyranny, division, and persecution.

My Input

Today’s MAGA Republican party lends vocal and legislative support for injecting Christianity into our government and embracing Christian nationalist rhetoric, which threatens to erode America’s secular rule of law and Jefferson’s “wall of separation between Church & State.”

There is a growing trend in the Trump administration (which is becoming increasingly authoritarian) to integrate Christianity with politics. Historically, Fascist governments have used religion to legitimize their rule, unify support, and suppress dissent.

With some help from Arty, here are some notable examples of how religion is infecting our politics:

Support for Declaring the U.S. a Christian Nation

According to a University of Maryland poll, 61% of Republicans support officially declaring the United States a Christian nation, even though a majority also acknowledged that doing so would violate the Constitution.
In the past, traditional conservative values celebrated religious liberty and pluralism, but with today’s MAGA-influenced Republican party, we’re seeing a shift towards a more exclusivist religious identity in politics.

Prominent Republican Figures Embracing Christian Nationalism and the idea of relying on the bible for public policy

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has openly called herself a “Christian nationalist” and stated that the GOP should embrace that identity.
Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado declared, “I’m tired of this separation of church and state junk,” and claimed, “the church is supposed to direct the government”.
Doug Mastriano, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania, dismissed the separation of church and state as a “myth.”
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated publicly that his Christian faith informs everything he does, shaping his perspective and views on law, policy, and public service. In an interview on Fox News, Johnson said, “Someone asked me today in the media, ‘People are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun?’ I said, ‘Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it — that’s my worldview”

Christian Nationalism in Policy and Education

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has promoted a Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative that reportedly teaches students that the Founders didn’t really believe in a strict separation of church and state.
In Louisiana, a new law mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, raising concerns about government endorsement of religious doctrine.
Oklahoma incorporates the Bible into public school lessons (so much for religious neutrality in education — at least in Oklahoma).

Religious Identity as Political Identity

A leaked recording of Justice Samuel Alito advocating a “return to godliness” has heightened concerns about religious conservatism influencing the Supreme Court’s decisions.
A slew of bills introduced by Republican lawmakers have prioritize religious values in areas like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and school prayer — often citing biblical principles as justification.
The Republican base, infected by MAGA influencers and believers are increasingly made up of evangelical Christians, with many viewing their religious identity as inseparable from their political beliefs.

If we lived in a completely homogeneous society where everyone believed in the same version of Christianity (the version that preaches taking care of the impoverished and suffering, turning the other cheek, and loving your neighbor), then the danger to individual rights, free thinkers, and democracy might feel overblown.

But what we’re seeing with the growing numbers of MAGA-Christians in America is what we’ve seen with the more violent offshoots of Islam and the ultra-orthodox strains of Judaism — that Religious views can be interpreted differently by different groups and individuals, and when people with a literal or militant view of a religion come into power, be it in Israel, Iran, or the United States, they tend to push their specific interpretation of scripture to justify policies and laws that strip rights from the marginalized or anyone who doesn’t conform to their religious views. That is precisely what Madison warned us of when he said that if Congress could define “general welfare,” it might “take the care of religion into their own hands” — appointing teachers, funding churches, and undermining limited government.

There is a deepening divide between MAGA-aligned Evangelical Christian leaders and traditional non-political Christian leaders, which is altering the politics in our country and reshaping the landscape of religious institutions and churches from sea to shining sea. With some help from Arty, here’s a breakdown of how their views differ—and how those differences are playing out.

Key Differences in Christian Worldview

Subject	MAGA Evangelical Leaders	Traditional Non-Political Christian Leaders
Role of Christianity in Government	Advocate for Christian nationalism; believe America was founded as a Christian nation and should reflect biblical values in law and policy	Support religious pluralism and separation of church and state; see faith as personal and communal, not political
Jesus’ Teachings	Emphasize moral absolutes, spiritual warfare, and cultural dominance (e.g., anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ+ policies)	Focus on compassion, justice, and inclusion—especially for marginalized groups like immigrants, the poor, and LGBTQ+ individuals3
Political Engagement	Highly partisan, often aligning with Republican candidates and causes; some leaders openly support Donald Trump as a divinely chosen figure	Avoid partisan politics; prioritize community service, peacemaking, and dialogue across divides3
View of Opponents	Frame political and cultural opponents as enemies of God or threats to religious freedom2	Encourage empathy, bridge-building, and respectful disagreement—even with those outside the faith8

How This Division Is Manifesting

In Politics

Christian Nationalism Surge: MAGA leaders promote policies that elevate Christianity in public life, such as flying Christian flags on government property or restricting LGBTQ+ and racial justice symbols.
Partisan Loyalty: Many MAGA Evangelicals view Trump as a “warrior king” defending their values, even if his personal behavior contradicts traditional Christian ethics2.
Pushback from Traditional Christians: Leaders like Russell Moore and Jim Wallis have criticized this politicization, warning it distorts the gospel and undermines democracy10.

In Churches

Congregational Splits: Churches are fracturing over political allegiances. Some congregations have lost members due to COVID policies, racial justice sermons, or perceived political bias10.
Rise of “Refugee Christians”: Many believers are leaving MAGA-aligned churches in search of communities that prioritize spiritual growth over political ideology.
New Movements: Groups like Red Letter Christians and Evangelicals for Social Action are reclaiming Jesus’ teachings on justice and peace, distancing themselves from partisan culture wars.

The Bigger Picture

This Christian divide in America is not solely theological—it’s cultural, generational, and deeply emotional. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to the grievances from MAGA Evangelicals, bemoaning about being under siege in America’s changing landscape. At the same time, traditional Christians look to adhere to a faith that transcends politics. The tension is reshaping denominations, remaking evangelicalism, and challenging what it means to follow Jesus in the 21st century.

Weirdly, with all the goings on in the Evangelical church related to the state of politics in America, Trump himself is not religious (even when he embarrassingly pretends to be). Unlike the Supreme Leader in Iran and the Hasidic Rebbes in Israel, Trump is a different type of Mullah, one motivated by money and a quest for power and attention, rather than deeply held religious beliefs.

Donald Trump (let’s call him the Moola Mullah) would make abortion mandatory if he thought it would win him an election or put some extra coin in his pocket. That said, Trump (like other Fascist leaders) is taking full advantage of the divide in the Evangelical church, siding with extremists in that movement to legitimize his rule, unify support, and suppress dissent.

We’re seeing the cultural amalgamation (especially in the Bible Belt region of the US) of a specific brand of “MAGA-infected” Republicanism with MAGA-infected Christianity, which seems to be the dominant version of Evangelical faith (or at least the loudest), and that should scare the shit out of true Christians, non-Christians, and non-believers alike.

But when it comes to Trump policies flying in the face of Christian values, those loud, hardline Evangelicals stuff their Bibles in their belts and become as quiet as church mice.

In the face of family separations, mass deportations, and reduced refugee admissions that are terrorizing immigrant communities in America, ALL Evangelicals should be protesting loudly based on these bible passages:

Leviticus 19:34 “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” → This verse calls for equal treatment and love toward immigrants, reminding the Israelites of their own history as outsiders.
Deuteronomy 10:18–19 “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” → A direct command to care for and love immigrants, grounded in empathy and divine justice.
Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” → Jesus equates welcoming strangers with serving Him, making hospitality a spiritual imperative.
Exodus 22:21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” → A warning against oppression, rooted in shared experience.
Zechariah 7:10 “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” → A broader call for justice and protection of vulnerable groups, including immigrants.

The meek might inherit the Earth, but they don’t run the show when religion and government become bedfellows. And so, in the face of Trump’s Gestapo tactics against immigrants, MAGA Evangelicals turn a blind eye, abandon the core principles of their faith, and become deaf as posts. Like all the cowards and traitors to the Christian faith in history, they know when to keep their mouths shut.

Let’s Ask Arty!

Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.

Query1: Do humans seek facts or do they rely on information sources that confirm their existing biases?

Great question! Human behavior regarding information-seeking can be complex. People often demonstrate a tendency known as “confirmation bias,” where they favor information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs and overlook or dismiss information that challenges those views. This can create echo chambers, especially in today’s digital age, where algorithms can amplify content that matches one’s interests and biases.

However, this isn’t the whole story. Many people actively seek out factual information and strive to consider multiple perspectives to develop a well-rounded understanding. Some individuals are more inclined toward critical thinking and skepticism, which helps them scrutinize information sources more carefully. In the end, it seems to be a blend of both tendencies, influenced by factors such as education, cognitive styles, and the information environment.

Query2: What human traits and characteristics lead them to actively seek out factual information to overcome confirmation bias?

Certain traits and characteristics can drive individuals to actively seek out factual information and overcome confirmation bias:

Open-mindedness: People who are open to new experiences and perspectives are more likely to seek out diverse sources of information and consider viewpoints that differ from their own.
Intellectual Curiosity: A strong desire to learn and understand the world motivates individuals to gather accurate and comprehensive information, even if it challenges their beliefs.
Critical Thinking: Individuals who engage in critical thinking are skilled at analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and questioning assumptions, which helps them identify biases and seek out reliable sources.
Humility: Recognizing one’s own limitations and the possibility of being wrong fosters a willingness to update beliefs based on new evidence.
Empathy: Understanding and valuing others’ perspectives encourages individuals to consider information that might contradict their own views.
Education and Awareness: Higher levels of education and awareness about cognitive biases can empower individuals to actively seek out factual information and strive for a balanced understanding.

These traits and characteristics can help individuals navigate the vast amount of information available and make informed decisions. Do you see any of these traits in yourself or others around you?

Query3: Which nations are best at teaching students how to think critically?

Several countries are recognized for their strong emphasis on critical thinking in education. Here are a few notable ones:

Finland: Known for its innovative education system, Finland emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and student autonomy. The Finnish curriculum encourages students to question, analyze, and engage in deep learning.
Singapore: Singapore’s education system is highly regarded for its focus on critical thinking and creativity. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ analytical skills and encourage them to think independently.
Canada: Canadian schools prioritize critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. The education system encourages students to explore, ask questions, and develop their own understanding of concepts.
Netherlands: The Dutch education system promotes critical thinking through project-based learning and collaborative activities. Students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and work together to find solutions.
Australia: Australian schools emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is designed to help students develop the ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.

These countries have implemented educational practices that foster critical thinking and prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.

Regarding the suppression of critical thinking to promote religious values and belief systems, some countries do indeed prioritize religious indoctrination over critical thinking. For example, in certain countries, religious education is heavily integrated into the curriculum, and questioning religious doctrines is discouraged. This can limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives and hinder their ability to think critically about different belief systems.

My input:

You’re probably wondering what questions about critical thinking have to do with politics and the troubled times America is in.

Have you ever wondered why President Trump publicly stated, “I love the uneducated?” or why the Trump administration is so fixated on getting rid of the Department of Education? or why Republicans are pushing legislation on the state level to incorporate Christianity into public schools?

I contend that Donald Trump and the MAGA-infected Republican party understand a population of critical thinkers would be disastrous to their platform and agenda and that the dumbing-down of future generations is critical to their existence.

An electorate of religiously indoctrinated citizens who can’t think critically is susceptible to lies and manipulation. For example, an uneducated electorate stuck in their own confirmation bias without the intellectual wherewithal to differentiate fact from fiction or the ability to pick apart half-truths and misinformation inserted into political speeches and policy statements might vote for a convicted felon and self-acknowledged sexual abuser and send our democracy into a tailspin.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson told Americans the way to learn how he feels about any issue is to read the Bible. ‘That’s my worldview, that’s what I believe.’ The increase of religiosity in the Republican party should be a huge red flag to Americans who cherish living in a secular and pluralistic society. The GOP’s embrace of Christianity as a national religion is a genuine threat to the American way of life and critical thought. Religion tells you what to think, not how to think.

The dumbing-down of Americans by Trump and the MAGA-infected Republicans is purposeful and strategic. It’s part of their long game to remain in power for decades.

Free thinkers and progressives better come up with a strategy of their own to counter this or we run the risk of being ruled by an American Taliban.

The MAGA Chickens Have Come Home to Roost

What happens to the partnership between the Evangelical Church and the Republican party when compassionate conservatism gets replaced with MAGA mania?

How do Evangelical ministers square the teachings of Christ with their MAGA-infected flock?

What happens when ultra-MAGA Evangelicals sit fidgety in church pews and listen to sermons contradictory to the messages spewed by their political Messiah on the campaign trail?

It won’t be long before we see a sectarian split within the Evangelical church and radical versions of Evangelicalism start popping up across the country, like crack houses in the 80s.

These radical Evangelical churches will teach a MAGA-tinged Christianity, where Christ, a muscular blue-eyed-blond-messiah, wields his razor-edged cross to slice and dice woke liberals, immigrants, homosexuals, and atheists, to reestablish truth, order, and the American way.

Break-away Evangelical churches are how MAGA survives and (thrives). These churches will become radicalization factories in America like Wahhabi mosques in Saudi Arabia.

MAGA politicians are no different than any other. They understand religion is a tool for controlling and mobilizing masses – Churches plant seeds dipped in fear and bigotry to grow compliant human saplings so that future outcomes that align with religious ideology can take hold in society.

“The meek shall inherit the earth” will be replaced by a mite-is-right mentality—where the rationalization and justification of cruelty to achieve a particular end is the norm.

The transformation of the Evangelical church will correlate and coincide with criminal charges against former president Trump and his impending legal jeopardy.

Let’s keep our eyes peeled for an upstart-fire-brand Evangelical minister looking to make a name for himself by taking advantage of political chaos.

Donald Trump will be the new radical Evangelical church’s prophet of revenge and retribution.

I hope none of this comes to fruition, but I would not be surprised if it did.