Trump has evangelical leaders wrapped around his finger

Robert Jeffress (top) and Tony Perkins (bottom) are just two of the many evangelical leaders Trump has wrapped around his finger by catering to their egos.

If there is one positive to Trump being in the Oval Office, it's that his time there is exposing a lot of these so-called Christian leaders as the power-hungry charlatans they are.

A very good article by Religious News Services, All the president’s clergymen: A close look at Trump’s ‘unprecedented’ ties with evangelicals, while pretty much objective, gives a picture of the embarrassing way several right-wing white evangelicals and black pastors who generally partner with them on other initiatives are freely throwing away what little religious integrity they have because Trump "gives them so much access."

Since inauguration, there have been meetings, dinners, photo ops and conference calls, according to participants. And there have been countless other encounters, including some at prayer events and signing ceremonies and a concert at the Kennedy Center. On Sept. 1, some from the group were back in the Oval Office as the president declared a National Day of Prayer for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Texas pastor Robert Jeffress led another laying-of-hands benediction that cast Trump as a national savior. 

 “Father, I thank you that we have a president … who believes in the power of prayer,” he said. “This country has been bitterly divided for decades upon decades, and now you have given us a gift, President Donald Trump.” 

 . . .And unlike the business advisory councils that disbanded over the president’s response to violence by white supremacists last month in Charlottesville, Va., the evangelicals are still standing by him. Extensive interviews with key participants — as well as public statements and photos — reveal that a cadre of conservative Christian religious leaders — mostly white and male (with notable exceptions such as White and Suarez) — has the ear of the politically powerful on matters of national priority, from judicial appointments to immigration and criminal justice reform. And while presidents before have consulted with spiritual advisers — evangelist Billy Graham is the best-known example — the current group’s members certainly appear to care not only about Trump’s own spiritual well-being, but also have concrete views about a range of issues and make no secret of wanting policy changes.

Franklin Graham, you are a fake and a liar

There will be no news briefs today. But there will be a post. A certain charlatan needs to be figuratively dragged online.

I don't know about you but I am so damn tired of Franklin Graham's ability to get away with being noted as a prominent religious leader even though he wouldn't know Jesus if he got His autograph at the Sermon on the Mount.

It's a sad commentary on Christianity in America when this man is interviewed, usually one-on-one and given the ability to spout lie after lie about the LGBTQ community. Whether being the recipient of interviews which turn into shameless monologues or writing junk on his facebook page and soaking up the "amens" from his ignorant sheep (followers, my ass), Graham is a shining example of the dangers of demagoguery which drapes itself around a cross, thereby masking his true predatory nature.

 And he won't be touched. Graham has too much prestige to be harmed by a true look at his motives and claims. However, to suit my personal satisfaction and to have some record of someone calling this evil man out for what he is, I'm going to speak my peace.


What's gotten me riled up? This junk on his facebook page:

See, junk like this is the mess I was talking about in my post from last night. Graham attacks the SPLC for rightfully labeling anti-LGBTQ organizations as hate groups. He also lies about why SPLC calls out these groups.