U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry has given Christians a little something extra to chew on this upcoming Thanksgiving.
The former Texas governor and presidential hopeful turned… self-styled theologian(?) appeared on Fox News this past weekend to let America know God himself was behind President Trump's installation in the Oval Office.
“I said, 'Mr. President, I know there are people that say you said you were the chosen one and I said, 'You were,’" Perry explained during the segment. "I said, 'If you're a believing Christian, you understand God's plan for the people who rule and judge over us on this planet in our government,’” he added.
Perry sought to reaffirm the core evangelical belief that the Lord involves himself in the "details of the day-to-day lives of government," even if His historical choices have frequently been far from perfect.
"King David wasn't perfect. Saul wasn't perfect. Solomon wasn't perfect. And I actually gave the President a little one-pager on those Old Testament kings about a month ago" Perry explained.
God’s Will in the White House
Could it really be that God picks political favorites? Perry is not the only administration official to make such claims.
Trump's former press secretary Sarah Sanders insists she saw God's hand in picking Trump, telling the Christian Broadcasting Network: "I think God calls all of us to fill different roles at different times, and I think he wanted Donald Trump to become president and that's why he's there."
As did Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was asked if his boss had "been sort of raised for such a time as this, just like Queen Esther, to help save the Jewish people from the Iranian menace.” His reply: "as a Christian, I certainly believe that's possible."
A Dangerous Path?
Critics were quick to jump on Perry’s comments, warning that it is neither wise nor prudent to deify political leaders. Former George W. Bush ethics chief Richard Painter slammed the comments as Trump “cult-of-personality nonsense,” while the Atlantic’s David Frum urged caution by referencing a historical example:
It’s worth noting that there is no shortage of hubris involved here. By Perry's own logic, Putin, Assad, and the Ayatollah could also be imperfect leaders chosen by God. Or does the big man only support American presidents?Either way, there’s a huge distinction between the idea of leaning on one’s faith convictions to lead a nation of people, and the notion that a deity might reach down from the sky and select a single figure as a “chosen one” charged with doing their bidding. The former has produced some of history’s greatest leaders. The latter, some of its most notorious despots.
What do you think? Is this “chosen one” talk worrying at all, or are people just overreacting?
58 comments
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Lionheart
Donald Trump was elected by the people, not any fictional god.
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Minister Mike
I'm a people and I did not vote for him.
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Lionheart
No, you’re a person, unless you have a split personality. :)
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Dan Anderson
No, he was NOT elected by the people, but by the Electoral College. Big difference, I am afraid.
Only five US presidents in history have been elected despite losing the popular vote: John Quincy Adams in 1824, Rutherford Hayes in 1876, Benjamin Harrison in 1888, George W. Bush in 2000 and Donald Trump this November, 2016.
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Howard Pippin
I'm sure you realize that we are a republic and not a democracy. The major population Areas do not have the right to run the entire country as they would have a democracy. The founding fathers had enough insight to know that populous states would just ride roughshod over the less populous areas, so the set it up with some means of making them work together. Thank God for their foresight.
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Takaya Kovani Sweeney
Yes, so now we have voter suppression by Repukes and tyranny by the minority. Yes, the framers did a great job protecting white supremacy but not the laws of the land.
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CB Cuff
I agree with you to a point Lionheart, that he was 'elected', but I'm sure you're aware of how elections are stick handled in the US. Trump as well as Bush #2 were purposefully put into office. What Rick Perry says in that interview, within the context, identifies him as not being suitable to hold public office. Those are the words of a delusional man.Something akin to Flat-Earthers. He may have graduated from high school but he clearly went to the wrong school of 'higher learning'.
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Lionheart
Yes I understand, but in reality, how much does "higher learning" really need to play a part in politics? All Presidents seem to have their strengths and weaknesses, as do we all. We have what are supposed to be "learned" politicians in California (a sanctuary state). They can't even get their own house in order, yet they vilify the leader of our nation, even when figures of unemployment, finances, illegal entry, are now being shown to be better than for many years.
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flugo
'sea bee': Rick Perry was correct! Romans 13 clearly states authority is ordained of God. And in Proverbs 21:1 it is obvious God is in control of leadership. He has set up 'governments': starting in the home, then schools, cities, states all the way up to international leaders. Man's thoughts and ways are not up to God's. We don't understand. But, we can rest assured He is bringing about His plans to fruition.. . . . and His plans and ways are just, righteous and perfect.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
We get it Flugo, you happily get on your knees and open wide while begging for your big daddy G to spray you with his hot sticky love. I suspect your one of those that when you hear about all the sexual abuse in the church wonder why they are calling it abuse.
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Lionheart
bob you cannot be rest assured of anything that’s written in that book. You can quote chapter and verse as much as you like from your book, just as others can quote chapter and verse of their books that they believe are holy words of their god, but it doesn’t make any of if it true. Nothing of what you state can be proved.
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Howard Pippin
Donald Trump was elected by the people, not any fictional god.
Lionheart. I can see you are missing the point that stands out to those that read that book that you don't like. God, working behind the scenes, took care to see that the delusional side didn't win. Isn't that wonderful? Do you realize what pit we would be in now if he wouldn't have? It's Something that all Christians can celebrate.
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Lionheart
The delusional side didn’t win because he secured enough votes within the system of the Republic of the United States. Those votes came from people of all religions, and no religion at. You suggest I’m missing the point, but the point Mr Pippin is that there is no evidence whatsoever that your god, or any god was ”working behind the scenes” as you put it. Religions of all faiths, and none at all, celebrated In the result. Thanks go to the voters, not to any mythical god. I guess we can now hopefully look forward to five more years of impeachment hearings and listen to the disillusioned rantings of the Democrats. :-)
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Howard Pippin
Lionheart, that's the entertaining part about politics. You do realize how lucky we are that the Democrats are tying up their time with their rantings and they're not passing any bills, so there's a bright side to everything. We have plenty of laws on the books, many that aren't enforced. Congratulations to Mr. Trump for keeping them well occupied. And, prophecy is there for those who read it. Merry Christmas, to you sir, and a happy new year.
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Lionheart
Greetings Sir Howard. Thank you for your well wishes. May you also have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year. Let’s hope our very noble leader presides once again for another 4 years.
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Kim Warrick Runkel
I believe there is no such thing as coincidence. Those that think Trump was chosen by God have the right to believe so. They don't believe he's a messiah. They believe he's a man who can get the job done. In 2016 I myself was upset by the level of corruption in our government and wanted a president who didn't owe favors to anyone, and would do what was best for the citizens of America. A businessman, not a politician. He needed thick skin, confidence to know what was right, good business sense; I think Trump fit that description. "You will know them by their fruits." Look at all the good Trump has done for the country, not for only himself. Look at the good! Honestly, look for it. Just think how much more could be accomplished if congress would work with him, instead of against him. A lot of people are ruled by feelings and not reason. Feelings will get you into a lot of trouble- you will fall for a false prophet who is a wolf in sheep clothing. Instead, use reason. Follow this to find your way: listen to a politician- ask yourself if his goals are what's best for America as a WHOLE, then look at what he has ALREADY accomplished in his own district. "You will know them by their fruits."
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Norma Battes
"You will know them by their fruits."
Serial philanderer. Serial bankrupter. Lies. Jeffrey Epstein. Hypocrite. Roger Stone, campaign advisor, - convicted Rick Gates, deputy campaign chair, - convicted Michael Cohen, personal lawyer, - convicted George Papadopoulos, campaign advisor, - convicted Paul Manafort, campaign chairman, - convicted Mike Flynn, national security advisor, - convicted Rudy Giuliani, lawyer/unregistered foreign agent, - TBA Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State - TBA William Barr, Attorney General, - TBA RIck Perry, Secretary of energy, - TBA Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States, - TBA TBA, ....
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Takaya Kovani Sweeney
Exactly...tRUMP is a demon and only other demons think his chit is good works and follow him blindly as long as he’s promoting white supremacy.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Why do you think he's planning to go to Russia in May, allegedly to celebrate some Russian holiday festival with his bud, Putin? It sounds like an escape escape hatch to me.
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Howard Pippin
Why do you think he's planning to go to Russia in May, allegedly to celebrate some Russian holiday festival with his bud, Putin? It sounds like an escape escape hatch to me.
Hi Carl. Do you really believe that? honestly?
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Pimpin', did you know that it's alright for christians like you to get sodomized in the name of Jesus? And you can do it just like Jesus and his apostles used to do it to each other, too. All things done in his name.
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flugo
'cow bells'. Your comments are baseless, provocative and show your dismal ignorance. LIE: It's NOT alright for Christians to get sodomized. Total fabrication. ASSUMPTION: Suggesting Jesus and His disciples engaged in sodomy. No facts. BLASPHEMOUS: Your foolhardy and dangerous disregard for the Name and Person of Jesus Christ. Look out! I've heard of postings like yours, where ONLY YOU, the poster, get any benefit/pleasure from them. It's called 'academic masturbation'. You'd do well, to preclude demonstrating your lack of wisdom, to cease you asinine, dismal blather.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
Cow Bell? thats the best you got for our resident goof ball poster?
I bet Cral could come up witha half dozen good ways to mock his name he would happily offer up if asked nicely.
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Christine
flugo sodomy is any sexual act that's not coitus for the explicit purpose of attempting to get pregnant. Casual sex = sodomy. Anything to do with your mouth = sodomy. You're not going to convince anyone that most Christians do not do these things
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woodardenterprises
God always has His plan. If SOME believe, or choose to believe that trump was sent by God, in what context is that actually meant? Satan was in heaven until God kicked him out and made him the demon of hell. Satan is ABOUT evil. And God created "a home" for all people that don't recognize Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, and the Son of Man. And who do not confess such. It's for those who don't repent their sins. Who continue to sin without regard to others or their own eternal destiny. Liars. Money grabbers who put money and themselves above all else, to include God. If people who choose to believe trump was sent by God, and trump fits all of the above mentioned, it's possible God DID send trump, so that we can see what real evil is. Trump walks this earth with evil in his heart. God knows our heart. God hardened the Pharisees heart. He also parted the sea to ensure His people were safe from the evil and killing of them by the Pharisee and his Army. And then God drowned them all. So maybe, for GOD'S reason, trump could HAVE been "sent by God". But clearly, not for our sacred and Holy benefit, but for us to see and hear "living" evil, and then we can praise God for trumps destruction.
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Lionheart
What you write here is total hogwash of what you personally believe, with no factual evidence whatsoever. You write as though you know it to be true, but in reality no one has any demonstrable evidence that any god, let alone yours, is real.
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Takaya Kovani Sweeney
Absolutely right!
tRUMP’s fat, funky orange arse can lead them all straight to hell as far as I’m concerned...good riddance, move faster.
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Howard Pippin
Rick is on to something, but the reason Trump was picked by God was so that he could declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel and that full fills Bible prophecy that is sure to come. This particular item has been denied by all previous presidents. It isn't that God picks those that might be the most holy, with Throughout history, he has picked those that he needed to get his job done. If you don't agree don't read. Allan
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Minister Mike
News flash - 45 did NOT declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Israel did that.
The fact has never been denied by any US President since Israel became a modern state. The US just moved it's consulate to Jerusalem.
Those are the facts. IIf you don't agree don't read.
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Howard Pippin
You are absolutely right, and yet the world did not recognize Jerusalem as the capital because every president before Pres. Trump reneged on his pledged to move the consulate to Jerusalem, so if you read Bible prophecy you will discover that this was prophesied and they will now have to recognize Jerusalem is the capital of Israel Whether they like it or not. Keeping the consulate at Tel Aviv was done to appease the Palestinians. Thank you
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Minister Mike
You are entitled to your opinion, and even to the right to voice it. But stop trying to pass opinion off as fact. 45 was not selected by god to do/be anything but a bad example of a human being. Starting to look as though you, too, have been selected.
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Howard Pippin
You two Sir are entitled to your opinions that are based on hate. My comment is based on prophecy from the holy Bible. You sure you don't have to accept that. Hate is a much longer opinion driver.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
The modern word for prophet is schizophrenic. Don't forget to take your meds.
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Howard Pippin
That Sir it is the secular world and that has nothing to do with the Bible. If you belong to that side then it will be hard to have a rational discussion about things that are written in prophecy. I have no problem if you're a disbeliever, you will pay for your sins the same way I'll pay for mine, if I don't get them forgiven.
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Ty Ford
God's chosen one? Like that woman from the TV commercial, "That's not how any of this works!!"
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
And Donald Trump is getting kicked out by "the people", especially the electorate college of people who have heard too much locker room banter, and have started realizing they made a terrible mistake. Maybe they forgot to pray about it, first.
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Howard Pippin
Yes, anybody that does the work that God wants done is disdained by the world especially their own people. I did not say that trumpet was a man of God, I said he was an instrument used by God.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I've heard that Truman Capote was also sent by God. Go figure.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I can see how God could be using him as an instrument to show us that we made a big mistake, but doubt that God involves himself with such things, except possibly to get a good laugh. Iether way, I've always got enough going on in my own life to not be concerned about what God's doing, or why.
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Clifford C Nelson
May I suggest those interested, using the search engine of your choice, search for “Obama sent by god“. You will find this is not an unusual thing in politics.
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Paul Donaldson
Rick Perry was once for real but has become a fool hanging on to the coattails of another fool. Please help America' if there is a God out there. Preacher Pops.
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Lionheart
This impeachment farce will never get through the Senate. It will however cause Donald a Trump to be re-elected.
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CB Cuff
The people in most counties on the planet are hoping you are wrong, and that Trump will be sent packing. He and his right wing puppets have vandalized the American social fabric. Not to forget all the legal transgressions he's facing. Cheers LH
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Howard Pippin
Mr. CB. I know you're right if you are talking about the rulers in other countries. They don't like us having a president that quits giving things away and puts America first. Those legal things you're talking about will solve themselves. Cheers.
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Howard Pippin
Mr. Lionheart. Because most of the time you ridicule the Holy Bible, which you are certainly entitled to do, ( this might be a minister's website, but you have the right to be a minister of nothing,) but I do believe the comment about getting Trump reelected, if they keep it up, is a very true statement. He's already done something that fits into God's plans, who knows, perhaps there's something else for him to do. I admit I was taken back when representative Nancy said that she didn't hate Trump. Things are getting much more interesting, and I do hope that it gets more so yet.
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Lionheart
Thank you for your comment Mr Pippin. It isn’t my intention to ridicule the Bible, but I can see why you think I do. I merely make reference to certain Bible passages that I think many tend to overlook, or not even realize they are there. I am a recovering Christian, so I have read the Bible, which is one of the reasons why I now am a secular humanist.
You and I disagree on religion, and that’s okay, but I agree with you regarding the leader of our beautiful country that has been allowed to regress by previous leaders. President Trump, who takes no salary for his job, is shaking up career politicians and they don’t like it. He has a great love for this country and has seen its demise over recent years and intends to make it great once again.
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Daniel J. Trebas
"Sent by God"? Makes me think of the verse somewhere in the book of Revelations about, "Were it possible they would fool the very elect". Yet it all makes me look to the heavens and say, "How long must we wait?"
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Howard Pippin
I daresay that we are surrounded by liberals on this site, and that's fine. Who would there be to argue with if there were conservatives on here too. You Trump haters are lucky that we have him right now, I'd hate to think what it would look like if your side would've won. I'll surely say no more, this is not a political site as far as I know, but is a religious site, any religion you want. Amen
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I'm one proud Republican who didn't vote for Trump, and would rather vote for a Democrat in 2020, like Biden or Buttigieg, but am nothing like a Democrat myself. And the Bible makes good rolling papers...and toilet paper, too!
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CB Cuff
When you say 'surrounded by liberals" are you meaning liberal minded people, open minded people...? Possible you're referring to people who vote for the Liberal Party as they do in Canada. I consider myself liberal minded, and a Free Thinker. As the saying goes there are people who can think for themselves, and then there are herd minded people. It's a pretty easy choice.
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Howard Pippin
Webster; one who is liberal as; a member or supporter of a liberal political party.
After all, we were talking about politics Weren't we?
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CB Cuff
I was hoping for your use of 'liberal' and not a dictionary definition. However that did explain your meaning all the same; that Trump is not a liberal or open minded thinker. That is confirmed everytime he speaks. Additionally free thinkers are not Trump hater as you put it, just aware of the fact that he is unfit to be president.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
And we certainly don't want your religion, Howie!6
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Howard Pippin
And I thank my God that I can't offer it to you, you have to pick it up yourself.
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Lionheart
As a recovering Christian that was once involved in the hoax you will find that your statement is fallacious at best.
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Howard Pippin
Dear Lionheart. It's somewhat with a heavy heart that I post this letter. Most of the time I've enjoyed our differences and my hope of convincing you, or anyone, of the importance of following the one true God. At this time I plan to withdraw as a member of the Universal Life Church membership. Finding so many unbelievers, that refuse to recognize the one True God, does nothing for my testimony for Jesus Christ or neither does it further God's kingdom in this crazy secular world. I have used my membership to perform several weddings since I joined,even tho my state doesn't require membership but now I have become a member of a different religious-based group of people who only follow the Bible. To remain sane in this world, you have to keep your own act together. I have struggled with the dark forces that live in so many places most of my life, and for my own sanity I need to do this. Take care my friend, I don't consider you lost yet, I was thinking of the Scripture Acts; 26 verse 28. Allen
Oh its very worrisome, and proves that it doesnt take a well spoken and cunning monster like Hitler or Stalin to captivate the ignorant masses. What is really funny is that most trumpists tend to see themselves as tough guys like their cult leader. However they have failed to keep in mind rule number one of the alpha beta relationship in nature. That is you dont act as a beta to someone that cant kill you in a one on one fight.
Thats why this whole situation is beyond belief. No one with any sense of self respect or pride would ever recognize someone like Drumpf as any kind of leader let alone a representative of the society as a whole. Perhaps as an A Hole though.
I emphatically agree!