AP/Frontline investigation: A far-right roadshow headlined by Michael Flynn performs baptisms and carries a message of a Christian nation under siege.
By MICHELLE R. SMITH and RICHARD LARDNER, Associated Press BATAVIA, N.Y. — By the time the red, white and blue-colored microphone had been switched off, the crowd of 3,000 had listened to hours of invective and grievance.
People are also reading… ReAwaken America was launched by Flynn, a former White House national security adviser, and Oklahoma entrepreneur Clay Clark a few months after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol failed to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Attendees and speakers still insist — against all evidence and dozens of court rulings — that Donald Trump rightfully won.
"Christian nationalism, really undermines and attacks foundational values in American democracy. And that is a promise of religious freedoms for all," said Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee, which advocates for religious freedom. ReAwaken often appears in churches with speakers addressing attendees from the pulpit. The Batavia show was staged on the grounds of a church, after faith and community leaders in nearby Rochester told organizers they weren't welcome.
The AP and Frontline bought tickets for the Batavia event after Clark invited"Frontline" to attend one of the tour's shows. Reporters spent two days listening to speakers and observing the events from inside. On the second day, security escorted a"Frontline" reporter from the grounds because, he was told, Flynn believed he intended to cover the event unfavorably.
"Third world Gestapo stuff," said Eric Trump. After he finished speaking, a group gathered to pray over him. Samuel Perry, a sociologist at the University of Oklahoma, has done numerous surveys measuring Christian nationalist ideology. In an August 2021 survey, about half of white Americans who most strongly identified with Christian nationalism said they believe things are getting so bad that"real patriots" may have to resort to violence.Flynn is a constant presence at ReAwaken America events.
Butler said that the way Flynn and ReAwaken join Christian nationalism to the idea of spiritual warfare is dangerous because it suggests there are"demonic" people in government, and Christians need to act to save the country."If people are talking about spiritual warfare and are talking about taking up arms and stuff, then I think you should be very worried," she said. Flynn's battlefield experience, she added, enhances his credibility.
Katherine Stewart, author of"The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism," attended a March 2022 ReAwaken America show at a church in San Marcos, California. She said it was like entering a"parallel messaging universe." Flynn's son, Michael Flynn, Jr., manned his father's merchandise booth, where autographed copies of Flynn's 2017 book,"The Field of Fight," sold for $60.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
LULAC increases reward to $10K for info on S.A. woman at center of DeSantis migrant flightsA Latino civil rights group has doubled its reward for information to help locate a woman who recruited 48 Venezuelan immigrants in San Antonio for politically motivated flights to Martha’s Vineyard ordered by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Leer más »
Tear gas video triggers investigation into Navy SEAL selection courseThe video shows Navy SEAL recruits being tear gassed for much longer than regulations stipulate.
Leer más »
RSV: Vaccine hope to cut baby hospital admissionsA Somerset hospital aims to recruit 150 babies for respiratory virus vaccine trial.
Leer más »
LULAC ups reward to $10K for info on San Antonio woman at center of DeSantis migrant flightsThe civil rights group wants to find Perla Haydee Huerta, who might have recruited...
Leer más »
Putin left with only bad strategies for Ukraine war: U.S. military officersDan Soller, a former Army intelligence colonel, said the best that Putin's army can hope to do is 'defend, delay, attrit' and create difficulties for Ukraine.
Leer más »
Shiba Eternity Game Criticized by Community, Here's What They Are Really Asking ForLead SHIB dev criticized for making 'child's play' $SHIB card game. ShibaInu shibarmy shibaeternity
Leer más »