When Politicians Use Christianity as a Prop

There is a lot going on in the U.S., and now in the Middle East with the conflict there, which seems to be expanding, especially after today’s attacks. Carl Von Clausewitz, a Prussian general and military theorist, said that “war is a continuation of politics by other means.” That is exactly what is happening in the three countries involved in the latest Middle East crisis. It’s a continuation of their politics and, frankly, a way to distract the public from what is really happening in each of those countries. I’ll stop here and continue to monitor the situation to see how far it goes.

What I want to comment on today are other things that continue to erode some of the freedoms we currently enjoy in this country. Everyone is aware of the craziness surrounding immigration, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (which I still can’t believe our so-called adults in Congress went with that name), the defunding of our universities, which will impact research and future scientific breakthroughs, the economy, and the ever-growing list of issues we face.

But one issue that continues to sneak in is the erosion of the separation between church and state.

I’m reading the biography of John Adams, the second president of the U.S., and it’s clear that he, Thomas Jefferson, and others supported this separation. So why do we continue to push a particular “flavor” of Christianity in our public schools? I used the word “flavor,” but maybe “distortion” is more accurate.

Back in September, I wrote about states banning books, mandating the use of the Bible in history classes, and a new law in Louisiana requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms. Well, guess what, Texas just passed a law requiring every classroom to visibly display a poster, at least 16 by 20 inches, of the Ten Commandments.1

Texas Representative Candy Noble stated, “It is incumbent on all of us to follow God’s law, and I think we would all be better off if we did.”2 I thought Christians were not under the law but under grace, because of what Jesus did. If we were truly under the law and facing the punishment prescribed for breaking any of the Ten Commandments, or other Old Testament laws, we probably wouldn’t be able to find anyone qualified to serve in state or federal government.

I know why politicians push these kinds of laws, and it has nothing to do with genuine Christian faith. It’s all about pleasing some voters and keeping donations flowing.

Also, if many pastors and Christian leaders, so-called “Bible experts,” don’t obey the Ten Commandments or follow Jesus’ teachings, why are we forcing the Bible and the Ten Commandments into public schools?

By the way, here are some examples from the state of Texas to illustrate the level of hypocrisy:34

  • Robert Morris: Founder of Gateway Church, indicted in Oklahoma on charges related to alleged lewd acts with a child from the 1980s; resigned from the church. A civil lawsuit was also filed.
  • Tony Evans: Former Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; resigned in June 2024, citing a “pattern of inappropriate behavior.”
  • Terren Dames: Senior Pastor at North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship; arrested and charged with soliciting prostitution.
  • Josiah Anthony: Former Lead Pastor at Cross Timbers Church; resigned due to “inappropriate and hurtful” actions, including communication with multiple women.
  • Ronald Goines: Founding and Lead Pastor of Koinonia Church; arrested and charged with indecent and sexual assault.
  • Jim Mustain: Former Community Pastor at Preston Trail Community Church; arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.

As a citizen, I feel offended when politicians use the Christian faith as a political prop. I’m equally offended when they do that with any religion or belief system. But I understand the rationale behind these schemes, so my offense is usually short-lived.

Then I came across an article about closing the church-state gap, describing actions by the LifeWise Academy, a non-profit organization. It stated:

“LifeWise buses children from public schools to local churches during recess, gym, art, library, and other elective classes to teach them the gospel during the school day, if parents opt in.”
Later, it added:
“In poor rural places, a LifeWise pizza party may be the only hot meal children get that week.”

That might motivate some parents to opt in.

Here’s what was covered in one of their lessons:

“The topic was the crucifixion. The teacher asked the seven- and eight-year-olds to write down a list of their ‘most troublesome sins.’ She brought in a whip to demonstrate how Jesus was tortured. ‘There would have been no skin left on Jesus’s back. His ribs would have been exposed, and it would dig into his organs,’ she said. ‘After the beating, his raw body rubbed against the cross—think of the splinters!’ She added that God could not look at Jesus because he was covered in sins. Then class ended. Jesus would be resurrected—but that would be covered in the next lesson.”

Wow. That was a tough lesson. Is this really the version we want our kids learning? Yes, the Romans were savage, not just to Christians but to anyone they considered enemies. But of all the lessons we could be teaching children about Christianity, this is what someone thought was most important? That’s a scare tactic, no doubt. It reminds me of the Christian-affiliated Native American boarding schools.

The obsession some Christians have with “helping” God in ways He never asked for is insane. Sharing the gospel is not the same as shoving the Ten Commandments or Christian beliefs down the throats of children or adults. That approach is not supported by the New Testament.

In Mark 6:8-11, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples with these instructions:

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” – Mark 6:8-11 NIV

There are many other similar instructions. But I’m still looking for the part where it says: “Force religion on others by any means necessary.” I’m sure it must be in the New Testament… somewhere.

It’s not. And Christians need to stop this. It’s not helpful.

I’ll end with a quick commentary on the Hulu show that I’m currently watching, The Handmaid’s Tale. The show, based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, is an American dystopian drama set after a Second American Civil War. In it, a totalitarian society subjects fertile women, called “Handmaids,” to child-bearing slavery.5

It’s hard to watch, but interesting from an educational perspective. What I’m paying attention to is how it all started, how Americans allowed it, and how so-called Christians actually behaved—from frustrated Christian women silenced in the name of doctrine to Christian husbands hiding from the regime to indulge in sexual sins at “Jezebel’s”—brothels and sex clubs. You see it all. It’s very interesting to observe their behavior and reflect on what is currently happening.  

As I watch, I think about the pastors and leaders mentioned earlier, and I wonder: Dystopian? I don’t know. But the potential feels real.

We need to stay aware, avoid distractions, protect our freedoms, and vote accordingly.

  1. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/24/ten-commandments-texas-schools-senate-bill-10/ ↩︎
  2. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/24/ten-commandments-texas-schools-senate-bill-10/#:~:text=“It%20is%20incumbent%20on%20all%20of%20us%20to%20follow%20God’s%20law%20and%20I%20think%20we%20would%20all%20be%20better%20off%20if%20we%20did%2C”%20 ↩︎
  3. https://www.wturley.com/dallas-church-sex-abuse-scandals/ ↩︎
  4. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/several-north-texas-pastors-controversies-this-year-2024/287-b5b1c20c-7b7b-47ff-a836-181aedf8ebd0#:~:text=According%20to%20police%2C%20a%20woman,charges%20being%20filed%20against%20Goines. ↩︎
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale_(TV_series) ↩︎

39 thoughts on “When Politicians Use Christianity as a Prop”

  1. Well written, Edward. “Wow. That was a tough lesson. Is this really the version we want our kids learning?” Not by a long shot. I agree with Liz that it would be child abuse. Your info on the pastors is appalling. Some Christians call themselves Christians, but their actions are far from what the Ten Commandments even mean. Corruption in church and politics is so rampant, I don’t know if it will ever end – a sad state of mind to be in. And spreading fear is far from Jesus’ teachings. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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  2. Beautifully said, Edward, “It’s not helpful.” That’s about as clear and plain as it can be. Absolutely right!

    I keep thinking about the pendulum swing – the further you push it, the faster it swings back. But at some points, it just makes people watching get dizzy. It seems like we need to get back to the basics (the Constitution, the teachings of Christ) and stop the madness!

    I’m with you, “We need to stay aware, avoid distractions, protect our freedoms, and vote accordingly.” Well said, my friend!

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    1. Thank you so much, Wynne. I really liked your pendulum swing example, it definitely makes one dizzy. The problem is, some people are never going to be satisfied. That’s why some create cults, and you know how that ends: terribly, 100% of the time.

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  4. Dystopian feelings…yes. I’m with you. I spent my morning with writer friends who are feeling much of what you’ve described in this powerful, insightful post…especially this slippery slope: …”the erosion of the separation between church and state…”
    Dangerous territory. Hypocrisy galore. 😢

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    1. Absolutely! It’s really a sad commentary on some people’s worldviews. History shows, time and time again, that what they’re trying to do doesn’t work. I guess some people enjoy self-inflicted pain. Is “masochism” the right term? Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend.

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      1. I hear you! Yes — people who derive pleasure from pain…insanity…disturbingly associated their self-worth with destruction…harm to others. 💔Grateful for your perspective, insight and wisdom, Edward. Bringing the sanity. 💕

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  5. I agree Edward that this has nothing to do with genuine Christian faith. It’s about concentrating control, greed, and power in the hands of the privileged. True Christians follow the teachings of Jesus—love for ALL of our fellow humans, inclusion, and acceptance. It’s about fighting against—not for—injustice.

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    1. Absolutely, Michelle. You just highlighted a great point: “True Christians follow the teachings of Jesus.” Christians who continue to pull verses from the Old Testament to support their personal agendas need to go back and truly study Jesus’ teachings, after all, Christianity started with Him.

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  6. John Adams is a fascinating historical figure. Have you seen the series starring Paul Giamatti? It is older. I shared video clips in my classroom. 👍🏻 Thank you for keeping a watch on events and situations and keeping us informed of your findings. I’ve been reading more news-related articles over the last few months after reaching overload during the pandemic. My time and tolerance are limited, but it is important to stay informed and vote responsibly, yes.

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    1. I keep hearing that it’s a good series. We just got Max, so I think I can watch it now. John Adams is definitely a fascinating character, and the same goes for his wife, Abigail. She was a strong and intelligent woman who had some interesting intellectual discussions with her husband, especially during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Well, that’s what I’m gathering so far. His biography is two volumes, and I’m still only halfway through volume one, so I’m sure Abigail has much more to say.

      After spending about a year now reading actual news articles, I can definitely say that I can’t stand watching cable or streaming news anymore. I get so much more out of reading a few articles a week than from the chaotic TV news cycle.

      Thank you, Michele, for reading and commenting. 🙏🏼

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  7. Distortion, incongruency, and hypocrisy abound (unfortunately) in most political, religious, and educational circles these days. I was literally shocked by the “lesson” given to 7- and 8-year-old children. While going through your post, I was thinking, where is the sapience that should characterize our species, and where is the love that was the greatest teaching of Jesus? Greed for power and money is what they express while doing whatever it takes to keep control. I see it as the last resources of the “darkness” before the new dawn of humanity. A new day of true humanness on Earth! Hopefully we will see it with our physical eyes… Thank you, Edward, for keeping bringing pertinent issues to light. Much needed for the desired change. Light and blessings to you, my friend, today and always 🙏✨

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    1. Thank you for adding the educational circles piece. It’s so true, and sadly, all three—political, religious, and educational—are getting mixed up in the worst possible way, affecting society. The lesson part was shocking to me as well, so I wanted to bring it up to raise awareness. Thank you, my friend, for your thoughtful comments. It’s always great to have your presence here.

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  8. I have partly read this article because I rushing to the farm and I will get to it in the break. But I thought the other day after the strike on Iran by USA that Trump has changed his mind once again as a distraction from the real issues at home. Israel can deal with Iran without USA getting directly involved.
    And talk about religion and politics, it’s not any different here.

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  9. Well said, Brother. Faith should never be politicized or forced. Let’s lead with truth, love, and grace. Just like Jesus did.

    God Bless You ,…

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  10. Great post Edward. I’ve tried to touch on this topic a few times. I always come to the same conclusion. As a Christian, I always get frustrated and angered when I hear some of these frauds and hypocrites push their religion on the rest of us. I always wonder how we’ve read from the same book and come to two different spots. I feel like they give Christianity a bad name. Ugh. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Brian. I’m with you. What some of them do doesn’t even come close to what the New Testament teaches. But of course, they cherry-pick verses from both testaments to advance their twisted agendas.

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  11. I watched all seasons of The Handmaids Tale, and though disturbing on so many levels, I knew about even more severe atrocities in the name of religion and Christianity. I recalled reading a book about the Spanish Inquisition. It saddens me that people over the ages have used Christianity as their excuse for being hateful. Thanks for the very thought-provoking post, Edward.

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  12. Don’t get me started on the subject of “Christians” who have obviously not accepted God’s grace to live accordingly. Have they even read the New Testament. I would consider the crucifixion “lesson” to be child abuse.

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  13. I agree with Brad, Edward. Thank you so much for having the courage and integrity (and a gift for writing) to discuss this extremely important topic. The LifeWise program is particularly disturbing, but the entire push to move the U.S. back to the past, way back, is, as you say, contrary to the intent of the founding fathers. Someone’s religion is meant to be a personal choice and a personal relationship. This ultra-Christian push seems to be more anti-Christian than pro-Christian insofar as disseminating fear and hatred towards @others”, which is precisely what Jesus preached against. My heart weeps.

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  14. You are so right, we are saved by grace not law.
    I agree with you, this bit about putting the Ten Commandments in classrooms is wrong. We are not under the Old Testament Law or the Mosaic Law. We are saved by the grace of God.

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  15. You’re a brave man Edward for wading into this topic. I agree with you and applaud you for standing up to the insanity of these kind of programs and policies. The US was founded specifically for religious freedom and separation of church and state. I guess none of these folks studied history.

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    1. Thank you, Brad. I’m just trying to add my voice, and hopefully we can balance the scale at some point. The voice on the other side is loud, and we need to bring some rational thought to the discussion. They’re definitely not, and if they are studying history, it’s a selective version.

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