Kamala Harris: The Hypocrisy of 'Faith' in the Public Square
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim turned Christian conservative, I’ve seen firsthand the ways political figures manipulate religious symbols to serve their agendas. But even with my own experiences, I was taken aback by Kamala Harris’ recent display of religious hypocrisy. On one hand, she aligns herself with progressive ideals that often undermine Christian values; on the other, she’s more than willing to appear at church services when it suits her image. This tension hit a breaking point after Harris forcibly removed Christians from a rally—only to turn around and attend church shortly afterward, raising eyebrows across the country.
The Rally Incident: Silencing Christian Voices
During a recent campaign event, Christians in attendance were forcibly removed when they dared to voice dissent against Harris’ policies, policies they saw as antithetical to their faith. These individuals—exercising their First Amendment rights—were accused of “disrupting” the rally simply by expressing their viewpoints. This action reveals much about the administration’s attitude toward religious freedom. In recent years, we’ve seen a growing intolerance toward Christian values in the public sphere, a trend that’s become especially prominent among progressive politicians. Rather than viewing faith as a guiding moral framework, it’s treated as a hindrance to political agendas.
Harris’ decision to silence these Christians is, in itself, an action that demands scrutiny. A country founded on the principle of free speech should welcome all viewpoints, especially in spaces meant for open discourse. Yet, as we’ve seen time and again, today’s political elite prioritize only those voices that align with their progressive doctrines.
The Church Appearance: A Show of Convenience?
In an ironic twist, Kamala Harris was seen at church soon after this incident. Whether she hoped the church backdrop would appeal to Christian voters or simply soften her image, it’s hard to ignore the hypocrisy. Many Christians were appalled at what they saw as a blatant attempt to manipulate the faith community for political gain. But this is not the first time political figures have used churches as mere stages for publicity, rather than sanctuaries for genuine faith.
As a conservative Christian, I understand the importance of faith in politics. But that faith must be sincere—it can’t be used as a convenient prop to win votes. Christ himself warned against such hypocrisy, calling out those who "honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matthew 15:8). When public officials use the church as a stage while simultaneously suppressing the Christian voices they claim to represent, it’s hard not to see this as the height of hypocrisy.
The Role of Christianity in the Public Sphere
For Christians, faith is not merely a private matter—it is integral to our identity and values. In my own journey from Islam to Christianity, I have come to see that true freedom lies in being able to express one’s faith openly and authentically. Yet, in a political climate that seems increasingly hostile to Christianity, this expression is under threat. Harris’ actions highlight the danger of selective faith, where religious institutions are co-opted to serve agendas that often contradict the very beliefs those institutions stand for.
To many in the Christian community, Harris’ appearance at church so soon after silencing Christians felt deeply disingenuous. Instead of honoring Christian beliefs, her presence seemed to exploit them for political gain. It’s no secret that conservative Christians have been vilified in the current political climate, yet here we see the vice president trying to win favor from the very demographic her policies so often marginalize.
Hypocrisy in Action: What This Means for American Christians
Harris’ dual approach—silencing Christians on one day and appearing in church on another—paints a concerning picture for people of faith. This selective approach to faith and freedom isn’t just hypocrisy; it’s emblematic of a broader trend among many in the progressive establishment. While Christianity is dismissed, co-opted, or openly criticized, it’s also conveniently paraded as a badge of virtue when votes are on the line.
As a conservative, I believe that leaders should embody the values they claim to represent, and I’m not alone. From Thomas Jefferson’s letters on the importance of moral virtue to John Adams’ assertion that our Constitution was made “only for a moral and religious people,” it’s clear that America’s founding principles were inseparably tied to Christian values. Yet, when leaders like Harris co-opt religion only when convenient, it sends a message that Christianity is simply a tool for political expediency—a far cry from the guiding light it’s meant to be.
A Call for Authenticity and Accountability
If there’s one takeaway from this incident, it’s that American Christians must hold their leaders accountable. We must demand that those in power respect the integrity of our faith, rather than using it as a political stepping stone. If Harris truly values Christianity, her actions should reflect that respect. But when she silences Christians one day only to attend church the next, it becomes evident that she views faith as nothing more than a tool.
Christians are called to be “salt and light” in a darkening world (Matthew 5:13-16). This means standing firm in our beliefs, holding our leaders accountable, and calling out hypocrisy when we see it. Let this incident serve as a reminder to all people of faith: it is our duty to defend the sanctity of our beliefs, ensuring they are not merely props for political gain.
Sources:
Gibson, Ginger. “Kamala Harris's Church Appearance After Rally Incident Draws Criticism.” Reuters, 2024.
Connelly, Joel. “Kamala Harris Faces Backlash for Removing Christians, Then Attending Church.” Washington Examiner, 2024.
“U.S. Constitution and Founding Fathers’ Views on Religion.” National Archives, archives.gov
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