KELLY O'CONNELL AM 1450: Bible & 2016 Race

The American colonial experiment of the early 17th century was driven by an intense desire for religious freedom. The Pilgrims and Puritans were utterly committed to using this opportunity to create a Christian society. Unsurprisingly, ever since the American experience has been steeped in various experiments and theories of Christian leadership. This includes the developments of new sects and religions, including Mormonism.

Flash to 2016, some 400 years later, and the US presidential campaign has never seemed any more religious, but now with overtones of international faiths, multiculturalism and Islam. And we have been assured that Donald Trump is a Protestant Christian, even if he seems to lack specific knowledge of the Bible, his favorite book, or understand that all men are supposed to ask for forgiveness.

And daily are the warnings by Sen Ted Cruz’ main backer, Glenn Beck, to watch for the judgment of God, collapse of society, and Apocalypse. In fact, Beck clearly sees himself as some kind of modern prophet who has been given a heavy burden of preparing the people to save America, seeded from his own listeners! It is not unusual for Beck to proudly recount his resistance to the heavy hand of God, and then recapitulate his many accurate prophecies. And all this from a Mormon!

Perhaps more disturbing is Sen Cruz’ association with Dominionism, and some of the ominous promises of how America will be placed under OT law without input from the populace. This will remind some of Shariah, whereby the promise of redistribution from the rich to Christians will strike others of socialism.

So what does the future hold for religion & government of Americans after 2016> Who would even be brave enough to guess in this season of surprises? Stay tuned, sportsfans!