JAMES LASHER - CHARISMA NEWS
Former President Donald Trump recently announced his plans to create a federal task force to combat what he called "anti-Christian bias" in the United States. The announcement came during a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, where Trump vowed to "end the war on Christians" if he is re-elected to a second term in the 2024 presidential election.
The promise comes at a time when Trump claims that under the Biden administration, "Christians and Americans of faith are being persecuted and government is being weaponized against religion like never before." Trump cited a House Judiciary Committee report from August, which alleges that the FBI targeted traditional Catholics as "potential domestic terrorists," and warned that Evangelicals could be targeted next.
"Evangelicals will not be far behind because when that starts, it starts happening on a very major scale," he said. "When I'm back in the White House, never again will your government be used to target Christians and other religious beliefs."
As part of his plan, Trump announced the creation of a federal task force aimed at "fighting anti-Christian bias" under what he called a "fully reformed" Justice Department. The task force would focus on investigating "all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and persecution against Christians in America."
"They are going after Christians," Trump added. "Americans of faith are not a threat to our country. Americans of faith are the soul of our country and they have been from the beginning."
Trump also criticized President Biden for omitting the birth of Christ from his speech at the annual National Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 30.
"He completely failed to even mention the birth of Jesus Christ, which is hard to do if you're celebrating Christmas, right?" said Trump.
"He didn't mention Jesus Christ in his remarks, not for three years he hasn't mentioned that, and barely mentioned God."
In recent years, there have been several instances where the Biden administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) has been accused of targeting Christians and Catholics. Among several notable cases:
- Mark Houck: In September 2022, the FBI raided the home of Mark Houck, a pro-life activist and Catholic, for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Houck was accused of pushing a pro-choice activist outside an abortion clinic in Philadelphia in 2021. The raid, which involved armed agents, was criticized by many as an excessive use of force.
- Catholic Charities: In March 2023, the Biden DOJ filed a lawsuit against Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver for allegedly discriminating against a transgender employee. The lawsuit claimed that the organization violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by terminating the employee after they came out as transgender.
- Religious exemptions for vaccine mandates: In November 2022, the Biden administration's vaccine mandate for healthcare workers was challenged by several religious organizations, including the Catholic Health Association of the United States. The DOJ defended the mandate, arguing that it did not violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The Supreme Court ultimately blocked the mandate in January 2023.
- Religious freedom in education: In March 2021, the Biden DOJ withdrew support for a lawsuit filed by a Christian student group at the University of Iowa, which claimed that the university had violated their First Amendment rights by deregistering the group for requiring its leaders to adhere to its religious beliefs. The DOJ's withdrawal of support was seen by some as a lack of commitment to religious freedom.
There have also been waves of outcry from the Christian community at the debauchery and sexual immorality that has found it's way into the Biden White House through such events as the annual Pride celebration and employees actions within the administration.
The Bible has a lot to say about corrupt leadership.
The Word of God emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in those who hold positions of power.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah condemns the leaders of Israel for their corruption, saying, "Your princes are rebellious and companions of thieves; everyone loves a bribe and follows after rewards," (Isa. 1:23).
Similarly, the prophet Ezekiel denounces the corrupt leaders of his time, stating that they "have vexed the poor and needy and have oppressed the sojourner wrongfully," (Ezek. 22:29).
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks out against the religious leaders of His time, calling them hypocrites and accusing them of neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice and mercy (Matt. 23:23).
The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of corrupt leadership, writing in Romans 13 that governing authorities are appointed by God and should be respected, but also that they are responsible for upholding justice and punishing wrongdoers.
Throughout the Bible, the message is clear: those in positions of power are held to a high standard, and those who abuse their authority and act unjustly will be held accountable.
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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