OPINION:
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, Vice President Kamala Harris is taking center stage, using glowing mainstream media coverage and relief over the withdrawal of President Joe Biden to position herself as a candidate for all Americans. But as with many politicians, her claims to Christianity deserve closer scrutiny. In a time when political figures often flaunt their faith as a campaign tool, it’s crucial to distinguish between those whose beliefs genuinely inform their policies and those who merely use religious language to gain favor.
The Bible teaches us that true faith is evidenced by our works (James 2:14-26, Romans 2:13). It’s not enough to merely claim the mantle of Christianity; one’s actions must align with the teachings of Christ. Unfortunately, Mrs. Harris’s record suggests that her policies are guided more by party politics than by Christian values.
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Mrs. Harris has stated that she was raised Baptist, has a Jewish spouse and maintains ties both to the black church and to the teachings of Gandhi. Her pastor praises her for having “the best of two worlds,” while her former communications director, a pastor’s son, says, “he thinks” her attendance at Christian churches still influences her. Yet, if her communications director cannot clearly articulate if and how her faith shapes her worldview, and her pastor believes in the superiority of multiple worldviews over a singular Christian truth, one must question whether Mrs. Harris sees Christ as the only way to salvation.
The Bible is clear: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). To embrace other worldviews as equally valid is to dilute the core message of Christianity and to see Christ as either a lunatic or a liar, as C.S. Lewis argues.
There are several key areas where Mrs. Harris’s policy positions starkly contrast with Christian teachings:
1. Religious discrimination
In 2018, Mrs. Harris suggested that membership in a Catholic organization should disqualify a judicial nominee. This blatant attack on religious freedom was so concerning that the Senate passed a resolution rebuking her line of questioning. Such actions reflect a worldview that is not only dismissive of Christian values but hostile to them.
2. Redefining marriage
Mrs. Harris has been a strong advocate for redefining marriage, pushing for the inclusion of sexual orientation under the Civil Rights Act. Marriage, as defined by God, is a sacred union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). To redefine this institution according to human desires is to reject God’s design.
3. Reproductive “freedom” and border policies
Mrs. Harris champions what she calls “reproductive rights” as a cornerstone of her campaign, which means advocating for unrestricted access to abortion, up until the moment of birth. Yet, acting as “the border czar,” she has allowed thousands of unaccompanied minors into the country, exposing them to the horrors of sex trafficking. The contradiction is glaring: While she claims to support women’s rights, her policies have facilitated the exploitation of vulnerable children. The right to life and protection from harm, foundational Christian principles, are being trampled under the guise of reproductive freedom.
4. Promoting immorality
Mrs. Harris’ 2018 tweet attacking abstinence education further underscores her departure from Christian values, which emphasize purity and the sanctity of marriage. Her history of support for comprehensive sex education and reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion, raises serious concerns about her views on promiscuity.
5. Gender-affirming fare
Mrs. Harris’ support for gender-affirming care, including procedures that result in the sterilization of minors, is perhaps one of the most disturbing aspects of her platform. Children, who lack the capacity to make informed decisions, are being encouraged to undergo irreversible procedures. This is not freedom; it is the destruction of God-given bodies and identities.
6. Eroding religious freedom
Mrs. Harris has also sought to weaken the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a move that would prevent businesses and individuals from practicing their faith without fear of government reprisal. This is an attack on the very foundation of our religious liberty, which allows Christians to live out their faith in the public square.
Kamala Harris’ progressive policies are not just political positions; they are a direct challenge to Christian values. As Christians, we must be discerning, recognizing that not all who claim to be of the faith truly live by it. Harris’s record speaks for itself, and it is a record that should concern every believer.
In this crucial election, we must remember that our allegiance is first to Christ and His teachings. As we cast our votes, let us do so with a clear understanding of where the candidates stand — not just in their words, but in their actions.
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Peter Demos is the author of “On the Duty of Christian Civil Disobedience” and the host of “Uncommon Sense in Current Times.” A Christian business leader from Tennessee, Demos uses his biblical perspective and insight gained from his own struggles to lead others to truth and authenticity in a broken world. To learn more, visit peterdemos.org.
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