Top Evangelical Leader: “We’ve Lost Our Credibility to the Outside World” | Amanpour and Company

Russell Moore is the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today. In his new book he explores democracy, cynicism, and the state of the evangelical church. Moore joins Michel Martin to discuss the challenges of religious identity and his hopes for future expressions of Christianity in America and beyond.
Originally aired on September 27, 2023
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@jkfree8741]

As a Christian, I would define what is happening to evangelical Christianity as "pure evil."

[@mzmscoyote]

I would call it Karma

[@kaysumpter2447]

Because a lot of Christians are allowing themselves to be brainwashed by a totally evil person. Many Christians worship Donald Trump👹 instead of Jesus Christ. If Trump gets back in the White House America will become just like Putin's authoritarian dictatorship in Russia. Russians don't have freedom to worship like we do in America😟

[@Lardzor]

It's all part of God's divine plan.

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

Couldn't have said it better myself. You either walk the walk or get ignored.

[@hypnokitten6450]

@@Lardzor Technically speaking Judas was part of God's plan. I don't know that he should've embraced that particular role so enthusiastically

[@Eric-Marsh]

We are the people Jesus warned us about. How profound.

[@aliceinwonderland887]

If you read the Bible the warning of these events and these people are in many places.

[@WodiesDad]

I shouted out Who killed the Kennedys? When after all It was you and me

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

I tell folks, if you want to find Evil go to the nearest church.

[@csm9105]

@@JackMason-oq8lf I have that general feeling as well. But we cannot generalize and attack all religions, all Church's. We are all Americans, we need all of us to work together to maintain are freedoms.

[@CaminoAir]

@@JackMason-oq8lf There are a wide variety of people in each religion, just as there are in secular society. The idea of off-loading 'evil' to religion is a convenience to ignore this simple fact: we are all human and each of us have the capacity for almost all kinds of human behaviour and almost any kind of human failure of consciousness. If you take a couple of minutes to list the clear evils that also occur within secular society, you'll see it is a very widespread problem among humans.

[@danielmennel4565]

I'm in my 40's and I don't remember a time that evangelicals ever had any credibility. As far back as I can remember they came across as hypocrites who cherry picked the bible to bash anyone they hated.

[@jrojala]

Same, it’s fully strange to see this segment

[@janjr165]

Exactly. 🎯

[@tracysample6942]

And worse they believe their duty is to convert everybody to Christianity.

[@kolddream14]

Exactly….when did they have any credibility and with who?

[@cherylfeather9408]

In my 60's, they didn't have any credibility then either. Actually they were considered weird and extreme then too.

[@pattyayers]

Yes, Evangelicals, you have definitely lost your credibility to “the outside world”. That is a huge understatement.

[@Grandpa_Boxer]

Why the hell would anyone want to be an evangelical?

[@kellyaustin7487]

What about the inside world 😂

[@emilala9049]

Increasing secularization is a good thing. I don't care what Christians or any other religion do for themselves, the problem is them trying to turn the country, a secular country, as per the first amendment which they seem to have never read, into a christo-fascist state. Which forces me to follow their ridiculous rules. Rules that I don't believe in at all. People who want to force me to adhere to their religion that I don't believe in. With no proof to back up the belief that their religion is the right one. They have nothing to show that they have the right religion. Who's to say that Hinduism is not the right one, or Buddhism, Jainism, Animism, Islamism, Ancestor Worship, Paganism, Satanism, Wiccans, Druids or any number of other religions maybe a dead religion like the Norse gods, or the feels or Roman ones, the Mayans or the Aztecs, or something a bit less forgotten like Native American religious faith , or some small Latin American Tribe, or heck that tribe on the island off the coast of India that kills any outsider they see? I bet they have a religion. Or who knows, maybe kids smoking DMT have got it down, I don't think any one religion has the right to tell the rest of us what to do. Besides maybe the atheists are right and there's nothing but this one life.

[@briannemeth9417]

Ignorance ​@@Grandpa_Boxer

[@Grandpa_Boxer]

"inside world" are the evangelicals. They love to wallow in authoritarianism and being told what to think and believe. @@kellyaustin7487

[@jennifergeorge7641]

Absolutely. These people have done SO MUCH damage to this country.

[@terrylong8894]

These people are trash. Nice to see some evangelics starting to realize that.

[@festeradams3972]

A Fascist Theocracy was warned about years ago. I wouldn't have a problem with "Religion" if the religious didn't try to shove it down our throats thru Legislation. Which has always been done.@@PBFoote-mo2zr

[@suezbell1]

@@PBFoote-mo2zr Exactly.

[@home8630]

Not just your country.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

How come a bunch of Old White Men several hundred years ago could foresee a problem with the intersection of Religion and Politics. They are systems, each with a function, but John Adams and Benjamin Franklin fought to keep them separate entities. How come Old Dead Men then were so wise, but have been replaced now-a-daze by the likes of Margie Greene and Ted Cruz and Lauren Mocock and Matt Gets, Etc Etc? Main difference is that the Old Man Founders didn't have to put up with mass idiocy from voters. Voters are the chads of our Democracy. Maybe Adams and Franklin were short- sighted by allowing un-wise inhabitants of their Great Experiment have a say. Franklin and Adams did not have to contend with a Dumbed Down electorate. American citizens pose more of a threat to democracy than Putin or the Taliban or agitated Korea or crowded, needy India or the trump-truths of China. The destruction of America will be brought about by American workers.

[@bruced2346]

Most of the religious right have become the religious wrong.

[@timelston4260]

And always have been insofar as they keep a failed apocalyptic first-century cult alive.

[@tahwsisiht]

They are not religious. They are pathological, have personality disorder and using faith as a weapon and using other people's faith as a manipulation tool.

[@c.f.okonta8815]

The democrats stand against God so not surprised evangelicals vote Republican

[@Jessiejam-44]

Nice!

[@jahbloomie]

Our institutions ateniense crisis because they represent the power over model of humanr elations.

[@AZbluedot196]

If preachers can preach politics they need to pay taxes.

[@Grandpa_Boxer]

They'll need "adult diapers" should that happen!!!

[@AZbluedot196]

they used to pay taxes..... that changed in my lifetime.@@Grandpa_Boxer

[@iroulis]

Preachers of all stripes. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam: The worst of them being Fundamentalists, Zionists, and Taliban.

[@richardreger6026]

Pay taxes hardly Republicans in government want 2 give them power 2 hand out welfare What could go wrong with that?😂

[@TarotMage]

It just boggles my mind how these so-called 'evangelists' openly flaunt their wealth...and people - most of them who really can't afford it - STILL send them money. In 1987, Pat Robertson told his viewers that God would 'call him home' if he didn't raise $8 million for a university. He got $9.1 million. Unbelievable.

[@jimburke217]

This one of the few Evangelicals who speaks with intelligence and honesty.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

30-50% of evangelicals have awakened to the sins of Republicanism. Doesn't , however, mean they will vote otherwise .

[@davidfiler7439]

How on earth can any theist speak with honesty?

[@boxsterman77]

Which can only mean one thing. He will be denounced, called satanic .

[@boxsterman77]

@@wisconsinfarmer4742I don’t know where you come up with those numbers. I sure don’t see that.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@boxsterman77 I was only repeating stuff I heard. Evangelical is not necessarily the same as christian nationalism.

[@karabowman811]

Throughout history, people have used religion as a cloak of justification for the most horrific atrocities imaginable.

[@yvonnenoel7206]

So very true. Many people have been killed in the name of religion. So call Christians are namely folks who have no idea the meaning of Christianity. There seems to be no separation of Church and State😢

[@phriedokra6158]

The inquisition pops up in my head....Kim Jones cult in Guyana too

[@oloblish]

People will use anything they can to commit atrocities.

[@jimorr820]

As opposed to atheists like Hitler, Stalin, and Mao who only murdered 140 million or so.......

[@heethn]

Kinda neat huh? Almost seems like religion is the best tool for controlling people that people have ever created, doesn't it?

[@jasonmorris9683]

"We are the people Jesus warned us about." What a powerful statement.

[@samboggs3499]

J.C. himself, strongly condemned as Heresy, the use of religion in politics...

[@Zatoitchy]

Christianity has turned into its opposite. From a path to non-ego, to the "religion" of EGOTISM and HATE.

[@Brian1Graves]

Um, jesus is a myth. Never warned anyone about anything. Nothing in the bible is factual.

[@shermanwellons]

Very strong statement and Jesus is right!!!

[@Brian1Graves]

@@shermanwellons🤣 Imaginary people are neither right, nor wrong.

[@janetd4862]

I attended evangelical churches for over 50 years, but four years ago, we sadly felt we had to distance ourselves from them. The church we attend now is more “mainline”, but they don’t preach politics at all. I feel sad that we had to leave, but we need to be able to worship without a MAGA hat on.

[@user-gl9jd3ih8h]

That takes courage Janet to leave your "tribe" behind. If politics is the overriding message from the pulpit, then why bother going to Church? It's no longer about "agape", just point scoring. Jesus was actually anti-political, if that makes sense. Good luck.

[@user-sk5xb9qt9d]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🗽🗽🗽For DEMOCRACY!!

[@sandycheeks1580]

The racist white evangelicals traded in the white hoods 👻 for Screaming RED MAGA 🇺🇸 hats. There’s no going back to being the silent 🤫 majority. 🤣🤣🤣

[@JonathanB138]

They shouldn't be teaching politics at all. It would be important and morally right to report it to the IRS for violation of their tax exempt status; otherwise, you are complicit.

[@user-gl9jd3ih8h]

@@JonathanB138 get real! There is alot of corruption and fraud going on in the evangelical space. It's all about the money! 🤑 Why would anyone bother reporting a church to the IRS? There are too many of them. These "churches" are set up specifically to earn money, under the umbrella of a religion / church to avoid paying tax. Get it?

[@mountainaire7382]

I'm a Christian and a never Trumper. I have also always deeply respected Russell Moore, who has for years spoken truth and love. I agree with him 100% and am fortunate to go to an evangelical church that is not ruled by Trumpers. My pastor has always fixed his eyes and ours on Jesus.

[@pameladavid2887]

Thank God for your Pastor, one in million, makes me sad to see politics destroying Evangelicals.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

We do not hear much from the 30-50% of evangelicals who reject trumpism. It all started back in '79 with Reaganism. fooled most christians.

[@gordonadams5891]

It's time to tax Churches. If they want to be involved in politics, they should pay to play like the rest of us!

[@polandharr]

Amen! Even if they are not involved in politics, churches should pay taxes like most other corporate entities in the United States. They are profit centers that market religious ideas and receive compensation in the form of donations from their consumers.

[@thesjkexperience]

Absolutely! Jesus was the original liberal. He loved everyone. His followers are the exact opposite today.

[@michaelkurchak5427]

I’m a non profit person can I get tax free recognition

[@mnemosynevermont5524]

Nope, take away their Church status, make them a community center or some such sh*t. Keep the divide between Church and State, make it stronger.

[@joycej9415]

​@michaelkurchak5427 you do.if you have no profit you don't have anything to tax!

[@christinet6336]

This was a great conversation. It’s too bad that most current evangelicals won’t listen. ☹️

[@sgrvtl7183]

yep

[@fthcm101]

So very true!

[@gailwhite39]

I am an evangelical Christian, and I am listening. I consider Pastor Moore a hero of the faith for standing up and speaking out against evil in the church.@@fthcm101

[@oldones59]

Define evangelical.

[@melindaunknown6411]

@@oldones59Good request.

[@KacyLatham]

As an atheist and a former evangelical, I deeply appreciate this conversation.

[@coldhardtruth333]

So you let other peoples action let you to denounce God?

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

Or maybe their freewill did 💡​@@coldhardtruth333

[@KacyLatham]

@@coldhardtruth333 wow. You just filled in my whole story in one comment without knowing one thing about why I finally woke up and realized that Christianity is a mass delusion.

[@brandy4530]

Stop being manipulative. That’s not how deconstruction works. Other people’s actions do not cause people to stop believing in god. Once you realize god isn’t real, it is natural to be pissed that you were lied to, and coerced into making major life decisions based on an incredible lie. The church needs to be held accountable for the horrible things they are convincing people to support that is based on lies.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

A-theist. One without a theology. Theologies, as one gains wisdom and ethics, become inadequate. Congrats.

[@MerryAnne2598]

When I became a nurse and often tended to the dying, I had to set my religion aside to see the Holy in each person and to respect their beliefs or non beliefs. The extreme evangelical church I grew up in has completely lost their way and closing many of their church doors due to lack of worshippers. My faith is stronger than ever as I have weeded out my own prejudices.

[@virtualawakening2299]

All religions aspire to the same spiritual intuition. I wish everyone could experience your journey of awakening.

[@anniethenonnymouse]

Hard is the path and narrow is the way that leads to the Kingdom of God... 🐝 Blessed Bee

[@rmanning1588]

Decades ago Jimmy Carter warned about the church becoming too political.

[@Dewydidit]

and a decade before that it was Barry Goldwater warning about bible waving politicians.

[@Magnetroman]

@@Dewydidit And 2000 years before that the priests of the temple convicted Jesus. Unfortunately there is no first time in this. It has always been like this. We can only counter it by the morality in our own hearts. Show people how it should be. Make America Moral Again

[@Dewydidit]

@@Magnetroman Make America Moral Again = MAMA

[@maryswanson9982]

And Jimmy Carter is a hero. He’s a true Christian. The rest of them give me the creeps.

[@GreenNinjaZX6R636]

So did Barry Goldwater.

[@lesbrattain6864]

I am a Christian who used to be an evangelical But left when they became political. How they can support Trump who is the opposite of what a Christian should be is beyond me. He will drag them down and destroy them as he does every thing else he contacts.

[@dianebannister4591]

When they follow Trump and adulate him, they are following down the path of darkness and against Christian teachings. They become witnesses against Christ.

[@cpamfly6858]

Well I doubt that Trump will drag them down. I think they voted for Trump because they agree with him. We kid ourselves to think they were fooled. Trump is not the source of evil, he is the expression of it. Think about this: MAGA was always a lie. Jesus told us that to be great one must be the servant of all. Trump voters don't want that. They wanted what Trump was selling.

[@thehylers1021]

I agree with you about the guy who used to be POTUS. However, please don't allow anyone to rob you of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior, Friend and Helper. People will let you down including parents, spouses, or children so let's agree to not put another human on a pedestal.

[@cpamfly6858]

I feel....I feel a resentment when people use such trite language as "personal relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord, Savior, Friend and Helper". These are the words the evangelicals use. Yet don't they teach that the same Lord will damn his created beings to torture and hell for unbelief and disobedience? You offer me conversation. I don't prefer to offend your kindness. But honestly, your words make me wretch. They are so empty compared to the God I know. I don't think you can fathom what it's like, knowing God, to hear such an empty rendering, despite that your hope for me is sincere. I guess I would say that it's very unlikely God is in your faith, at all. Your formulation is not the key. Those are decidedly not the words I must acknowledge. What I learned of God in Catholic and evangelical churches is mostly lies. You have faith in something, but does it resemble God at all? I am truly sorry, I hope one day you are driven to leave your church so you can, and do, find God your real source. He is soooo beyond what they tell you in church. Again, my deepest apologies, but I must be true to the knowledge given me. Good luck, may your hunger lead you to eat! @@thehylers1021

[@andytraiger4079]

Trump is EXACTLY what Jesus was: A narcissistic, liar, insane conman who thinks the whole world needs to worship him and whoever doesn't worship him is an evil enemy.

[@karencollins8645]

The GOP is taking the evangelical church down with them and I'm here for it.

[@Grandpa_Boxer]

Jews didn't kill Jesus, Trump did!!!

[@gorotingodoy1937]

Right, especially when Trump is using them!

[@cinaedmacseamas2978]

Lol! Ya'll said the very same thing when George W. Bush courted the evangelicals so hard during his two presidential campaigns.

[@JonathanB138]

​@cinaedmacseamas2978 George W Bush said and did a lot of stupid things; however, he never said that he doesn't ask for forgiveness, the name calling, and grabbing women by the kitty, etc.

[@virtualawakening2299]

What? the evangelical church worships Trump! They worship Satan! They are so desperate to defeat Liberalism that they sleep with the antichrist. It isn't the GOP. The GOP is hostage to MAGA.

[@Nix_N_Cutz]

My ma who was more religious than most stopped going to church. She said "Satan has taken his seat in the church".

[@virtualawakening2299]

True. They are willing to follow a political leader who has the same values as Satan. The outside world has become such a literal problem for evangelicals, that they are following a hypocrite because he hates the outside world too. Being scared and desperate will make you willing to make questionable allies. It's their own fault for making most of the world their enemy.

[@TheSilverLakeSteve]

Good for her. I pray that her faith is sustained and she can find another faith community that is a better fit.

[@jenniferstone2975]

My grandpa was a farmer, a good Christian who never attended church. In the small town where he grew up and lived his entire life, he knew everything about everybody. Every Sunday, all slicked up in their best clothes, pretending to be pious and godly, came the regular church goers who “starved their cattle, beat their horses and their wives” the other 6 days of the week. And that’s how I learned about hypocrites.

[@laurenwarwick6517]

My father kept his mom.and pop drug store open on Sunday...for the churchly ones to pick up their newspaper and their RX script and a cup of coffee at the soda fountain. Yet Dad read the Bible daily and had more faith than the hypocrites who went to church to show off...just like the Pharisees Jesus mocked.

[@veramae4098]

We need our "communion of saints" that is Sunday service.

[@FriendofDorothy]

I learned about hypocrites by attending an evangelical church service in which I spotted a female teacher in the congregation who was physically and emotionally to me in the 7th grade. I was just a kid. I wanted to interrupt the service and point her out to everyone there. She was fine being a witch in the classroom but wanted to look like an angel in the church.

[@lyndamedley543]

Sad!😢

[@generationofswine-ge5rw]

And those people were saints compared to Trump supporters but your grandpa had a good point.

[@JustSayPie]

"How can Trump, who is as far from a Christian ideal as one could get, have more voice than those who have given their life in service." That right there.

[@cpamfly6858]

I think Trump is antichrist - against every thing Christ taught

[@muzzy9267]

Because Trump will bring on the apocalypse so they can all rise and go to heaven

[@30.06onaGrassyKnoll]

Evangelicals are terrible people

[@KomputreGeeke]

He's the cult leader, that's why.

[@debraclinkscale6576]

But why are the religious right twisting the Bible to fit him??

[@robertpickett2569]

Amazingly true, religon does not belong in politics,...

[@brianh9358]

I left the Southern Baptist church back in the early 2000s. The rampant hypocrisy was readily apparent even then, but wore a slightly more polite veneer. My church was already very politically active at the time and political topics would appear in sermons on a regular basis. I was one of the few people in my church who was against the US going to war in Iraq (or for that matter Afghanistan). After a sermon about 9/11 I felt I had to speak. Far too many of my fellow members somehow believed that the wars in the Middle East would result in the return of Christ, so they were all in on it. I stated my opinion that Christians should never support war. After hearing the vengeful responses I got to that statement, I realized I had nothing in common with the people in that church. I left that very moment and never went back.

[@virtualawakening2299]

Consider that maybe their political leader is the antichrist, and the prophecy is happening in the heartland, and not in the Middle East.

[@homerroad]

that took courage. I am glad you were able to do that for yourself, and of course, for all of humanity.

[@DeWellstein]

Evangelicals in the US are wickedly selfcentered and reality detached. Some are just out right fascists. I hope there will be some change soon.

[@marpro765]

As currently on view in the USA, the FASCIST SCAM started over a hundred years ago when Coors (as in Coors beer) put together a fascist right wing group and agenda to counter the socialist progressive policies that were beginning to be implemented in America. The protestant groups, such as the evangelicals, baptists, assemblies, etc., were chosen for this project PRECISELY and INTENTIONALLY, because they were NAIVE, incredibly IGNORANT, and very EASILY and READILY MANIPULATED. Money, capitalism, power, fascism, plutocracy, and oligarchy were and are the singular goals, the absolute objectives; though most of the deluded members of these cults are not aware of these things and would die defending this con. These ultra right wing barrons knew it would take some time for this cold-blooded, purposeful contrivance to work its way to the forefront, but it started to bear fruit in the 50's, showed up in force in the Reagan 80's, the Gingrich Congress, Dubya's era, Delay's Congress, and came to full, grim, nightmarish fruition with the republicaneviks, trumpeviks, magaviks, q'anoneviks, etc.; with the RIGHT WING, conservative, fascist MEDIA at their side AMPLIFYING the MESSAGING 24/7. It would take hundreds of years of deprogramming - and that with limited success - to start to solve this problem, if at all possible, because it was done under the auspices of religion. The naive left fell prey to right wing pr and did absolutely nothing to counteract this evil, nefarious scheme. It was dismissed as under the sponsorship and guidance of 'religion.' They were afraid to touch that system model. Instead, they actually helped cater to it, particularly during the Reagan and Dubya era. -- The so-called 'christian right' is NOT Christian. They are old testament fundamentalist reconstructionists and dominionists. There are varieties within those, most of which are predatory, fraudulent, grifting, larcenous, and criminal. They do NOT follow the teachings of Christ as laid out in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament of the Bible. The word 'christian' as applied to these people is a DELIBERATE MISNOMER. -- -- -- Additionally, the Muscovite-Russian State has been plying its propaganda for hundreds of years. But it came into full play in the USA with the Reagan years in all possible categories, such as: economy, commerce, business, politics, finance, entertainment, religion, education, etc. Putin intensified the predatory ruthless scheme to a highly targeted level by not only using human assets but all media resources available, particularly television and internet; concentrating on the venal, CORRUPT, uninformed, IGNORANT, and GULLIBLE political and religious right. This Infiltration/Manipulation is ONGOING. - Crudely but accurately stated, Trump and the religious/political right are Putin's 'butt boys' - (though Trump is particularly 'special' in that regard). That goes for the entire religious and political right throughout the planet. Think Europe, India, Africa, etc. The muscovite brainwashing has been profuse. -- -- -- The right planned hundreds of years into the future. The left was lazy, and in many instances, arrogant and unsophisticated about reality. The consequences and results of lack of counter-action are self-evident and on full display. -- The only long-term answer: EDUCATION, education, education. With real SOLUTIONS and absolute, actual RESULTS. Not following through would be terminal.

[@ak5659]

'Reality detatchment' is an understatement.

[@vp4744]

THIS!!!

[@clarkpalace]

I m just an hour north of the usa but i dont EVER have to tolerate religious people. Never. Religion is a germ in the usa

[@linegrant4605]

💯💯💅💅

[@StopWhining491]

Politics should stay out of religion. Religion should stay out of politics.

[@lorinelson7523]

When they become involved with each other, both end up becoming corrupt.

[@williamkinkade2538]

Yes.

[@generationofswine-ge5rw]

You win: most obtuse comment from a not-very-bright person award. you missed both the forest and the trees. It's like saying "Now that I study history, I must say I don't care for that Hitler guy too much,"

[@penguinista]

@@generationofswine-ge5rw And you win the 'desperate to be seen as smart _and_ is a jerk' award. As evidenced by the Godwin's Law entry on round one. LOL I'd submit 'Fascism is bad. Bad people are fascists' as a more apt simile, but your lack of internal consistency gives a lovely touch of irony when accusing them of being dumb. Actually, the original comment you mocked as 'obtuse' was pithy: if people generally followed that aphorism, history would be much more peaceful and prosperous. Consider how Leviticus 25:44-46 and Deuteronomy 20:16-18 have influenced politics.

[@DennisMoore664]

Except that even with the First Amendment protections and the later 1905 codification of separation of the religion and politics, many religious leaders try to influence or control politics. And politicians regularly tout their religion to further their careers and justify their political ideology. How many atheists are in Congress? None. Not one single person identifies as an atheist, and only one, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, as “religiously unaffiliated”.

[@nancyburke3062]

Thank you to the Evangelical leaders who speak out and follow the word of the God and not the snake.

[@aragorn1780]

I used to be involved in evangelical Christianity, getting even more heavily involved with a campus ministry in college, to say I was a koolaid drinker is an understatement; they made me to feel extremely welcomed and loved (realizing later that they may have been love bombing like a cult) and feeling like they were focused on our personal journeys of living in grace; for a while I didn't question the fact that they slowly take up a lot of your time not just with regular meetings (which were 2x a week, a worship service and Bible study), but also retreats, informal gatherings, nights out, proselytizing events, etc etc During that time my mental health took a dive, leading to a crisis of faith... I believed in earnest that I had to believe harder, get even more involved, not realizing till years later that that's exactly what was contributing to my mental health dive in the first place But one thing that always picked at my brain was how quickly they go from the spirituality, focusing on your personal journey and growth, to pushing you into proselytizing/recruitment, and it made me uncomfortable because I was barely starting to understand my own faith then suddenly being put on the spot to witness to others who were way more prepared to counter me, of course when questioning this, even suggesting other more subtle methods of evangelism (ie just living by Jesus and serving others in a way to make the others want to come to you) I was shot down and made to focus on the aggressive marketing approach which did nothing but turn ppl away Later on the more involved I got I found out the organization while kinda hiding it to protect their brand secretly harbored anti lgbtq sentiments which was enough to make me nope tf out of there (still believing in Jesus but only ever barely involved in church if at all) Watching the evangelical church drink the orange Kool aid so quickly just a few years later just made me even more glad I left, seeing how their approach to witnessing went from pushy proselytizing to outright fanaticism and mass judgement, and there's a haunting lack of self awareness that just makes me outright wish the church would die so they can properly reflect on themselves and build back to something people would want to go to again

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Reading your account, it occurred to me that the hatred pouring forth from the right wing religious cults, is actually their own self hatred pointed outward.

[@montymetcalfe1982]

I am a Christian, but I was not raised in an Evangelical church. What I have seen over the last 10 years with Evangelicals and politics in no way squares with my religious beliefs. How anyone who believes in God can fall in lock step with MAGA republicans and Trump is beyond me. It’s shameful that those people claim to be Christian and then treat people who do not meet their standards like trash. They will be sorely disappointed when they are turned away at the gates of Heaven. I suspect Trump has 666 under that orange mop on his head.

[@juanitaross5492]

I also I'm a Christian who believes Trump is the antichrist and his sycophants are a domonic force. The evangelicals church have lost their moral compass. They have become the sheep following the wolf in shepherds' clothing.

[@maggiebeee66]

I was thinking that very same thing!😂😅🤣👺🥷🧟‍♂️🧌

[@muzzy9267]

Not very Christian of you

[@fshrmn100]

MAGAs claim to be Christians, because when you have God on your side you are righteous and everyone else is going to hell. And they will facilitate it as they inch closer into madness. This pathology has been repeated for centuries. Take care.

[@michaelb.5687]

@maggiebee66. The problem with that statement, “not very Christian of you,” is that it provides cover to those the rebuke of claiming to be Christian Evangelicals were meant for. We are human, it is inherent of our imperfection to sin, judge and conduct ourselves in a manner that will always fall short. Any observation is a judgement once we try to interpret the data. Though superficially it is not a great thing to say, it still rings far more accurate and likely true in what we clearly see in the consistent actions /choices by Trump and those who make excuses for him. Those who continue to absolve him of such appalling behavior for the convenience of political maneuvering and quelling their irrational zero sum, apocalyptic fear, need that avenue to reinforce and justify that fear. Trump is a pathological liar, clearly not of the beliefs that Christianity holds dear, and has proven to be lacking in morals to a shocking degree. Is that judging? Not so much. We need to separate the definition of judging and that of objective observation. Trump has lied about everything from asset valuation to the claims of adultery (more accurately not committing adultery), his faith (rather lack thereof) in God and everything in between. How does one say that they do not need to repent because they have never done anything wrong to warrant repenting? However, I suspect you will ask, how does anyone concretely know? By his actions, concrete evidence in first hand witness testimony, filed paperwork, tangible evidence of fraud, money trails, recorded testimony by Trump and those who serve and support him, judicial detetminations, his own actions, and most importantly, tangible irrefutable proof in evidence not refuted by Trump himself (though the excuses Trump gives try to deflect from the focus on that evidence); these are judgements made by our Judiciary system that is a stalwart of our Republic outlined in Section III of our Constitution. The fact that we can clearly see a pattern of behavior that outright contradicts many of the 10 Commandments and the tenets of Christianity should frighten everyone. I’m not going to say he is not getting into Heaven, that is a judgement only reserved for God. But I can say that I am embarrassed to be classified in the same Christian category as anyone who is so enamored by a cult-like mentality in Trump. Still, I hope that when it dawns on all these Trump followers how thoroughly they have been duped, how blind they have been to judicially supported facts (does it seem odd to everyone how Trump followers adamantly follow and support all the Conservative Judges and the Courts only up until the point the adjudication contradicts their beliefs, which the majority have I.e Trump elected Judges in Election Fraud cases for which Trump lost 100%, [the judgement of observation distance of election workers was not of fraud allegations]), how they then twist those facts to desperately grasp onto the crumbling false image they had of Trump and their substantial emotional and physical investment which followed; I hope their family and loved ones are patient in those who need to reintegrate into reality. **please forgive the grammatical and spelling errors, I’m typing this on my phone.

[@jimslancio]

Shakespeare anticipated the Evangelical churches when he said "the Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose."

[@garyc1221]

No, that's Trump

[@rolandscales9380]

@@garyc1221 I'm not sure that Trump can cite scripture.

[@Vonnie777]

All day long. Satan changes himself into an angel of light and so does his teachers. 2 Corinthians 11

[@connieadams7131]

And they will take off after someone as Trump.

[@Butterfly-truth]

Actually the devil did cite scripture to Jesus when he tempted him the second of three times in the desert (Matt. 4).

[@ManinaHarris]

Thank you Pastor Moore for words of sanity

[@MichaelHattem]

One of the most clear-eyed assessments of the state of evangelical Christianity in the US by an evangelical leader I’ve yet seen.

[@priscillaa.8548]

Good examples of why separation of church and state is so important.

[@richardmorgan6105]

America needs to repent! GOD is not mocked! What is happening to Gaza is a warning from God to Pagan America who is not innocent and deserve His punishment! God has turned His face from this evil country! We have put many of the devil's offspring into the highest offices in America. Leadership and elections have their consequences! We cannot take our freedom for granted! President Obama weaponized the word "racist" and divided this country beyond mortal repair! The wound to America under Obama has taken time to fester and having become inflamed is spreading like the cancer it is! A "work begun under the name and influence of the devil is not likely to end to the glory of God, or to the welfare of man.” (Clarke) And now we suffer under the dictatorship of Biden! I loathe the way that venomous word "racist" is being weaponized today, by evil and ignorant people, for political gain, immoral beliefs, and the silencing of opponents! Despite the lie received by so many who listen to Weaponized Media, this country was not generally racist as seen by the large populous that elected Barack Obama into our highest office. Under the guise of a Christian church, Barack Hussein Obama attended and listened to his religious leader (pastor), Jeremiah Wright, spew hatred from the pulpit, for over 20 years saying, "god damn America"! Obama obviously received, and believed his lies, birthing his now infamous slogan, "yes we can"! Did he mean yes we can damn America? Without doubt, Martin Luther King deserved the Nobel Peace Prize! B.H. Obama received his Nobel Peace Prize immediately after entering office, while: an avid proponent of violence to bring about change (partnering with America hater, Bill Ayers, of the Weather Underground for fundraising *[the CAC, Chicago Annenberg Challenge papers sheds much light on the Ayers/Obama relationship]; his murder of innocents; dividing a country by race; and silencing America's righteous dissenters, in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, by weaponizing Government agencies! Prior to Obama, American Christians were able to express their beliefs in public without fear of reprisal, from supposedly their Federal Agencies. Christians were living lives blessed with the oil of gladness, a personal and reborn tranquility (relationship of peace with the Creator), that comes with being a true believer and follower of Jesus! Now, sharing that peace and advocating for life may be rewarded with penalties and imprisonment. All sponsored by a pagan and satanic Government run by the Democratic Party, Republican sympathizers, and controlling Mammon Deep State! No ethnicity (which today inludes the cultural beliefs of many different groups) will long survive the willful perversion of the Laws of our Creator! After Alzheimer disease debilitated my mother to the point of an overwhelming need for professional care, I put her in a full time nursing facility near my home for daily visitations. Most of her caretakers were amazing and conscientious people of dark pigmentation, if you will, who received minimum pay and had minimal help. They overcame grueling and nasty daily routines, overwhelming workloads, and most often without a single thank you from adsentee family members of the residents they served. They did their jobs with loving care and a smile! They respected both me and my mother and I greatly respected them until Obama was elected 44th President of USA (Democrat, 2009-2017). Why their sudden change of heart? When asked by an ecstatic nursing staff if I had voted for Obama, the day following election; I emphatically told them the truth, NO! Without asking why, they labeled me a racist! I then told them that my conscience has not and would never allow me to support such a vigorous supporter of abortion especially someone who as an Illinois State Senator (2005-2008) would oppose the “Born-Alive Infants Protection Act” three times. The Act recognized babies born after attempted abortions as persons and required doctors to give them care. Abortion doctors and their facilitators were actually leaving helpless infants to die without any care. How much more cruel and evil can an individual be? You will not read about these demonic acts of sacrifice by Obama on Wikipedia or hear of it in fake, State run Media! We know who you are! Without remorse Barack Hussein Obama, a fanatical abortion extremist and immoral monster sanctioned the murders of millions of innocents and now, Father God our Creator has turned His face from America. In truth the Obama/Biden Administrations have not done this on their own, but many extreme pagan terrorist sympathizers elected them to office and they are blameworthy! They are just as bad as Hamas, Isis, Hezbolah, and Nazism! In truth, in 2008 "the abortion rate of black women in America was almost five times that of white women." (Guttmacher Institute). In truth, while in the U.S. Senate, Obama denounced the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a ban on the satanic practice of partial birth abortion. In truth this is apartheid: discrimination on grounds of race! In truth, millions were murdered under Adolf Hitler's Nazism and now millions upon millions of innocents are being murdered under Democratic Leadership. Who are these people who run the Nobel Prize Institute? Does the credentials of Obama really agree as someone who should receive a Nobel Peace Prize? You will not find Obama, an historically proven radical terrorist on any FBI list of violent extremist but you will find peace loving Americans who would like young people, considering abortion, complete knowledge of their options before choosing abortion. Just like the Transgender Movement, BLM, Planned Parenthood, Iran, WEF and every other evil entity in this world, it is all about power and Mammon, the love of money. These powers and principalities of Satan are deluding the world into acceptance of their depravity and terror as normal! Thank God for His victory over sin, death, and the grave! I cannot stand to see (Israel) my Jewish family suffer the evils of Hamas terrorists! I feel their pain! Father God our Creator has said concerning Israel, "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curse thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:3) God has blessed me through the fulfillment of His Everlasting Covenant of circumcision by grace through faith that began through my inheritance from Grandfather Abraham who believed God through faith (Heb 11:8-17, Rom 4:9-16)) and now through Jesus Messiah of Nazareth! (Jeremiah 4:4, John 3:3 & 16-19) God has fulfilled that Covenant He made with Abraham, Oath He made with Isaac, confirming the same with Jacob for a law and to Isaac, by Jesus Messiah of Nazareth, for an Everlasting Covenant! (1Ch 16:16-17, Psalm 105:9-10) For all who are living in fear: The one true living God is calling you home. But, You must be born again of the Spirit! This is that circumcision of the heart (Jer 4:4) through Jesus Messiah of Nazareth. (John 3:3) While it is called today, please hear the Gospel of Jesus and call upon the name of the only begotten Son of Father God our Creator, Jesus Messiah of Nazareth! (John 3:16-19)

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Nothing quite like Evangelical SHARIA LAW.

[@user-hi4vo1cn7r]

We need to get back to that.

[@BeegirlsHoneyHouse]

Also reminding why they must pay taxes‼️‼️‼️🇺🇸⚖️

[@NameRequiredSoHere]

What planet are you from? There is no separation of church and state in the US. Governments at all levels give religionists all sorts of privileges that rational people don't have.

[@caryrogers9676]

This guy is amazingly candid and honest about the hypocrisy in politicized religious groups.

[@JelMain]

But nothing solid has happened.

[@KO-js6by]

lmfao

[@patrickthebutcher]

Noticed he hasn't taken a fucking shred of responsibility for his role in turning the evangelicals into jackbooted fascist thugs as president of the baptist coalition?

[@JessieI]

So where was he from 2015 to 2020 WHEN HE COULD HAVE MADE THE MOST DIFFERENCE?

[@JelMain]

@@JessieI Just to check in, I've a decent share of a Nobel Peace Prize for my pains - which really belongs upstairs. Faith can make a real difference. Churches have very little applied faith, though, for which they substitute do-gooding, not to be refused, but the low-wattage equivalent of the light of the world they could otherwise be.

[@Laurad419]

So relieved to finally hear Christians talking about this. My evangelical Christian in laws have been drawn into this madness and it honestly terrifies me. Terrific interview on both ends…great questions and great answers.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

not only that, but heretofore nonreligious right wingers are finding religion. it supports and justifies their hatred

[@naapikoan]

There is no "outside world". There is the one world we are all in. Maybe it's time to accept that fact and work together to make it better.

[@janjr165]

Exactly. 🎯

[@arealamericanpatriot1227]

Tell that to the Trump haters.

[@janeoryan4372]

I’m a Christian. I’m ashamed of my church. I don’t really attend much anymore after getting into arguments with my church brothers and sisters when I confront them about their racism and vitriol and embrace of craziness. I am struggling.

[@dixiechicken2643]

I'm sorry you are struggling, I hope you find comfort somewhere. Trust in your heart, and stay away from their hatred of their fellow man.

[@denisemayosky1955]

Actually, I'd say you're on the right path!! But it *is* painful, for sure.

[@acustomer7216]

Hang in there. I quit going but still study on my own. I don't need to surrounded by toxic people to worship

[@gwenrenket8725]

The good Lord will send you to a good church. Like others have said, hang in their and you can also study the word.

[@jamesparson]

Do you still donate your time and money to them?

[@rangertommy]

"We are the people Jesus warned us about." I think that gets right to the heart of it.

[@thenerdgirl1]

We tried to warn them. But they're so prideful. They just oppressed us harder.

[@quartereyes41]

Agree. Powerful statement.

[@sherrydaniels]

That cuts like a two edged sword. It cuts deeply.

[@xjarheadjohnson]

And the same people the American Founding Fathers warned us about and why they deemed *ALL* religions unfit for modern, civil governance. _“The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or Mohammedan Nation.”_ *- John Adams* (American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, Founding Father & 2nd president) The *1st Amendment's Establishment Clause* prohibits the government from making any law, _“respecting an establishment of religion.”_ This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion. *Constitution Article VI Supreme Law - Clause 3 Oaths of Office* _"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; _*_but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."_* This means nobody is ever required to swear on the Bible, or any other religious book for an oath of office. They may choose a religious book, but none is required. _"In this enlightened age and in this land of equal liberty, it is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining and holding the highest offices that are known in the United States."_ *-George Washington* _“...the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion."_ *-Treaty of Tripoli - June 7, 1797. Signed by President John Adams & Ratified UNANIMOUSLY, by the Senate June 10, 1797* ....only a few times in history the Senate unanimously agreed on anything. A 2018 Supreme Court Ruling re-affirmed this statement, from The Treaty of Tripoli. *PETER CARL BORMUTH, Petitioner,* *V.* *COUNTY OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN Respondent* This Court also released an opinion on May 14, 2018 in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Assn., 584 U. S. (2018), Justice Thomas in his concurring opinion wrote: _"The Treaty of Tripoli was passed by the Senate and signed into law by President John Adams. As such, it is a "legislated text" which must be read "textually". _*_The lower courts in this case read a hypothetical legislative intention into the text by dismissing Article 11 as "a mere formality". The language itself makes a clear direct statement that our government is not based on the Christian religion_*_ and any attempt by a government official to represent our government as Christian contradicts the text and the historical understanding of our founders."_ _“This would be the best of all possible Worlds, if there were no Religion in it”_ *-John Adams* )Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1817) _"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as his father, in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter."_ *-Thomas Jefferson* (Letter from Jefferson to John Adams, 11 April 1823) _"The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason."_ *-Benjamin Franklin* (Poor Richard's Almanac) _“The study of theology, as it stands in Christian churches, is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authorities; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion....and as this is the case with Christian theology, it is therefore the study of nothing.”_ *― Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason (1794)*

[@tpsyturvy6987]

But they won't like it when He says.....I never knew you...🔥 🔥 🔥

[@kayeroskaft9619]

This was a good interview. I hope the book reaches those who really need it.

[@rhonda5056]

Thank you for having this speaker on the program. People need to understand the difference between the true followers of Jesus Christ and those who have hijacked the name of Jesus Christ.

[@elizabethsavage5337]

Hear hear

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Jesus was crucified 2000 years ago. His teachings have been continuously crucified ever since.

[@dusk1947]

I was raised as a practicing Methodist. With both devout parents, and grand parents. Today, I all but despise Christianity in the United States. It's a community filled with hypocrites who preach to others, but who can't be bothered to practice their own tenants, nor stand against extreme rhetoric in their own community (which often goes directly against their religious teachings). As silence is consent. It's a religion that professes love for thy fellow man, and forgiveness; yet is obsessed with a near worship for fire arms, violence towards there perceived political opponents, and isolationist tendencies towards other ethnic and racial backgrounds. Christians today aren't driven by hope or love, they're motivated by hate and fear. And that's what they spread. Perhaps I'm cynical, I'm certainly critical. Yet, their is a reason this sentiment is so wide spread. To say they've "Lost Credibility" is nothing short of an extreme understatement. Their religion has been coopted into a political movement, promoting the worst divisive rhetoric in US politics. It's a problem only they can solve. But, until they do: they will only be perceived as a problem by those outside their church. And continue to loose credibility and trust. There is no bottom on that scale.

[@VernonNickersonSCHOOLCOACH]

Well spoken(!) @dusk1947

[@SN-sz7kw]

Amen

[@suezbell1]

ALL religions are man made authoritarian POWER TOOLS.

[@janmay7961]

Agree 💯👍

[@marccano5061]

I went to school in Missouri and I agree 💯 with your statement. I'm a cynical Catholic.

[@in4cer457]

Tax the churches & all religious facilities.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

Unless they actually do something to help others. Food bank, soup kitchen, housing , relief for those abused, medical care

[@lisasommerlad1337]

​@@emilyfeagin2673yes.

[@arealamericanpatriot1227]

@@emilyfeagin2673 They still need to be Taxed. Some of that activity you think is disqualifying for taxation is used as a phony front for a Political cover. There are several corrupt churches in this country. Don't kid yourself. These people are seriously phony and have all kinds of tricks up their slimly sleeves.

[@jeanbergeron6451]

I often wonder how words of love and openness became reasons for hatred and rejection of others.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

twas always thus.

[@richardsimms251]

What an articulate and smart guest. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@mentatassassan]

There is a spirit of political idolatry at work in the church, turning devotion to Christ into devotion to a political party.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Christ who?

[@IGuess...]

The WHITE church.

[@marpro765]

As currently on view in the USA, the FASCIST SCAM started over a hundred years ago when Coors (as in Coors beer) put together a fascist right wing group and agenda to counter the socialist progressive policies that were beginning to be implemented in America. The protestant groups, such as the evangelicals, baptists, assemblies, etc., were chosen for this project PRECISELY and INTENTIONALLY, because they were NAIVE, incredibly IGNORANT, and very EASILY and READILY MANIPULATED. Money, capitalism, power, fascism, plutocracy, and oligarchy were and are the singular goals, the absolute objectives; though most of the deluded members of these cults are not aware of these things and would die defending this con. These ultra right wing barrons knew it would take some time for this cold-blooded, purposeful contrivance to work its way to the forefront, but it started to bear fruit in the 50's, showed up in force in the Reagan 80's, the Gingrich Congress, Dubya's era, Delay's Congress, and came to full, grim, nightmarish fruition with the republicaneviks, trumpeviks, magaviks, q'anoneviks, etc.; with the RIGHT WING, conservative, fascist MEDIA at their side AMPLIFYING the MESSAGING 24/7. It would take hundreds of years of deprogramming - and that with limited success - to start to solve this problem, if at all possible, because it was done under the auspices of religion. The naive left fell prey to right wing pr and did absolutely nothing to counteract this evil, nefarious scheme. It was dismissed as under the sponsorship and guidance of 'religion.' They were afraid to touch that system model. Instead, they actually helped cater to it, particularly during the Reagan and Dubya era. -- The so-called 'christian right' is NOT Christian. They are old testament fundamentalist reconstructionists and dominionists. There are varieties within those, most of which are predatory, fraudulent, grifting, larcenous, and criminal. They do NOT follow the teachings of Christ as laid out in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament of the Bible. The word 'christian' as applied to these people is a DELIBERATE MISNOMER. -- -- -- Additionally, the Muscovite-Russian State has been plying its propaganda for hundreds of years. But it came into full play in the USA with the Reagan years in all possible categories, such as: economy, commerce, business, politics, finance, entertainment, religion, education, etc. Putin intensified the predatory ruthless scheme to a highly targeted level by not only using human assets but all media resources available, particularly television and internet; concentrating on the venal, CORRUPT, uninformed, IGNORANT, and GULLIBLE political and religious right. This Infiltration/Manipulation is ONGOING. - Crudely but accurately stated, Trump and the religious/political right are Putin's 'butt boys' - (though Trump is particularly 'special' in that regard). That goes for the entire religious and political right throughout the planet. Think Europe, India, Africa, etc. The muscovite brainwashing has been profuse. -- -- -- The right planned hundreds of years into the future. The left was lazy, and in many instances, arrogant and unsophisticated about reality. The consequences and results of lack of counter-action are self-evident and on full display. -- The only long-term answer: EDUCATION, education, education. With real SOLUTIONS and absolute, actual RESULTS. Not following through would be terminal.

[@FriendofDorothy]

they are social media parrots. They don't think for themselves.

[@olmcmonnie7445]

I'll have to quote this

[@laskatz3626]

After Trump’s influence I decided if Evangelical “Christianity” was the last belief system standing, I would turn and run and not look back. They are scary.

[@bdadolph]

Amazing since Trump is an utter pagan. Hates pious people

[@marpro765]

As currently on view in the USA, the FASCIST SCAM started over a hundred years ago when Coors (as in Coors beer) put together a fascist right wing group and agenda to counter the socialist progressive policies that were beginning to be implemented in America. The protestant groups, such as the evangelicals, baptists, assemblies, etc., were chosen for this project PRECISELY and INTENTIONALLY, because they were NAIVE, incredibly IGNORANT, and very EASILY and READILY MANIPULATED. Money, capitalism, power, fascism, plutocracy, and oligarchy were and are the singular goals, the absolute objectives; though most of the deluded members of these cults are not aware of these things and would die defending this con. These ultra right wing barrons knew it would take some time for this cold-blooded, purposeful contrivance to work its way to the forefront, but it started to bear fruit in the 50's, showed up in force in the Reagan 80's, the Gingrich Congress, Dubya's era, Delay's Congress, and came to full, grim, nightmarish fruition with the republicaneviks, trumpeviks, magaviks, q'anoneviks, etc.; with the RIGHT WING, conservative, fascist MEDIA at their side AMPLIFYING the MESSAGING 24/7. It would take hundreds of years of deprogramming - and that with limited success - to start to solve this problem, if at all possible, because it was done under the auspices of religion. The naive left fell prey to right wing pr and did absolutely nothing to counteract this evil, nefarious scheme. It was dismissed as under the sponsorship and guidance of 'religion.' They were afraid to touch that system model. Instead, they actually helped cater to it, particularly during the Reagan and Dubya era. -- The so-called 'christian right' is NOT Christian. They are old testament fundamentalist reconstructionists and dominionists. There are varieties within those, most of which are predatory, fraudulent, grifting, larcenous, and criminal. They do NOT follow the teachings of Christ as laid out in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament of the Bible. The word 'christian' as applied to these people is a DELIBERATE MISNOMER. -- -- -- Additionally, the Muscovite-Russian State has been plying its propaganda for hundreds of years. But it came into full play in the USA with the Reagan years in all possible categories, such as: economy, commerce, business, politics, finance, entertainment, religion, education, etc. Putin intensified the predatory ruthless scheme to a highly targeted level by not only using human assets but all media resources available, particularly television and internet; concentrating on the venal, CORRUPT, uninformed, IGNORANT, and GULLIBLE political and religious right. This Infiltration/Manipulation is ONGOING. - Crudely but accurately stated, Trump and the religious/political right are Putin's 'butt boys' - (though Trump is particularly 'special' in that regard). That goes for the entire religious and political right throughout the planet. Think Europe, India, Africa, etc. The muscovite brainwashing has been profuse. -- -- -- The right planned hundreds of years into the future. The left was lazy, and in many instances, arrogant and unsophisticated about reality. The consequences and results of lack of counter-action are self-evident and on full display. -- The only long-term answer: EDUCATION, education, education. With real SOLUTIONS and absolute, actual RESULTS. Not following through would be terminal.

[@Dewydidit]

They're the American Taliban.

[@burnout_2017]

Evangelical Christianity makes me cheer for the devil......the lesser of two evils

[@kalijasin]

Millions of Christians still worship Trump.

[@lynnealuebben1967]

Beautifully spoken, interviewed and presented. Thank you for speaking about all the frustration, apathy and downright idolatry that has swept through faith. That kept many of us who remembered the commandments to love one another far away from faith. Very poignant to the heart pains of the nation. The ending statements were profound.

[@lucismith1880]

This was wonderful interview! ✌🏽😊

[@jonray5899]

We are the people Jesus warned us about. Wow. Somebody on that side had to say it. Kudos to this man

[@CarbideSix]

That man just saved his own soul from the shadow realm.

[@barbarawarren9443]

One sane guy in a jungle of lunatics. Thank you for this interview, Amanapour.

[@PB-dq9gi]

100%

[@Lonewolfmike]

I would recommend checking out the interview they did with Frank Schaeffer. It is very insightful and he speaks the truth like this gentleman. And you find out some things about the "religious right" that I didn't know before. Namely, how they got into the "pro-life" garbage when in reality, at that time, the only religious group was the Catholic church which was pro-birth.

[@rebeccarittenhouse2203]

He only appears sane when you compare him to others in his Religion.

[@Lonewolfmike]

@@rebeccarittenhouse2203There are sane people in religion, but unfortunately they are outnumbered by the insane, zealots, and hardcore "believers".

[@mikebreeden6071]

The trouble here is that they skip that people are hurting, as Trump said. He told them that the game was rigged and he knew it because he took advantage of it. He said he would help by fighting the "elites" that were causing it. Amazingly they believed that he would help them. The Republicans want their based fighting the culture wars so that they don't notice the financial class wars that are eating them alive.

[@brackpin]

You can't lose something you never had.

[@janjr165]

Exactly. 🎯

[@Mgpcc67]

Very Well Said!

[@JoyFay]

Good for him for mentioning how people use religion as a form of authority

[@reidwhitton6248]

That's stating the obvious. Look at the history of the Catholic Church. It's always been about power and politics.

[@RickLeBeau]

@@reidwhitton6248 Yup. It's the origin story of religion. Become the spokesperson for an invisible deity, claim to speak for and channel that authority, and you can control the tribe. Modern religious leaders have just polished the messaging and the grifting.

[@ckpierce9475]

The Philistines of our day... thinking they are all powerful. But sure do evil things when they might lose power.

[@therichmondburton]

Great interview. Salient points that have been on my mind every day for many years. Why weren't religious people into Obama when he was in every way a great example of Christianity? The Obamas went to church and did good for others and for this country. And they never once had a scandal.

[@kaelhooten8468]

He had plenty of controversy. Just not the kind that the Magats care about. He ordered the execution of two US citizens without due process. That was a particularly ugly moment for our nation.

[@danrichardson4608]

Wrong color

[@danrichardson4608]

Wrong party

[@sharongillesp]

@@danrichardson4608 PERCEIVED wrong color because their color isn’t wrong. But I appreciate and get what you’re saying.

[@kevinjenner9502]

Harvard Political Review “Obama is a War Criminal”. Drone Program…Illegal CIA regime change, proxy war in Syria. (CIA Operation Timber Sycamore 2012-2017)….Prosecuted more whistleblowers and journalists than all Presidents combined…

[@sirwalterwallcarpet6623]

Wise man and a great interview thank you. Interesting,so many good points and insightful thinking, and without judgement.

[@stevesizemore6274]

He is right !

[@marccano5061]

I grew up in Missouri the better part of my teens and throughout my universe years. I "identify" as a catholic. When Reagan came into office i noticed that's when things started getting really weird and the rhetoric of godliness began merging with being a good capitalist. Since then it's only gotten worse and all the crazies have come out of the closet. Good coverage pastor Moore.

[@JayFreeburn]

Interesting. At the end of the 80s in my Christian school our textbook said capitalism was the only Godly form of economic system. I felt then that we were being politically indoctrinated in our school. That was 30 years ago. Combine that with right wing talk radio brainwashing a large portion of the population starting about that time and Now look at how evangelicals are married to the republican political party. Scary times we live in.

[@marylousherman5471]

I went to an Amway meeting once in the late 80's... definitely saw the 'cut & paste' connection between religion and capitalism.

[@plymouth491]

The Reagan administration was the worst thing to ever happen to this country.

[@marccano5061]

@@marylousherman5471 interesting you mentioned that. I "invited" to an amway réunion in the early 80's when I was in college. I guess what it was about, but I played along. The whole thing was strange. People got excited about making money and loving Jesus. This was in Missouri. I went along for the rest of the evening,but the whole thing was kind of strange. I couldn't buy into it .

[@rdelrosso1973]

@@marccano5061 : I was recruited into Amway three different times (1975, 1986 and and 1994), by three different people, who did not know each other. I invested some money (about $150) in products, but I never made a Dime! I think Amway is a Cult!

[@deanstuart8871]

Lovely interview, thank you

[@cyndiva1118]

He is absolutely correct I pray we can fix this

[@unfixablegop]

"We are the people Jesus warned us about" bam! And it's only too true

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Christians have been denying God (Love) and casting themselves into the realm of Darkness (Hate). I wonder if they know where the term Christian comes from. They don't seem familiar with the answer.

[@d.t.8465]

Thank you Mr. Moore. The hijacking of Jesus has been one of the most heartbreaking aspect of Trumpism to me.

[@betsyheimbuch]

Totally agree

[@hugokatz]

Like sexual abuse, Trump is a fruit of the wolves in sheep's clothing. God chooses leaders. Tragically, for America, He decided to give us someone, who mirrors the nation's heart.

[@TorianTammas]

Jesus has been hijacked in the 25 fan fiction stories about him 1900 years ago. We commonly use only 4 of the 25 fan fiction stiries but nevertheless the authors make up the story as they like.

[@Commanderziff]

Trumpism didn't hijack Jesus, Trump just perfectly compliments the Jesus that Republicans have spent decades building for themselves.

[@MrInuhanyou123]

The scary part is they don't hijack Jesus they disown him because he is too good a person for them. They only vibe with the elements of the bible that are hateful

[@ToddDrogy]

I love this man. Such honesty, integrity, and humanity.

[@christiansmakingmusic777]

Nice to see this. Nice interview and hopefully the birth of something more moderate and therefore more lovingly reflecting of the call of the gospel of Christ.

[@ERIN478]

"We are the people Jesus warned us about." This man's self-examination, insight, and frankness should give hope to whatever Evangelicals are left who are disturbed by the direction some churches have taken. Those qualities seem like evidence of God's living, expressed presence right there.

[@zackf3688]

Amen

[@rishispewcack5745]

Seems like evidence but obviously isn't. Strange how there isn't any evidence of any gods anywhere.

[@marybell3013]

@@rishispewcack5745 There is freedom of religion in the US, and there’s also freedom from religion. If these evangelical churches are preaching politics in their pulpits then they do not deserve tax exemption. Churches don’t have to pay taxes, BUT they are not supposed to bring politics into the church. I am not a church goer so why should my tax money go to those freeloaders? Some of those mega churches bring In millions of dollars. I was raised Catholic (thank God I got away from that), tried different religions (they all think that their religion is the only “right” one), finally got away from religion and am at peace . I see the “Great Spirit” in nature.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

If people like this guy were the dominant voices in the Evangelical churches, they wouldn't be dwindling so fast. Most people outside of Evangelical circles think of today's Evangelicals the same way they do about the most unhinged doomsday cults. For good reason too, because all the signs are there.

[@JamesBrown-gx4jq]

Last I checked these racist Republicans and MAGA are the WICKED God warns us of, smh. They went from Slavery to MAGA in America, need I say more.

[@seymourbutts4654]

The next time an evangelical comes knocking on your door to tell you the good news tell that person you don't want to join the republican party and then shut the door.

[@veramae4098]

This is so sad ...

[@luciatheron1621]

​@@veramae4098why?

[@SN-sz7kw]

Excellent response - it forces them to reflexively want to claim they aren’t affiliated with a particular party, & possibly recognize how transparently dishonest they look? Maybe…

[@seymourbutts4654]

I'm not religious so why is it sad ? @@veramae4098

[@suezbell1]

Perfect.

[@arizonashopper5095]

This guy is brilliant. Thank you for having him on. Shopping several of his books now!

[@AmanpourandCompany]

Thanks for tuning in. We appreciate you!

[@jimestus7506]

Very good segment, thank you.

[@jydelca7297]

Wow! “We’re the people Jesus warned us about…”. I agree. I’m a Christian who is having a hard time finding a congregation that doesn’t get involved in political extremism. I live in FL and I’m truly seeking a congregation that is free of this virus that has infected our churches. We need to remember that as the “body of Christ” we are called to salt of the earth and light of the world. Jesus called the religious leaders hypocrites. Unfortunately, I no longer identify myself as an evangelical. It’s really sad. Lord help us!

[@JamesBrown-gx4jq]

From Slavery to MAGA... The WICKED of the earth the Bible labels such folks and boy did God hit the nail on the head with that one.

[@xjarheadjohnson]

They are also the people the Founding Fathers' warned about & why they deemed *ALL* religions unfit for modern, civil governance. _“The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or Mohammedan Nation.”_ *- John Adams* (American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, Founding Father & 2nd president) The *1st Amendment's Establishment Clause* prohibits the government from making any law, _“respecting an establishment of religion.”_ This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion. *Constitution Article VI Supreme Law - Clause 3 Oaths of Office* _"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; _*_but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."_* This means nobody is ever required to swear on the Bible, or any other religious book for an oath of office. They may choose a religious book, but none is required. _"In this enlightened age and in this land of equal liberty, it is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining and holding the highest offices that are known in the United States."_ *-George Washington* _“...the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion."_ *-Treaty of Tripoli - June 7, 1797. Signed by President John Adams & Ratified UNANIMOUSLY, by the Senate June 10, 1797* ....only a few times in history the Senate unanimously agreed on anything. A 2018 Supreme Court Ruling re-affirmed this statement, from The Treaty of Tripoli. *PETER CARL BORMUTH, Petitioner,* *V.* *COUNTY OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN Respondent* This Court also released an opinion on May 14, 2018 in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Assn., 584 U. S. (2018), Justice Thomas in his concurring opinion wrote: _"The Treaty of Tripoli was passed by the Senate and signed into law by President John Adams. As such, it is a "legislated text" which must be read "textually". _*_The lower courts in this case read a hypothetical legislative intention into the text by dismissing Article 11 as "a mere formality". The language itself makes a clear direct statement that our government is not based on the Christian religion_*_ and any attempt by a government official to represent our government as Christian contradicts the text and the historical understanding of our founders."_ _“This would be the best of all possible Worlds, if there were no Religion in it”_ *-John Adams* )Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1817) _"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as his father, in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter."_ *-Thomas Jefferson* (Letter from Jefferson to John Adams, 11 April 1823) _"The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason."_ *-Benjamin Franklin* (Poor Richard's Almanac) _“The study of theology, as it stands in Christian churches, is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authorities; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion....and as this is the case with Christian theology, it is therefore the study of nothing.”_ *― Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason (1794)*

[@topcat43truffles15]

I wish you luck in finding a congregation that aligns with your beliefs. Unfortunately, at this time that seems like a tall order. Until a vaccine comes along to irradicate that virus and restore some sanity to the “Evangelical Christian Right” your probably on a very sparsely populated island. I’m not a religious person but if I remember some religious teachings, you don’t need a church to follow the beliefs of Christianity. Maybe someday the rest of the crowd might catch up.👍🏻😎

[@names_are_useless]

I'm an Ex-Christian, now an Agnostic Atheist. I strongly recommend leaving the faith altogether. The Bible presents a lot of ideas that open up the world to fascism (Romans 13 being very problematic, as it tells us that Yahweh chooses ALL human leaders, which would have to include murderous dictators ... which means God is responsible for the blood on their hands), which I don't think is positive for humanity.

[@damarmar1001]

There is no lord so no one will help you if you doesn´t help yourself and come to your senses and see the obvious facts.

[@dondon6655]

"Using Jesus as a means to an end" What a powerful insight! I have often felt that if Jesus returned, he would be crucified by the Christian Right. Sadly, these types helped me decide to leave the formal Christian religions. In a funny way, I am thankful for this, as my world is so much broader and meaningful. I do have respect for what Moore is making transparent. I hope Christians listen.

[@veramae4098]

Welcome to the Lutheran Church, ELCA!!!!

[@jimwing.2178]

I hope Christians give up religion.

[@FriendofDorothy]

"I hope Christians listen" Seriously? But you know they won't. There is no head thicker nor heart more stubborn than the pride of someone whose self-image is all wrapped up in their own interpretation of what the Bible has to say. They are quite impenetrable. And does the Bible not say that "Pride goeth before a fall." ?

[@visualpun650]

@@FriendofDorothyCertainly there are Christians making comments on KZbin that fit your damning description. But on the other hand most Christians come to this faith through repenting from their sinful lives, admitting wrong, and letting themselves be “broken” by God. You have to have humility to follow Christ. So if these Christians are reminded enough of their imperfection and God’s perfection, they may see they aren’t following correctly.

[@generationofswine-ge5rw]

Didn't you hear? Jesus returned and was shot by police who swarmed him in a park where he was trying to give sandwiches to the homeless. He started to say something to police, so they shot him for being combative. I guess you shouldn't resist arrest. It's illegal to feed the homeless in that county which is fervently Christian. BTW Jesus didn't look like the picture in most American churches, if he existed, he looked more like Osama Bin Laden than that picture.

[@BartSantello]

Good discussion. Thanks.

[@tykiisel8801]

They have no credibility any more. They obviously didn’t really believe anything they professed to.

[@citizen303]

"If you can use religion it can give you an extra kind of authority that says, 'if you disagree with me, you disagree with God.'" This is why the separation of church and state is a cornerstone of our republic.

[@jkeelsnc]

This is one of the problems I have with evangelicals. They don't take responsibility for what they believe.

[@eddybowe2953]

It was, but now it's under attack by these people who think we are a christian nation, even though we have never been one, but they think we are.

[@jefflindsey4699]

It is all about hate. I asked an older lady why she supported him. Sher replied: "He hates the people that I hate." When I asked her how she thought he might feel about her, she said: It does not matter, he hates the people that I hate." When people are willing to place hate above their own interests it become very frightening.

[@cpamfly6858]

I agree with you. Underneath the hate, I think there’s fear and a lack of self-esteem that makes people feel like they are losers. My brother is a Trumpist and I have spent seven years trying to figure out why. They don’t admit that they hate but their teaching that everybody else is a sinner is the fertile ground for their hatred.

[@cpamfly6858]

I always thought so. His voters agree with his hatreds. Not a great grammatical sentence but you get it. They bond over common hatreds.

[@ramonpchi]

@@cpamfly6858he knows this and used that underlying hate to garner and hype his base. Unfortunately it’s a winning strategy for half the country.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

When he was asked directly if he was a Christian, he skirted around the question without giving an answer. He couldn't even bring himself to say it as a convenient lie, that's how much contempt he feels for them.

[@robm9581]

There is only Profit in these looney bins, there are no Prophets false or otherwise

[@BATitaniumman]

Oh Russell, bless your heart, you're about 50 years late to the party but we're glad you've finally got the memo and joined the rest of us here on Earth 1.

[@ipris3971]

Thank you so much for this interview. I completely understand, I to feel this underlying tone with my parents who are in their 70s. Everything we talk about seems to have the sense of moving toward what is wrong is political. It seems to permeate their church to just in the way they talk about their church. Bottom line, I would like to have my parents back and that we would be able to sit down and enjoy one another’s company. This whole thing has just become a mess. Thank you for this interview. It was wonderful. I am going to order the book immediately.

[@twinstwos]

Getting out of the church has been the most freeing and liberating experience of my life! I can think for myself now!

[@5150cappie]

And, whatever God is, he(?) still loves you especially because you’re thinking and questioning- as any good parent would want.

[@TimeSurfer206]

@@5150cappie "Seek ye knowledge, from the Cradle, TO THE GRAVE." A commandment of God, from the Quran. Too bad us muslims are too illiterate to know what the words we memorize mean.

[@sheritacotten5293]

we serve an awesome God join a church that is not binding and welcomes you to study God's truth for yourself some churches are from Satan and some from God yes that does make sense

[@denisestarr2314]

Me too

[@reggyskull528]

Yea that’s unfortunate because the teachings of Jesus are not ment to divide and push away

[@jeffswingdancer8302]

The late Michael Gerson, who was an evangelical and columnist for the Washington Post, wrote a brilliant column titled "Trump should fill Christians with rage. How come he doesn’t?" that explores how many Christians have lost their way.

[@chong2389]

Because the people he fills with rage are Christians In Name Only.

[@joemillz10]

That's an easy question to answer. Only a small number of evangelical Christians are true believers, most are in it for the bigotry. Bigots are able to prop up their self-esteem and soothe their insecurities by looking down on others.

[@rezrunnercl]

Well, he has filled them with rage against all others. But no rage against immorality or cruelty.

[@wandamartinez1561]

He has!

[@wandamartinez1561]

Christians don’t like what is going on, it hurts to see the disassociation from the people from the Bible and the scripture that God has given us! If someone truly reads God’s Word and acts on it, it should bring us to the alter to ask for forgiveness.

[@rosemarybushea3447]

Another book I'll read. Thankful for this perspective.

[@ReidVV]

The guy is articulate on the subject and has a deep understanding of the causes and effects

[@muhchung]

I am an atheist, but I like his messages. Very astute observations and deep insights.

[@jannetteberends8730]

His remark about the adrenaline was an eyeopener for me. Adrenaline can be addictive, and that explains to me why trumpets are so clinging to this cult.

[@petervandenbroek1058]

If he only would draw the right conclusions from his errors

[@sheritacotten5293]

absolutely he is man after God's heart be encouraged by the word of God many are deceivers sadly including some Christians

[@damarmar1001]

mostly christians@@sheritacotten5293

[@lf3541]

"We are the people Jesus warned us about." Chilling statement from a man who had a front row seat to the hypocrisy and bravely and honorably said ENOUGH. Great interview.

[@bobballard3814]

We had the greatest teacher to ever walk the fact of our earth and most people never heard a word of this great teacher I can see Christ face full of tears

[@hm5142]

This evangelical leader seems to be surprised at what kind of people his followers are. We outside the church have known this for a very long time.

[@thehylers1021]

You are generalizing about Jesus followers. Many of us reject hate and choose to love others as ourselves.

[@nicholashylton6857]

​@@thehylers1021The thing is, we don't see or hear any pushback from evangelicals who think the movement has gone too far. Nothing other than blurbs like this interview.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

@@nicholashylton6857 The hateful ones are the majority now. They also have their own mass media and are integrated into the Republican party, so get all the mainstream media coverage too. You have to go digging in places like this channel to hear the ones who refuse to go down that path.

[@jodibales3169]

Thank you sir for having the courage to speak out. Please don’t stop, we need you

[@shannonscheible7985]

Very eye opening!

[@charlottekathrine1625]

Thanks Amanpour & Co. This is what happens when you dance with the devil. Pastors and religious leaders should learn their lesson and avoid politics at all costs. Focus on brotherly love.

[@giovannylopez3991]

Agree 💯

[@cpamfly6858]

Learning a lesson would be possible if one was interested in learning, however, they sought this power, and they still want it. This is the Christian nationalist movement. They seek to impose by force of law those ideas which have lost in the public square.

[@WillBravoNotEvil]

Extending the "devil dance" metaphor, I'm pretty sure the genie is out of the bottle. We can no longer retreat to innocence. As the preacher might aver, "...when I became a man I put away childish things."

[@marih3286]

Funny, some churches used to kick unrepentant wrongdoers out (Adulterers, Child Molesters, Spousal Abusers), and they got sued. That led to the rise of our current "Anything Goes" religions of today. A lose-lose situation. We need Jesus and not the watered-down version of the gospels too.

[@daylightmoon7285]

These pastors chose to put worldly politics above Jesus. They knew better. It is better spiritually to stay away from these pastors.

[@lisamay4376]

The evangelicals seem to love to hate anybody who isn’t them

[@50-50_Grind]

Hate addicts at this point.

[@arielbenyochanan7687]

I genuinely appreciate his honesty and clear-eyed presentation. He does not downplay or justify the direction his movement has gone in, but calls it out with calmness and clarity. What I would like to hear more about is how the marriage between the GOP and the Religious Right back in 1978 led inexorably to the ultimate demise of both. But that may be a subject for another day.

[@marlaohanlon2909]

Trying to mix religion & politics hurts both. Proof is here!Thanks!

[@What_do_I_Think]

The "basics of Christianity": *Humility, Compassion, Love, Truthfulness* -- everything what the new "prophet" of many "evangelicals" IS NOT.

[@ALL_CAPS__]

if you could make people believe absurdities, you can make them commit atrocities. - Voltaire Religion is no different.

[@sharongillesp]

Wow! Spot on. I hadn’t heard this one before. Thanks.

[@kevinjenner9502]

War Criminal / GW Bush

[@timelston4260]

The faithful, the gullible. Led by a dead messiah, deceived by a pied Piper.

[@Andre_XX]

Once you can be conned into believing some dude walked on water and rose from the dead, your brain is basically stuffed.

[@garyc1221]

Jesus hates what is going on. He would walk on water again if people would follow him, not Trump.

[@davidhaynes3126]

there’s no doubt about sexual abuse in the church. That is well documented and believable

[@Frenetic321]

I ❤and subscribed

[@Maryam-eg7lg]

As a Muslim, I found this man very knowledgeable and wise. Would like to read his book.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

all you religious fanatics should pick up a freaking science book and read it and quit living your life by a freaking religion book. JESUS you folks are sheep

[@petem.3719]

"Those who can be convinced to believe absurdities can be convinced to commit atrocities. " ~Voltaire

[@ObamAmerican48]

That's an understatement, Mr. God.

[@marygrant8715]

The interviewer is so good. The opposite of glib.

[@joyceanson708]

Finally Russell Moore is saying the truth about evangelical Christianity and the problems that happen when politics and conspiracy untruths become more important .

[@fefekitten]

Evangelicals are not Christians, they are sinners of the highest order

[@peopleofonefire9643]

You folks have no clue how bad it is for regular folks here in the heart of Trumpland (NE Georgia) I was an college intern for Jimmy Carter and a friend of the family. I had always considered myself an Evangelical Christian and until 2000 was always chosen a leader of whichever Methodist congregation I was member of in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and then Georgia again. Suddenly in 2000 the Republicans literally drove me out of the church. When I moved here to Habersham County, GA in 2018, I merely visited a Methodist Church. The Habersham County Sheriff's Dept. immediately called the church and told them that I was a convicted sexual predator. Total lie - there is nothing in my past that I need to hide. The Georgia Republicans are using white local and state cops as a Gestapo to persecute and socially isolate anyone, who is not one of their thralls. The high incomes and urban residences of national media members isolates them from the absolute evil which is the essence of today's Republican Party.

[@bhalliwell739]

I am so sorry that has happened to you.

[@katwalkable]

You could bring a lawsuit against the Habersham County Sheriff's Dept. for defaming you and slander. It would be helpful to others who are similarly abused. I would move first.

[@peopleofonefire9643]

That is just one tiny part of the comprehensive campaign by local law enforcement to destroy me. When I was picking up my car at a repair shop, a deputy drove up, got out, grinned and spit tobacco juice on my shoes - hoping that I would make a scene so he could arrest me. They told the convenience store near my house that I was a predator of young women over 18. (Many of their clerks are that age bracket) They told the farm store near my house that I was a predator of teenage girls and set up a sting whereby a 17 year girl flirted with me and asked to stop by house. I declined. They told the Dollar General near my house that I was a predator of teenage boys and placed a teenage boy, on probation as a clerk. He repeatedly ask to come to my house. They told the supermarket owner in Helen, GA that I was a predator of college coeds and actually placed three university Criminal Justice coeds as clerks. The girls flirted with me in a really stupid way.. I ignored them. They told my neighbors that I was a male prostitute. When a 43 year old female history professor gave me her telephone number in the supermarket, i first looked her up online to make sure that she was single. Before I could even call her on the phone, they called the university told them that the lady professor had been spending weekends with me and that I had "a long history of immoral and criminal behavior, and was about to be arrested for a horrendous crime." Of course, I never even got a chance to telephone the lady, but her dean told her that her contract would not be renewed if she continued to see me. A year ago, when a woman living 65 mile from me committed suicide 21 miles from me by burning herself, the sheriff's department called the FBI and told them that I was a serial killer, who had murdered several people that way. The FBI then contacted my room-mates from five decades ago at Georgia Tech, my relatives and even girl friends going back 30 years and told them that I was a bi-sexual serial killer and needed their help to convict me. The Republicans control the complete Criminal Justice system in Georgia, outside of Atlanta. There is no way I could ever get a conviction or civil judgment with them controlling everything. @@katwalkable

[@firstinthedance]

@@peopleofonefire9643 Why would you be targeted in such a way? Are you a well-known Democrat or a follower of a different religion? What provoked this?

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

And people wonder why cops aren't trusted. @@peopleofonefire9643

[@xelamercedes]

I'm going to need a minute or two -- just finished Tim Alberta's book "The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory" last week which was also a "bracing" read to say the least -- but I have added Moore's book to my reading list.