The Story: The Billionaire Bully Who Wants to Turn Texas Into a Christian Theocracy

Tim Dunn may not be a household name, but staff writer Russell Gold explains why he is someone Texans should know. As Texas politics drifted toward Christian nationalism and right-wing extremes, staff writer Russell Gold wanted to know who was calling the shots. All roads led to Tim Dunn, the focus of his feature in the March 2024 issues of Texas Monthly, “The Billionaire Who Runs Texas.”
FULL STORY: www.texasmonth...

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Calling oneself christian... isn't the same as BEING one.

[@nickfoleie2074]

No, but judging others according to your standards, not gods, is a pretty good indication of wither you are a Christian or not

[@nickfoleie2074]

@@MissCleo24 you are literally judging another person.

[@HeronPoint2021]

touche. the moment someone introduces themselves and the first thing they push is "I'm a Christian" my guard goes way, way up and seven decades of life proves my caution was correct.

[@patth7582]

​@user-zp7jp1vk2i Agreed. Same lifespan, same conclusion. I'm disgusted by the new "fashion" to wear your gang affiliation on a shirt/jacket now. Literally wearing their "colors" and going begging for pious affirmation? Gross 🤢

[@mmartinez6754]

and that's every professed person I know

[@rorysimpson8716]

I wonder precisely when it will be that christians discover christianity.

[@BlackTomorrowMusic]

They've had two millennia to find it. If they haven't by now, I don't think they ever will.

[@hurdygurdyman1905]

I'm sure you understand it better than them.

[@truthbebold4009]

You all think that just because there are a bunch of hypocritical Christians out there that all Christians are that way.

[@rorysimpson8716]

@@hurdygurdyman1905 Super easy, barely an inconvenience. Don't be a jerk, mind your own business, save your judgements of the world and focus instead on the flawed being you yourself are. Do not value things over people. Be just and caring no matter what it costs you. There. easily done. Got a hard one for me?

[@Not2DaySatn]

Right.👍

[@winesap2]

He should go to Saudi Arabia if he wants to live in a theocracy. The US has freedom of religion.

[@wackyruss]

Damn straight.

[@cfltheman]

I think he wants a Protestant Christian theocracy. So Saudi Arabia nor Vatican City will be unacceptable.

[@denisemayosky1955]

But he can't ruin lives from there...!!😢 That's no fun!!

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Sort of, yes.

[@sawtooth808]

@@denisemayosky1955 That’s the idea

[@TheFlutecart]

Using Christian values as a whip to drive a political social agenda is surely the least "Christian" thing a person could do. It is the opposite of Christ's teachings, yet they want to be in charge of everything. They cling to wealth and power and they want to tell me about Jesus? And we have to listen to all that hatred for these people or those people when Jesus told us to love each other despite our differences. The idea of a "Christian State" will work out every bit as good as the Jewish State, Iran or the Holy Roman Empire has worked out. - I'm just an observant Heathen.

[@denisemayosky1955]

You actually have a better grasp of truly "Christian" values than these self-proclaimed "holy men of God", fellow flute lover (guessing by the username). They just want to rule and reign as cruel despots, name-dropping the name of Jesus to keep the "gullible rubes" (us) in thrall and under their thumbs - you know, like back in the good old ancient days where the monkey who pounds his chest the hardest gets to be king of the hill and have all the other monkeys in awe of him 🙄 - or something to that effect!

[@BadOompaloompa79]

This has been at the very heart of Christianity, of religion, right from the start bro.

[@Newton-Reuther]

Its definitely Christian, just not Christ-like

[@tomrussell9829]

😂move bk to your liberal states then😂

[@BadOompaloompa79]

@@tomrussell9829 it's the United States we are citizens of and in the United States making a law based on religion is against the rules. I know you hate the constitution but some of us kinda like freedom.

[@miketheman4341]

Why do people who made a lot of money think they understand any other field of study?

[@denisemayosky1955]

They're so full of themselves. They think they know everything.

[@markhammer643]

The saying used to be "If you're so smart, how come you're not rich?". These days, its' companion phrase should be "If you're so rich, how come you're not smart?".

[@karensprings4237]

There are studies addressing that. Look up the Monopoly study. People given a head start in game think it is all due to them. They grow arrogant as the game goes on.

[@pierregravel-primeau702]

Regalism is a huge part of american culture. If you are rich it's because god love you and you diserve it.

[@miketheman4341]

@@pierregravel-primeau702 See the Protestant Ethic

[@lesmcclaughry2732]

The more you let any religous belief have a role in goverment the less you are free.

[@farzana6676]

Tim Dunn has an amazing famiy with amazing kids and grandkids. Any man that can raise such a successful, wholesome, thriving family has the correct values for me to pay attention to. Instead we are lectured by childless, divorced and wacky leftists.

[@rebeccamilward4758]

Vote for harris-Welz

[@farzana6676]

@@rebeccamilward4758 That's a vote for open borders and a vote for illegals

[@EWR2LAX]

...and the more you let government have a role in your life the less you'll be free.

[@richmo6324]

Lies, the core of every founding document in america is Christian, the early settlers were running from religious persecution. Theres no such thing as “true freedom”, if there was true freedom then human sacrifices would be a right. Throughout history the most free countries were Christian. As an ex libertarian, the hardest pill for anyone to swallow is that morals, values and traditions stem from religion.

[@Pthommie]

We've devolved into a society of mock lords supported by a nation of serfs living without human rights. This state of affairs benefits the billionaire class who, by the way, bought the government out from under the populace decades ago, in the 1980s. We hear a lot about our 'freedom' in America, and the reason for that is we don't actually have much of it. Nations with human rights enshrined for their citizens don't have to brainwash their people into believing they're 'free' for the simple reason that they're too busy living their lives, FREELY.

[@helpanimals-]

Well said

[@rebeccamilward4758]

Vote for harris-Welz

[@robertcabuto3284]

When I was in a fundamental christian church in the 80s, they talked about the long game of turning the country into a theocracy. It's scary seeing them getting close to their goal

[@leahp1765]

Its going to happen.

[@DSAK55]

@@leahp1765 It *is* happening

[@leahp1765]

@@DSAK55 oh cool

[@laurensnieuwland4657]

​@@leahp1765I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. If you aren't, you're a moron, if you are, I'm sorry.

[@vannevels6758]

That's what happens when man tries to "help God" or "doing Gods' work".

[@JCC.M.]

That is EXACTLY what they want, 2nd class citizens who have no say in the governance of the state of Texas. They, the Christian right, believe that they, and they a alone, are right and have the right to tell everyone else what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and why to do it. This is EXACTLY why the founding fathers broke from Colonial English rule. This is why the First amendment is the amendment that covers what we, the people, believe is our first right. The right to believe in our own, PERSONAL way. And to not be forced to believe in another’s way.

[@rebeccamilward4758]

Vote for harris-Welz

[@Marchant2]

"Religion poisons everything." Wise words from a wise man, and those words have become truer and truer every year.

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

He wouldn't know what a true Christian was - a billionaire - the antithesis of a Christian!

[@chrisjohnson2065]

Yes, Christianity only likes it when Christianity has all the money. Not its people.

[@BadOompaloompa79]

A billionaire conman abuser is the truest Christian there could be. This BS has been at the very heart of it from the start. They love trump because he is the very embodiment of their religion. Hate, hypocrisy, greed and cowardice are the only real Christian values.

[@thesoundsmith]

Not if you talk to Joel Osteen! There's a _new_ Jesus in town, and he _loves_ the wealthy - they tithe _so-oo_ much better...

[@russellregister8553]

Depends which of the many denominations you ask! That's the thing about every version of Christianity, you get to pick and choose!

[@dddz961]

You are unemployed.

[@AndrewLoukidis-jr2bp]

We need to remove money from politics We need to tax billionaires into millionaires

[@michaelmuncy3593]

. . . and we need to tax churches.

[@matthewgoodwin8093]

You need a new tax bracket with a rate of 120%.

[@bradc32]

good luck you would think voters would be all for it but they are proven not to be smart and have no independent thoughts or dig into whats going on in politics.2 sides and the truth

[@moravianlion3108]

You can't remove money from a system that's based on money. You simply need more refined regulations in many areas. Simple, yes. Easy? No. But world is not binary, so try to avoid statements like "we need this and abolish that"

[@HeronPoint2021]

I'm old enough to remember we had to keep the millionaires out of contaminating the game, and instead it's now a lot, lot, lot worse. We used to say 600 people controlled the world in poly sic., now it what? Six?

[@Chrissy_Corey]

Yet another example of why No one person should be able to amass that much money.

[@Theomite]

Or at least have to pass a psych evaluation first. Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross as billionaires would probably not be as controversial.

[@wet-read]

Meh. If I had that much money, I would do cool things with it.

[@rebeccamilward4758]

Vote for harris-Welz

[@pohkeee]

Sounds like the “Texas Two-step Taliban”.

[@dsiepiela6449]

I’m so sick of being saturated with the Christian mythology and hypocrisy!!

[@fueymanchoo1291]

The Anti-Christ is not a singularity, rather a movement by a group who teaches the opposite of Christ.

[@denisemayosky1955]

True, but they will have their main spokesman!

[@marcosfernandez7207]

You're right!!! They are many, many, and all calling themselves Christians but doing quite the opposite of what Jesus told people to do...

[@zenwolf1046]

The "anti" in the original Greek can mean against but also INSTEAD OF.

[@rebeccamilward4758]

Vote for harris-Welz

[@johnroc4497]

@@rebeccamilward4758lol

[@bzick405]

Just based on his description I bet he pays no taxes at all..

[@sawtooth808]

He doesn’t, he lives high off the hog

[@tomrussell9829]

😂try thinking for yourself

[@rebeccamilward4758]

Vote for harris-Welz

[@cbglassiii9362]

Religion should have zero affect on government. Period. Full stop.

[@PersonaPariah]

Why does Biden gives speeches in black Churches?

[@rl1171]

@@PersonaPariah cause people that go to church can vote.

[@PersonaPariah]

@@rl1171 holding a political rally in a church goes agaisnt the separation of church and state.

[@rl1171]

@@PersonaPariah a church congregating as normal is not a political rally - I agree with the separation of church and state as much as anyone.

[@PersonaPariah]

@@rl1171 it is when a politician is giving a speech at said church.

[@garyhoover9983]

I don't go to Texas because of this crap.

[@Gablesman888]

Can we encourage you to discourage others from even visiting Texas, much less moving to Texas? Thanking you in advance for your kind concern.

[@rae0521]

Haven't been to the USA for 59 years and I live just 15 miles from the border. It used to be a great place. How I wish for someone to come along to rekindle the spirit of compassion and cooperation that once made it a great place. Right now, it's picking up speed in the spiral to total collapse. Wouldn't be the first "empire" to wither and die... and I suppose it won't be the last. We humans are VERY slow to LEARN.

[@tinasan3870]

Well I was born here and live here and I'll be damn if any of these religious hypocrits will run me out of my state....I'm voting Blue and so are my friends !

[@bradc32]

so called god can have Texas and Florida...wouldn't be caught dead there

[@PersonaPariah]

Based stay out lol

[@ar4122]

No wonder Texas is such a big mess. Figures

[@oldfartatplay]

Repugs havebeen controlling Tx for too long

[@PersonaPariah]

There are no mass lootings, store closures and homeless epidemic tho

[@knuckles543]

There are…. Uvalde….

[@helenvillarreal9925]

There are homeless. In the area not too far from the state capitol it could be interpreted as an epidemic to some. There is less in the rural areas.

[@sherievans2617]

Keeping CHURCH ⛪️ & STATE 🏛️SEPARATE is essential to DEMOCRACY!!

[@DDinTN]

There are groups fighting to keep religion out of public schools and government. Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Atheists, Secular Coalition for America, American Humanist Association, Secular Student Alliance, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Join and/or support them.

[@joshuatoledo8844]

Hold down Mr Christian: What is biggest point for the USA to intervene in the Middle East countries? We enforce Democracy and condemn Religious Groups being in Power.. Hypocrisy 100%.

[@jessetorres8738]

I once saw this comment on KZbin where the person basically said "If Jesus came back today, he wouldn't be a Republican like Trump but rather a Democrat like Sanders." Then they wrote a list of things that the Republican Party stands for today that are essentially the opposite of everything Jesus said & taught in The Bible.

[@JD-mm7ur]

Bernie is independent

[@ivoted-5489]

⁠@@JD-mm7urBernie is an independent now and he also ran as a Democrat in 2016. You are both correct. Here’s your prize: 🏆.

[@miriamthompson905]

He would actually run as a Socialist.

[@vannevels6758]

​@@miriamthompson905explain.

[@franciscouderq1100]

@@miriamthompson905Bernie as a “socialist” is rather moderate by European standard. Europe is not at all sick/I’ll because of a certain socialism in place on the contrary but their rich still could contribute a lot more to the repartition of wealth via taxes.

[@loriwilde3977]

I'm a sixth-generation Texan, and I've been appalled at the changes I've seen. What can we do to stop Tim Dunn and his ilk?

[@pierregravel-primeau702]

What would solve everything is to have real election laws where you can't spend billions in advertisements to brainwash everybody like it is in most democracies. Like how can a politician care about little people when an election cost tens of billions.

[@joannesmith2484]

Vote! Vote! Vote! Every election, every time! And encourage like-minded individuals to join you. These oligarchs get away with this crap because ordinary people don't pay attention and vote party-line because that's what their parents did. You reap what you tolerate, and inflict it on everyone else.

[@vannevels6758]

Vote Democrat! Cuz you already KNOW what RepubliKKKans want.

[@lzrd8460]

VOTE OUT ANY POLITICIAN THAT IS HELPING HIM! 😱😱 If these ppl want to live in a theocracy, let them leave the United States and live on some remote island! I have no patience for these kinds of people! America has freedom of religion and we have the most wonderful diverse citizens. What is wrong with America is ppl like this man and the fact that his good ‘Christian’ politicians refuse to vote for gun control.

[@Joe-ij6of]

Organize… there’s more like-minded folks like you out there than you think. State level voting usually has lower participation rates compared to national elections, plus people like Beto came pretty close in a state-wide election even though he’s a bit ridiculous, so the potential is there to bring people out.

[@richarnold9008]

Why doesn't he just go to Iran. It's already a theocracy and leave us alone

[@KootFloris]

No billionaire should have that decision power over so many other people, ever.

[@barnyg6804]

There is no greater hate than the love of a Christian.

[@Ergo8152]

Amen

[@dougshiner9180]

What can be said about Tims links to federal matters? How strong are his links to Trump? Is he affecting MAGA members in other states?

[@denisemayosky1955]

He looks like Trump. He has that same haughty, "better-than-thou" countenance .

[@pierregravel-primeau702]

He is a big fish in Texas but there are so many big fishes on the federal level that who care? Do you prefer Tims propaganda or Bill or Murdoch or Conrad Black or you are more a Mike guy or you drink Zukerberg's propaganda or maybe Putin's guy? Choose your overlord game!!

[@HeronPoint2021]

@@pierregravel-primeau702 Conrad is an interesting example of an "elite" that even convicted in a Federal court in the USA, and having revoked his Canadian citizenship to buy a peerage in London, got his C. citizenship BACK and no journalist I know has ever heard of that happening!!

[@joshuatoledo8844]

When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion.

[@humboldthammer]

The Art of the Deal 1987 -- "If you cannot beguile them with your brilliant plans, it is because THEY are under-educated or just too stupid. So then, if you want them to follow you, you must Dazzle Them with their Own Delusions." hint: CHOSEN by God All those Prophets are FAKE EWES. Matthew 24: 24.

[@Dagger-Deep]

We need to give Texas back to Mexico.

[@eleanormartinez8274]

Unfortunately, Mexico would not take it back in its present state.

[@lzrd8460]

Great idea, let these kinds of Texans live with fellow Mexican Christians. Right, as if!!!

[@chrisresnikoff1741]

Mexico needs to give Mexico back to New Spain

[@chrissmith7669]

Only if we can give Oklahoma back to France. :-).

[@chrissmith7669]

@robkoerth I lived in Oklahoma and would fully support Texas finally following through with threats. If they did they could either take Oklahoma with them Or give the Louisiana purchase back to France. Either way rid of both self righteous sanctimonious states that don’t know the difference between a religious state and one founded on religious principles

[@jasperchance3382]

This Is why Natural resources like gas and petrol should not be in the hands of private individuals.

[@ottodidakt3069]

something that is essential to the greater public should be in the hands of the greater public, private individuals very very rarely make decisions in favour of the greater public, except when they hand over their private power to the greater public understanding that otherwise the greater publics interests will loose and be left out. your comment is a typical neocon standing point, and no I'm not a "commie" (which the vast majority of Americans don't know the definition of). the closest thing to communism available today in america, is neoconservatism : privatise profit and have the public pay for the private created debt of a tiny minority

[@pedrosanchezgonzalez8693]

Yes they want to take humanity back to the Middle Ages

[@creekwalker62]

Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them. Barry Goldwater

[@johnloftin2461]

A christian being a billionaire is like a contradiction in terms. This is sad.

[@NosebergEatzbugsVonShekelstein]

There are several holy people mentioned in the Bible who were wealthy enough to be equivalent to a modern billionaire.

[@DSAK55]

like a camel going through the eye of a needle

[@vannevels6758]

You mean "oxymoron"; jumbo shrimp, military intelligence, Log Cabin RepubliKKKans (gay homophobes), etc.

[@johnloftin2461]

Old Testament. Follow the example in the new lead by Christ, Paul, and the rest of the Apostolic gang. If you find wealth like that endorsed in the New Testament, you're better than me. Everything I read under the new Covenant rally does demonize wealth. Don't look for tension with the Old Testament, just follow the instructions and example in the New Testament. No one likes it, but wealth is simply not looked on well in the New Testament. Some things changed drastically from the OT to the NT. Christians will never admit it, but rules/ requirements changed and it's silly to say otherwise. I'm sure you can find all the typical quotes that I would give, but I'll say "it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven". Obviously a rough quote, but you get the idea.@@NosebergEatzbugsVonShekelstein

[@johnloftin2461]

and that dude is NOT holy people@@NosebergEatzbugsVonShekelstein

[@LB-le3lc]

They oligarchs are having conversations behind closed doors while we argue over the price of eggs. Oligarchs are making their move while we are too busy being distracted.

[@johnanderson3700]

A Christian Theocracy is contrary to the Gospel: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s & to God the things that are God’s.”

[@vannevels6758]

The problem with that is Ceasar thinks everything is Ceasars..... And God owes him....

[@knuckles543]

Caesear was not the one saying that, btw

[@johnanderson3700]

@@knuckles543 it was Jesus I never said Caesar said it

[@TheAzurefang]

That line was added in for the King James version

[@williamblack4097]

The problem with him is not that he is a christian billionaire , it's that he is a billionaire. I would have a problem with a muslim or hindu billionaire. I also have a problem with Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. The problem is not theocracy , it is oligarchy.

[@tomrussell9829]

Wow someone actually smart enough that gets it 😂ffs these others are absolute morons😂 Funny how libs start moving out of the trash places they created and now texas has a right wing religious problem🤦‍♂️ Im not left or right and im anti religious 😂 and even i can see this clear as day...i dont trust either side but today the left is fucking nuts period

[@jenna2431]

The name "Christian" is more often than not a virtue pearl. It's a title, not a lifestyle. And now it's becoming a cudgel.

[@davidgallagher7344]

The good thing about TX is you don't have to passthrough TX to get anywhere in America.

[@patth7582]

A-freakin'-men!

[@nomaderic]

You can literally say that about any state lol.

[@Theomite]

If you wanna go from Louisiana to Arizona you kinda have to unless you want to add 2 days to your trip.

[@mrjustadude1]

​@@nomadericyou have to go through NY to leave New England

[@nomaderic]

@@mrjustadude1 unless you go through Montreal and Toronto

[@ownonephone5920]

People like Tim Dunn are the reason I am an "Atheist from the bible belt" (that is the name for my comedy tour, I'm working up the courage to take my material on stage) So Jesus was a really humble well spoken guy, when he does come back to earth, I'm thinking that he will not be wearing bling/gold nugget jewelry, he will not lead a megachurch on TV, or live in a mansion, that is not how he rolls. Damn, would Tim Dunn even let Jesus wash his feet? Its Yin Yang, for every person that is good there is another that is evil. The circle of life.

[@PearlsandRoses]

A "Christ-follower" + carrying an excessive amount of political power= the math ain't mathin'

[@Lumi_Lumi13]

The original Constitution of the United States that was ratified in 1789 had only ONE REFERENCE TO RELIGION: [Article 6] No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any Office or Public Trust under the United States. The de facto motto of the United States, adopted as part of the Great Seal of the U.S. by an Act of Congress in 1782, was E. Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One). Congress changed it 174 years later (1956) to "In God We Trust". The ORIGINAL 'Pledge of Allegiance' was written in 1892 by Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy who DID NOT INCLUDE the words "Under God". Those were added by Congress 62 year later (1954). The U.S. didn't issue Paper Currency until 1861, & 'In God We Trust' didn't appear on it for 96 years (1957). “As the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian Religion" ~ Treaty of Tripoli; initiated under President George Washington, 1796, signed into law by President John Adams, 1797, ratified unanimously by the Senate, 1797, published in full in all 13 states, with no record of complaint or dissent. "I am for freedom of religion and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Elbridge Gerry, January 26, 1799 “Christianity neither is, nor ever was part of the common law.” Thomas Jefferson “Religion and government will both exist in greater purity the less they are mixed together.” James Madison “The government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion.” John Adams "In every country, in every age, the priest has always been hostile to liberty...He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection of his own." Thomas Jefferson Founding Father Thomas Paine on Christianity. “The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race, have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion…” AMERICA WAS NOT FOUNDED ON "CHRISTIAN VALUES", IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN NATION, IT NEVER WILL BE A CHRISTIAN NATION. AMERICA IS A SECULAR COUNTRY. YOUR "FREEDUM OF RELIGION' ENDS WHERE MY CONSTITUTIONAL & BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, LIBERTIES & PRIVLEGES BEGIN. DON'T LIKE IT, D!3 MAD ABOUT IT.

[@lzrd8460]

Thank you, very educational. 👏👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Sultan-cf5wf]

holy schizo, batman!

[@tomhammer1784]

Now we know why the Romans feed Christians to the lions.

[@RaymondofReason]

We’re not a democracy, the States individually and as a united nation, was founded as a constitutional republic; not a democracy.

[@johndeere3486]

As a progressive, dude we have been trying to tell you guys about these billionaire’s for decades, also this what ALL billionaires are doing … which is why they are ALL bad

[@lauriesmyla5376]

This guy is the personification of the biblical wolf in sheep’s clothing!! Shame on the wealthy chameleon

[@TIENxSHINHAN]

Calling 25 years a quarter of a century so you sound more Texan is hilarious lol. This is interesting though, welcome to Texas.

[@topguy4uok]

uh, I dunno, most people would automatically equate quarter of a century to 25 years, this jornalist isn't trying to get over on texans, tim dunn is

[@tomrussell9829]

​@@topguy4uokand if you went full circle ,would you have moved?

[@waverlyking6045]

If Jesus was around today, he wouldn’t be hanging around with people like Dunn telling him he is doing a good job. Jesus would be in the homeless shelters, the tent cities, the mental hospitals, and the drug dens helping those that “decent society” discards. And like it or not, he would be trying to save the souls of those on death row regardless of the crime.

[@harlannorris6035]

In scripture, there is only one group of people that Jesus said would die in their sins. The Pharisees, Scribes, and, Lawyers. You see, they were hypocrites. They had a theocracy and they knew who Jesus is, but they wanted the status and wealth that came with their offices. So, they denied Jesus, knowing who and what He is...Really, nothing has changed.

[@lorenzodicapo6305]

We live in a democracy....right

[@michelegagnon5618]

Maybe we should let Texas cede from the union. Might keep this sort of idiocy from spreading.

[@stananderson4524]

His version of christianty only.

[@rongarza9488]

I see pictures from the James Webb and the Hubble Space Telescopes and then see how humans have placed their faith in bats, snakes, crocodiles, and prophets, and I see we are getting better but still have so far to go. It's all about domination.

[@ottodidakt3069]

that pretty much says it all - peace, patience and compassion brother

[@blairbrown4812]

You know things have gone butt-side up and bass ackwards in this country when even a Texan thinks that you've gone too far.

[@larryg.9187]

... I must admit... Back when 9-11 happened... I looked at the middle east area, and its Muslim religion... And thought, in part, these people are 2000 years in the past, what with, they wear robes, they make their women wear robes + face coverings, they make their women walk behind the men, and other such things, such as kneeling on rugs and praying... I thought, these things are strange and repressive to me... Now, fast forward some twenty years... And women have been stripped of their reproductive rights... Doctors are threatened with prison, or worse, if they preform an abortion... People are denied voting privileges... Elections are held in high suspicion... Intimidation is rampant in every aspect of daily life... Political corruption is a given... Propaganda fills the airwaves and internet... Armed gangs threaten judges, politicians, and the public at whole... Countries look at America in shock and embarrassment, as they see what was once the most powerful and most loved nation spiral down to third world disorder ... I know there's an ending to this comment... But, I'm left in near tears, and must stop now ... 🤔 😞 😕

[@Maggie-zr2ow]

Excellent comment you’ve made. It’s very sad isn’t it? I’ve noticed also that our brothers and sisters on the right no longer look at everyone to their left the same way as they used to. We’ve become evil to them as they’re told by their conservative talking heads every single day. I was commenting that we are a country of laws and we need to rely on and respect our justice system. I had several Trump supporters call me a ped-o and a child abuser. This happens all the time now. My comment was one that most Americans could agree on and now we have completely different realities. It’s tragic.

[@larryg.9187]

@@Maggie-zr2ow Thank you for a positive feedback... Now tonight, I notice these truckers who've been triggered over trumps mess that he got himself into... So rather than continue with their own life's, they would rather make their life's all about trump... So, they incorrectly blame criminal trumps woes on Biden, the immigrants or who knows what latest conspiracy theory ... So, they've 'backed the criminal' by doing their own criminal actions, to block off NY from receiving any truck loads of groceries and assorted supplies ... The cultist, childish behavior is sickening... Its going to be a threat to the safety and life's of Americans ... Puppeteer Putin is doing his best Happy Dance nightly, as he watches the newscasts of American politics, and those of the GQP mindset, as they spew propaganda and do everything they can to dismantle American democracy ... These are not Patriots, rather, they are Fakeriots ... Best regards ...

[@vannevels6758]

​@@Maggie-zr2owthe "pedophile" accusation, and that's ALL that's needed, is centuries old (at least) That's how Putin got into power. It's used cuz it works on the scared and weak minded.

[@vannevels6758]

You sound rather intelligent. So how could you have been so stupid 20 years ago? Was your 💜 thinking for you? 🤔

[@tomrussell9829]

😂you idiots are actually serious😂

[@stevenheinrich3999]

It's all about school vouchers. Follow the money. And .. being judged by a jury of the church elders.

[@lorisharpe]

Texas is appalling

[@feefawfern8240]

Move to Saudi Arabia, if you want to experience what a theocracy feels like. Then maybe you'll learn a little bit what empathy is all about.

[@kevinoffuttisagirl259]

Why does this billionaire care so much about a woman’s right to choose??

[@eleghari]

Let's not forget Farris Wilks

[@roderickbradfordthetruthseeker]

“We honestly believe Christianity to be false, to be the greatest sham in the world, without truth in its history, without loveliness in its doctrines, without benefit to the human race, and without anything to sustain it in the hold it has upon the world.” -D.M. Bennett

[@chrisresnikoff1741]

"Gas station sushi." -I.F. Hdchdnv

[@feefawfern8240]

Money has a 1st Amendment right, and separation of church and state doesn't have any legal stating?

[@bdfunke]

Bathrooms would be safe for women? School choice? Keeping appropriate content for kids? What’s the problem?

[@ramprat9292]

Another reason to leave Texas.

[@daveduffy2823]

I would say give Texas back to Mexico, but I think they don’t want to have to deal with the crazies either.

[@YSLRD]

Centrist Republicans. Is that what we're calling RINOs now? You've given me a new hero. May God bless Tim.

[@JebusHypocristosX]

So your hero is a drug smuggling groomer?

[@bibsp3556]

The thing about 1 person trying to run everything is, that guy can stop living. Just sayin

[@denisemayosky1955]

That's true, he won't live forever, and doubt seriously anyone will miss him when he goes. Probably why these guys build such big tombs for themselves, so people in the future will think they were once "someone".

[@pillmuncher67]

So, IOW, it's exactly how it's supposed to be. A country by the rich, for the rich, just like its founders intended.

[@akisipoculturespath8290]

Frank Zappa watches and laughs....

[@angie99656]

I will not acknowledge or obey a theocratic government

[@hurdygurdyman1905]

I will not acknowledge or obey a green porcupine. Looks like we're both in luck then as neither of us will ever be asked to do so.

[@richstex4736]

@@hurdygurdyman1905 So far.

[@hurdygurdyman1905]

@@richstex4736 If any green porcupines approach me, you'll me the first one I tell. The melodramatic Angelaina will be the second.

[@jenna2431]

This move is the absolute most grotesque form of taking "the Lord's" name in vain.

[@prowlermadmax2]

he sounds like my crackhead brother who claims God gives him visions.

[@acronombe]

Unless you want to be forced to live in a "Dark Ages" type society - cut your loses, pull up stakes & move out of Texas as fast as you can. As a former Texan who lived there most of his life, I know whereof I speak. If you wait until after the 'change', you'll find out it's gonna be hard a hell to get out. The state is about to turn full-tilt religious zealot.

[@johnoliver1145]

I agree, get your stupid ass out now.

[@notsoancientpelican]

Trying to convince Texas to move to the right is about as hard as trying to convince Niagara Falls to leave Lake Erie

[@ChessInstructorSF]

And these are the people who we need to keep an eye on, and watch their moves one by one because these are the people who will affect our lives the most.

[@kurtdunbar912]

If Tim Dunn wants to live in a theocracy he should move to Iran.

[@leperpens]

Afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. Thanks for your earnest work, man! Keep it up!

[@blond339]

you sound comfortable saying that

[@leperpens]

@@blond339 quite comfy. Thx

[@andayaman]

The people who are against Tim Dunn deserve to live in Portland or Oakland.

[@tr7b410]

Its going to come down to this:You must pick which states to live in that represent,s your spiritual/ socio economic worldview.

[@mistercohaagen]

Target identified. "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..."

[@JavierRodriguez-no7pe]

He's full of crazy crap we the people have a free mind.

[@moravianlion3108]

The fact that average US voter refuses the fact that a text book christian is much closer to a communist than to a capitalist is just hilarious to me.

[@hurdygurdyman1905]

Maybe because they're smarter than you? Congratulations -- in one comment you've shown you understand neither communism nor Christianity.

[@Claudia-cr2pm]

This is so important for our country.

[@johnbarry3275]

THE MESSAGE FOR AMERICA September, 1984 Dimitru Duduman Late one night, I could not sleep, The children were sleeping on the luggage. My wife and daughter were crying, I went outside and walked around. I didn't want them to see me cry. I walked around the building, crying and saying, "God! Why did you punish me? Why did you bring me into this country? I can't understand anybody. If I try to ask anybody anything, all I hear is, "I don't know." I stopped in front of the apartment and sat on a large rock. Suddenly a bright light came toward me. I jumped to my feet because it looked as if a car was coming directly at me, attempting to run me down! I thought the Romanian Secret Police had tracked me to America, and now they were trying to kill me. But it wasn't a car at all. As the light approached, it surrounded me. From the light I heard the same voice that I had heard so many times in prison. He said "Dumitru, why are you so despaired?" I said, "Why did you punish me? Why did you bring me to this country? I have nowhere to lay my head down. I can't understand anybody." He said, "Dumitru, didn't I tell you I am here with you, also? I brought you to this country because this country will burn." I said, 'then why did you bring me here to burn? Why didn't you let me die in my own country? You should have let me die in jail in Romania! He said, "Dumitru, have patience so I can tell you. Get on this." I got on something next to him. I don't know what it was. I also know that I was not asleep. It was not a dream. It was not a vision. I was awake just as I am now. He showed me all of California and said, "This is Sodom and Gomorrah! All of this, in one day it will burn! It's sin has reached the Holy One." Then he took me to Las Vegas. "This is Sodom and Gomorrah. In one day it will burn." Then he showed me the state of New York. "Do you know what this is?" he asked. I said, "No." He said "This is New York. This is Sodom and Gomorrah! In one day it will burn." Then he showed me all of Florida, "This is Florida." he said. "This is Sodom and Gomorrah! In one day it will burn." Then he took me back home to the rock where we had begun. "IN ONE DAY IT WILL BURN! All of this I have shown you" - I said, "How will it burn?" He said, "Remember what I am telling you, because you will go on television, on the radio and in churches. You must yell with a loud voice. Do not be afraid, because I will be with you." I said, "How will I be able to go? Who knows me here in America? I don't know anybody here." He said, "Don't worry yourself. I will go before you. I will do a lot of healing in the American churches and I will open the doors for you. But do not say anything else besides what I tell you. This country will burn!" I said, "What will you do with the church?" He said, "I want to save the church, but the churches have forsaken me." I said, "How did they forsake you?" He said, "The people praise themselves. The honor that the people are supposed to give Jesus Christ, they take upon themselves. In the churches there are divorces. There is adultery in the churches. There are homosexuals in the churches. There is abortion in the churches and all other sins that are possible. Because of all the sin, I have left some of the churches. You must yell in a loud voice that they must put an end to their sinning. They must turn toward the Lord. The Lord never gets tired of forgiving. They must draw close to the Lord, and live a clean life. If they have sinned until now, they must put an end to it, and start a new life as the Bible tells them to live." I said, "How will America burn?" America is the most powerful country in this world. Why did you bring us here to burn? Why didn't you at least let us die where ALL the Dudumans have died?" He said, "Remember this, Dumitru. The Russian spies have discovered where the nuclear warehouses are in America. When the Americans will think that it is peace and safety - from the middle of the country, some of the people will start fighting against the government. The government will be busy with internal problems. Then from the ocean, from Cuba, Nicaragua, Mexico,,.." (He told me two other countries, but I didn't remember what they were.) "...they will bomb the nuclear warehouses. When they explode, America will burn!" "What will you do with the Church of the Lord? How will you save the ones that will turn toward you?" I asked. He said, "Tell them this: how I saved the three young ones from the furnace of fire, and how I saved Daniel in the lions den, is the same way I will save them." The angel of the Lord also told me, "I have blessed this country because of the Jewish people who are in this country. I have seven million Jews in this country, but they do not want to recognize the Lord. They didn't want to thank God for the blessing they received in this country. Israel doesn't want to recognize Jesus Christ. They put their faith in the Jewish people in America. But, when America burns, the Lord will raise China, Japan, and other nations to go against the Russians. They will beat the Russians and push them all the way to the gates of Paris. Over there they will make a treaty, and appoint the Russians as their leaders. They will then unite against Israel. When Israel realizes she does not have the strength of America behind her, she will be frightened. That's when she will turn to the Messiah for deliverance. That's when the Messiah will come. Then, the church will meet Jesus in the air, and he will bring them back with Him to the Mount of Olives. At that time, the battle of Armageddon will be fought." When I heard all of this I said, "if you are truly the angel of the Lord, and everything you have told me is true, then all you have said must be written in the Bible." He said, "Tell everyone to read from Jeremiah 51:8-15, Revelation chapter 18, and Zechariah chapter 14, where Christ fights against those who possess the earth. After His victory," the angel said, "there will be one flock and one Shepherd. There will be no need for light. The Lamb of God will be the Light. There will be no sickness, no tears, and no deaths. There will only be eternal joy and God will be the ruler. There will be only one language. Only one song. And no need for a translator! ... And, Dumitru," he continued, "a word of warning. If you keep anything from the American people that you are told, I will punish you severely." "How will I know that this is for real -that it will really happen?" I asked. "As a sign that I have spoken to you, tomorrow before you wake, I will send someone to bring you a bed, and at noon I will send you a car and a bucket of honey. After which I will send someone to pay your rent." The next day someone brought Dumitru a bed, and at noon a car arrived with the bucket of honey. His rent was also paid, as God had promised him. (See chapter 10, "THROUGH THE FIRE WITHOUT BURNING.") Then the angel left. Excepted from: Dreams and Visions From God

[@Bobalicious]

A Christian Theocracy would only be good for some people, and not even most of them.

[@deanevangelista6359]

Close all military bases in Texas, and give the state back to Mexico.

[@bobs182]

Texas seceded from Mexico because Mexico outlawed slavery.

[@pjthrand2173]

Thank you for writing this story. I knew something was off with Abbott pushing the vouchers so much....now I know why. How dare anyone with wealth decide that what voters want doesn't matter.

[@robertavila8165]

Isn't Texas F'd up enough?

[@rodsilver8887]

Texans should reject any politician on the take. Vote them out or live in a plutocracy!

[@lisaschreiber2893]

democracy is about all views, cultures and lifestyles, if you want to live in a theocracy move to iran. our country was founded by our forefathers to keep religion out of government because of people like this weaponizing their personal ideals.

[@AstroBuoyant]

The billionaires run the Corporatocracy

[@mslaerik66]

wants govt money for His school and Hes a billionaire

[@frostfree7]

It has spread to Arizona. The former governor, Doug Ducey, stuck us with a massive voucher program on his way out the door, bankrupting the state. Public schools have started announcing layoffs of teachers. Tom Horne, the current Superintendent of Schools, is foisting Prager U on the poor kids remaining in public schools.

[@timtowers7997]

The land of ten gallon hats and two pint brains.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

Let Texas secede.

[@denisemayosky1955]

If only we had to worry about Texas. Unfortunately, this kind of crud is popping up everywhere in this country!

[@neosapienz7885]

No. Texas needs to conform to standards of a secular United States of America. Period.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

We don't need Texas. They need America. Considering they don't even follow Supreme Court orders, they're already not American anymore. Time for them to go.@@neosapienz7885

[@sawtooth808]

I have a better idea, sell Texas back to Mexico 🇲🇽

[@siriaperez6465]

The texas Republicans need to be voted out, also the texas Supreme Court!!

[@joaquinsolis7071]

He will end up turning Texas blue instead

[@GR-ji9fw]

How can someone think they are Christian if they dictate how others are to believe, and judge who should not be allowed to even exist?

[@phoenixtoash2396]

No one is ever capable of making anyone think the way they want them to. People learn to fake it. Fake smile fake care. Fake life. No real love ever will be the main emotion for these people ever. Once they destroy everything and most people are eliminated Love and hate will be reversed and that is evil. You cannot turn love into hate without stepping on some toes in the universe. There will be repercussions and those who do this will not like the result of their actions. Living on earth with no love. .....I wonder what that makes it then...oh I know!......hell.

[@valeriebreathet741]

Look into Christian Reconstructionism! PLEASE!!!