Published on July 30, 2024, 12:29 am

In a recent sermon, Pastor Luke Barnett of Dream City Church likened Kari Lake, a pro-choice Republican politician, to the biblical prophet Deborah. This comparison, however, is under fire for misrepresenting and distorting the biblical narrative for political pandering.

Barnett’s astonishing praise came during his introductory remarks at a recent gathering. “We are actually very honored and privileged to have an incredible guest with us this morning… We have Kari Lake in the house,” lauded Barnett. Amid considerable applause, he further went on to contend that “the Lord put on my heart that you are in a Deborah season.”

However, critics argue that equating a pro-choice advocate like Lake with judge-prophet Deborah who upheld God’s law fails to reflect a Christian worldview and constitutes not prophetic insight but political sycophancy at its pinnacle.

Lake has been open about her support for pro-choice positions — she “personally chose life,” but doesn’t believe abortion should be outlawed or every woman should be bound to follow her decision. Her stance diverges from those who term themselves as pro-life, whereby one advocates against ending unborn life under any circumstances.

Comparing Kari Lake’s beliefs with those of the biblical figure of Deborah warrants reflection. As recalled in Christian teachings, Deborah was both a prophetess and judge who reigned over Israel backed by divine wisdom. While Lake might seem “less evil” than some politicians counterparts based on various criteria she still backs policies fundamentally opposed to the values upheld by followers of Christianity.

Equating Lake with Deborah thus implies more than mere theological misconception; it risks warping scripture for political leverage—undermining its spirit and integrity in the process. This precedent poses risks not only for church congregants but also undermines public faith and comprehension of divinely revealed words.

What’s next? Shall we evaluate Jezebel alongside Esther? These comparisons might incite humor if they weren’t so potentially harmful. The distortion of scripture for political advances isn’t a benign analogy; it is a precarious precedent that risks misconstruing the holy texts and teachings of Christianity.

Trusted news platforms are therefore called upon to discern and render real news, operating from a committed Christian worldview that upholds truth above all else. This includes the integrity of biblical stories and their meanings and discouraging any potential misinterpretation or manipulation pivotal solely for political gains. Pro-choice politics should be reported honestly without invoking comparisons that risk twisting religious values or compromising scriptural understanding.