Let us rejoice!
Religious conservatives are lifting their hands in praise over the recent runoff election in Texas, which elevated Attorney General Ken Paxton to the role of the Republican Senate candidate. While Brother Paxton has a long record of alleged corruption and immoral behavior, he blessedly remains the darling of the far right by our Brothers and Sisters, who are already committed to supporting less than Christ-like political figures, as evidenced by the bold statement that President Trump is the most faith-friendly president in history.
Glory!
It blesses my heart when scripture is invoked in the public arena. Brothers Paxton and Trump revel in the many scriptures that are referenced to excuse their less-than-stellar behavior. Scripture such as the Old Testament references to King David, who was an adulterer but still a revered figure in the Bible. Highly revered letter writer, Paul, proclaims in Romans 13:1-2 that leaders are “instituted by God.” Apparently, regardless of moral character.
Hallelujah!
I have a favorite spiritual axiom that has meant so much to me that I have cross-stitched it into a sampler in my home: “I Can Do All Things Through A Scripture Taken Out Of Context”. Isn’t it miraculous how interpretation is so, dare I say, liberally used within the church?
Of course, our Holy Bible is also referenced to justify opposition to the Democratic challenger, Brother James Talarico. While he has exhibited nothing but benevolent grace thus far and is a devout Christian, he’s a PRESBYTERIAN! Calvinist theology will proclaim that he is predestined to fail. Amen? Therefore, all manner of stories and accusations will be thrown against him from now until November.
Let us all gird our loins!
The Lord has revealed to his people that the disagreement is usually not about whether scripture speaks to leadership, but which principles should carry the most weight: forgiveness and divine providence, or moral integrity and accountability.
But back to Brother Paxton. He soundly defeated Brother John Cornyn, an incumbent statesman who had conservatively served the people of my home state for many years. In snatching victory from Brother Cornyn’s hands, Christian voters have invoked yet another scripture.
John 18:40…..Give us Barabbas.
Let us pray.
Sister Helen Holy is a member of the First Southern Fried Self-Satisfied Babatist Church. As a Babatist, it is her duty to point out how she is better than all others, whether it be based on religion, ethnicity, country of origin, or God forbid, sexual orientation. Her ministry of Satire touches all who hear her. She hopes to be touching YOU soon.