The article explores Charlie Kirk's spiritual journey and his role in merging conservative Christianity with American politics, culminating in his memorial service that celebrated his influence on the Christian right and its alignment with Republican politics during the Trump era.
The article explores Pastor Doug Wilson's efforts to promote Christian nationalism and a theocratic vision in the US, including establishing a church in Washington, DC, aligned with Trump-era conservative politics, and his influence among MAGA conservatives and within the Trump administration.
White evangelical Christians are significant supporters of Israel, influencing U.S. policy due to their organized and dedicated constituency. This support is rooted in historical and theological connections, which are explored in the context of current Middle Eastern conflicts.
Biblical scholar Paula Fredriksen criticizes left-wing politicians and media figures, including AOC, for claiming Jesus was Palestinian, calling it historically false and inflammatory. She points out that Bethlehem has been under Palestinian rule for decades and that modern-day Gaza is hostile to Christians. Fredriksen argues that the term "Palestine" derived from Rome a century after Christ's death, and appropriating Jesus as Palestinian to attack Israel is an act of cultural and political appropriation. She emphasizes that this narrative rips Jesus out of his Jewish context and stokes hate against Jews, while also slamming it as polemic masquerading as history.
Former President Donald Trump recently promoted the "God Bless The USA Bible," a project by country musician Lee Greenwood that includes political features such as the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The Bible, previously facing controversy and setbacks in publishing, has resurged with a new publisher and the King James Version translation. Trump's endorsement aligns with his appeal to conservative Christian values, emphasizing the importance of religion in American society.
A new survey by the Public Religion Research Institute reveals that states like North Dakota, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia have strong support for Christian nationalism, with about three in ten Americans sympathizing with the idea of the U.S. as a Christian nation. This belief is particularly prevalent among white evangelical Protestants, who make up a third of the Republican party, and is associated with policy priorities such as restrictions on abortion access, LGBTQ rights, and immigration limits. The movement's influence is exemplified by the recent ruling in Alabama granting legal protections to frozen embryos, with the state's chief justice quoting from the Bible in his opinion and advocating for dominion in the legal realm.
Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his past derogatory remarks about Pope Francis, is set to meet with the pope at the Vatican on Feb. 12. The meeting signifies a significant shift in their relationship, with the pope initiating a call to congratulate Milei on his election. Despite their differing political views, the two men are expected to set aside their differences for the sake of their country and the Catholic faith. Milei's decision to attend the canonization of Argentina's first female saint at the Vatican further emphasizes his willingness to engage with the Catholic Church.