Mike Pence and the Christian Conflict on January 6 - 0 views
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christian power justice rule of law 2022 insurrection
shared by Javier E on 19 Jun 22
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When Pence became the focal Point of the mob’s rage, it crystalized a religious conflict between two comPeting visions of religion in Politics. The mob’s focus was on Power, and through Power it intended to “save America” from Joe Biden and the Democrats. TrumP—and the riot—were a means to an end, and the “strength” they sought was the strength to disruPt the government and defeat their hated enemies.
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Pence’s focus, by contrast, was on justice—uPholding the rule of law—and the courage he sought was the courage to ignore the howls of the mob and defy the demands of a deranged President to Preserve his office.
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upholding the rule of law—and the courage he sought was the courage to ignore the howls of the mob and defy the demands of a deranged president to preserve his office
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The desperate quest for power is a constant human temptation, and when people are gripped by the spirit of Barabbas they will scorn, reject, threaten, or sometimes even try to kill all those who stand in their way.
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there is nothing new under the sun. When God’s people chose the insurrectionist Barabbas over Jesus himself, they were not uniquely evil or even all that unusual. The desperate quest for power is a constant human temptation, and when people are gripped by the spirit of Barabbas they will scorn, reject, threaten, or sometimes even try to kill all those who stand in their way. 
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A commitment to justice does not require a commitment to power. As pence demonstrated in that fateful moment, a commitment to justice can even require a Christian to relinquish his power and surrender his authority. 
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“You know what I liked about Trump? Everybody was afraid of him, including me.” — Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
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If it was easier to do what’s right, then we’d see more virtue. Why do we tend to see better individual and institutional behavior under better leaders? Because better leaders make it easier for normal, everyday men and women to stay true to their values.
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The same principle works in reverse, and it was a prime reason why Trump was so thoroughly and systematically destructive to American institutions and culture. When the leader is corrupt, he creates barriers to virtue.