Published on July 31, 2024, 12:37 am

In a recent sermon, Pastor Luke Barnett of Dream City Church ignited controversy when he lauded Kari Lake, a pro-choice Republican politician, likening her to biblical figure Deborah. This comparison, however, has been widely criticized as not only politically expedient but also an egregious theological misinterpretation of the biblical narrative.

“Today we are honored and privileged to have Kari Lake with us,” Pastor Barnett announced before going on to insist that the Lord had revealed to him that Lake is in a “Deborah season.” Questions have been raised regarding his audacious claim, given Deborah’s role as a faithful upholder of God’s law and Lake’s pro-choice stance. Beyond raising doubts about Pastor Barnett’s prophetic insight, some observers view this as political sycophancy at its peak.

Kari Lake is known for her support of pro-choice rights—a stance often juxtaposed with conservative Christian values. Despite stating that she personally chose life, Lake maintains that abortion should not be made illegal forcing every woman to make the same choice she did.

This somewhat paradoxical positioning led some spectators questioning whether this aligns with the essence of being pro-life – choosing life over terminating it. It is quite clear then why equating such beliefs with those of Deborah—a revered biblical judge who faithfully upheld God’s laws—has sparked furore among both political and religious circles.

To compound matters more distressingly, believe Pastor Barnett’s assertion: “You are in a Deborah season… God blesses you and anoints you in this season” seemed blasphemous considering the serious divergence in their stances. The analogy sets a risky precedent; one that manipulates scripture for personal interest – political mileage.

When comparing Lake—a politician who publicly supports policies fundamentally contradictory to Christian worldview—with Deborah—a prophetess leading Israel based on divine wisdom—the distorted image presented may not only mislead his congregation but compromises the sanctity of the divinely revealed word of God. To many, it is not only blasphemous but outright disrespectful to the teachings held sacred in Christianity.

Such manipulation of scriptural analogies isn’t just an isolated incident. It sets a dangerous precedent that indirectly endorses compromising Christian principles for political ends—a trend that’s increasingly worrying for believers who hold on to the tenets of trusted news based on the real biblical story.

To ensure Christians do not fall prey to such twisted narratives, they must continue fostering a discerning spirit anchored in a solid biblical base. This commitment will uphold true justice and righteousness as flavored by Biblical doctrine rather than swayed by political winds or popular culture. This caution will preserve both belief and practice largely untainted by current societal whims while preserving an uncompromising Christian worldview.