Mastriano: "In Nov we are going to take our state back, my God will make it so."

[Nevilledog]

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Ronald Brownstein
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Doug Mastriano: "The separation of church and state was a “myth,” he said. “In Nov we are going to take our state back, my God will make it so.”
A campaign video for Doug Mastriano, a Republican candidate for governor in Pennsylvania, during a rally at last month in Warminster.
nytimes.com
The Far-Right Christian Quest for Power: ‘We Are Seeing Them Emboldened’
Political candidates on the fringe mix religious fervor with conspiracy theories, even calling for the end of the separation of church and state.
2:43 PM · Jul 8, 2022

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/08/us/christian-nationalism-politicians.html?smid=tw-share

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https://archive.ph/qgD2i

Three weeks before he won the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania governor, Doug Mastriano stood beside a three-foot-tall painted eagle statue and declared the power of God.

“Any free people in the house here? Did Jesus set you free?” he asked, revving up the dozens before him on a Saturday afternoon at a Gettysburg roadside hotel.

Mr. Mastriano, a state senator, retired Army colonel and prominent figure in former President Donald J. Trump’s futile efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results, was addressing a far-right conference that mixed Christian beliefs with conspiracy theories, called Patriots Arise. Instead of focusing on issues like taxes, gas prices or abortion policy, he wove a story about what he saw as the true Christian identity of the nation, and how it was time, together, for Christians to reclaim political power.

The separation of church and state was a “myth,” he said. “In November we are going to take our state back, my God will make it so.”

Mr. Mastriano’s ascension in Pennsylvania is perhaps the most prominent example of right-wing candidates for public office who explicitly aim to promote Christian power in America. The religious right has long supported conservative causes, but this current wave seeks more: a nation that actively prioritizes their particular set of Christian beliefs and far-right views and that more openly embraces Christianity as a bedrock identity.

Many dismiss the historic American principle of the separation of church and state. They say they do not advocate a theocracy, but argue for a foundational role for their faith in government. Their rise coincides with significant backing among like-minded grass-roots supporters, especially as some voters and politicians blend their Christian faith with election fraud conspiracy theories, QAnon ideology, gun rights and lingering anger over Covid-related restrictions.

*snip*

[Midnight Writer]

1. So, if he loses in November, will he admit that God doesn't want him to govern?

Will he recognize that he falls short of the Grace that God expects in his creations?

[Nevilledog]

2. Nope. Satan (Dems) stole the election.

[Haggard Celine]

3. He'll just keep counting the votes until he wins.

That's what's in store.

[MyOwnPeace]

4. I, for one, am taking great delight.....

that there is already a move from 'the other side' planning and urging support for Shapiro instead of this 'Christo-Nazi' RepubliQan candidate. Even if he doesn't get dragged down for his Insurrectional actions for the tRump coup - every bit of disclosure regarding how unfit he is to even hold a public office, let alone be a 'Governor' is just more light coming through the window......

[NJCher]

6. yes, and

even some republicans are part of that other side planning for Shapiro.

[Kid Berwyn]

5. Mastriano and all NAZIs go to hell!

The ex-Army colonel should be ashamed.

[bucolic_frolic]

7. I think he should be trolled with "Let's Go, Doug!" signs

[Mariana]

8. I love it when Christians give God orders like this.

Seems like a lot of right-wing Christians do this. Who the hell does he think he is? He should at least ask God politely to do whatever it is he wants, and say please.

[eShirl]

9. Mammon?

[DFW]

10. Who's his god? Loki? n/t