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Louie Gohmert

06/14/2021

Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas made headlines last week when he asked Jennifer Eberlien, an associate deputy chief of the Forest Service, the following question. “Is there anything that the National Forest Service or BLM [Bureau of Land Management] can do to change the course of the moon’s orbit or the Earth’s orbit around the sun? Obviously, that would have profound effects on our climate.” This absurd question prompted Representative Ted Lieu of California to propose a bipartisan resolution asking for the help of Captain Marvel, noting that “She can alter planetary orbits with her superpowers.” Gohmert has clearly stated that America is a Christian nation, and his religious beliefs are the foundation of his political beliefs. What verse did Gohmert quote from the Bible to justify one of his political beliefs?

Louie Gohmert by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

A. Jeremiah Chapter 31 Verse 17. “And there is hope for your future–declares the LORD: Your children shall return to their country.” Gohmert referenced this verse as justification for sending migrants, including unaccompanied minors, back to their native countries, regardless of the danger facing them if they return.

B. Psalm 109 Verse 8. “May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.” Gohmert made this statement on Joe Biden’s inauguration day.

C. Genesis Chapter 12 Verse 3. “I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee.” He offered this as justification for the United States supporting (“blessing”) Israel, as Israel’s enemies will be cursed by God.

D. Babylonian Talmud Sanhedrin 37a. “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.” Gohmert quoted this line from the Talmud at a Right to Life rally, justifying his anti-abortion position.

E. II Kings, Verses 23 and 24. “As he was going up the road, some little boys came out of the town and jeered at him, saying, ‘Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!’ He turned around and looked at them and cursed them in the name of the LORD. Thereupon, two she-bears came out of the woods and mangled forty-two of the children.” Said Gohmert, “Clearly, the Lord had me in mind when he wrote the Bible, and anyone can see that this means that I, with my baldhead, can basically say any idiotic thing I want. Don’t mess with me. I’ll send she-bears after you if you do.”

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