Weaponizing DOJ, FBI Against Christians is Straight Out of the Biden-Obama Playbook
Joe Biden’s Justice Department and FBI are on a mission to paint faithful Christians as domestic terrorists to be neutralized—and made an example of by Democrat power. This is not the government our founders intended.
Joe Biden’s DOJ and the FBI have declared war on the pro-life movement, conservatives, and anyone supporting Donald Trump. Yet there appears to be a special discrimination reserved for Catholics and Evangelicals, as government entities are using disturbing tactics against Christians.
America is special because of its commitment to limiting—and outright abolishing—persecution on several levels.
The United States has fought against punishing someone for their heritage, class, and creed. Yet lately, when it comes to free speech and faith, we’re seeing those protections rapidly slip away.
Attempts to Intimidate and Silence
Earlier this year, Rep. Jim Jordan (R–OH) revealed how the FBI attempted to develop undercover sources inside Catholic churches throughout the U.S. in search of radical elements.
The allegations came after a former FBI agent unveiled a since-retracted field office memo, characterizing Catholics with a devotion to the traditional Latin Mass as potential domestic terror threats. In a press release, Jordan said:
The FBI relied on information derived from at least one undercover employee and sought to use local religious organizations as ‘new avenues for tripwire and source development.’
The memo, generated by the Richmond field office in Virginia, was entitled: “Interest of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists in Radical-Traditionalist Catholic Ideology Almost Certainly Presents New Mitigation Opportunities.” It also cited the infamous left-wing advocacy group, The Southern Poverty Law Center, which absurdly tagged traditional Catholic organizations as “hate groups.”
In late 2022, the FBI conducted raids against two pro-life fathers who were arrested in front of their families by agents who approached their homes with guns drawn.
One of the men was Mark Houck, a 48-year-old Catholic father of seven who made headlines this month when he announced a bid for Congress for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District. The charges against him come from a 2021 altercation with a 72-year-old facility escort, who allegedly approached Houck and his son while they were peacefully praying, 50 feet from the Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center.
According to Houck’s attorney, Peter Breen, the escort made “crude references, sexual and otherwise,” to Houck’s 12-year-old son. An altercation followed in which Houck was accused of shoving the escort. A jury later found him not guilty of violating the Justice Department’s Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act earlier this year. He added that he plans to sue the FBI for its actions. On Houck’s congressional campaign website he states:
I will focus on restoring traditional values & principles that are central to the American identity, such as faith, family, & freedom of speech, religion, & the right to bear arms.
The seat is currently held by Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, who once served as a supervisory special agent in the FBI and as a federal prosecutor. Supporting efforts such as Houck’s—and having more people like him stand for office—will send a clear message to Washington that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
Rules for Thee and Not for Me
It has become clear this Justice Department is interested in protecting those who favor abortion and seek to persecute those who wish to fight it. In July 2022, the DOJ created a taskforce to defend abortion and “reproductive rights.” The press release, which received almost no mainstream media coverage, read in part:
The Task Force will identify such actions and coordinate appropriate federal government responses, including proactive and defensive legal action where appropriate. The Task Force will work with agencies across the federal government to support their work on issues relating to reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, who had his Supreme Court ambitions thwarted by Republican senators and President Donald Trump, was grilled by Sen. Ted Cruz (R–TX) about these disparities in March. But he verbally danced and refused to provide direct answers.
Cruz referenced Houck’s case, the lack of action taken against violent pro-choice protesters, charges against pro-lifers, and Garland’s failure to protect SCOTUS Justices, following protests outside their homes related to the overturning of Roe.
Federal law prohibits the “interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness, or court officer” as well as any demonstrations in or near a court building or residence “occupied or used by such judge, juror, witness or court officer.”
Cruz asked, “Has the department brought even a single case under this statute? It’s a yes or no question.”
Garland attempted to deflect by praising the work of U.S. Marshals who usually handle personal protection of judges, but was quickly called out again by Cruz:
Why are you unwilling to say no? The answer’s no. You know it’s no. I know it’s no. Everyone in this hearing room knows it’s no. You’re not willing to answer a question!
Jane’s Revenge was cited as one of the top groups claiming credit for pushing this type of extreme action. It also made headlines for attacking an Ohio pro-life pregnancy center earlier this year.
Déjà Vu
This isn’t the first time a Democrat has targeted conservatives through federal agencies. When Barack Obama was president, a scandal emerged involving the IRS being weaponized to go after conservatives and Tea Party groups. It led to a lawsuit resulting in a civil settlement and an apology.
Obama also expressed admiration for Islam on various occasions, while considering the exclusion of Christians from the Administration’s list of ISIS related genocide in the Middle East.
In addition, some Veterans Affairs chapels were reported to have removed Bibles, banned Christmas carols and covered religious symbols at different locations across the U.S. while Obama was in office. No federal action was taken in retaliation.
‘If they persecuted me. . .’
Christ spoke of this type of treatment in the Gospel of John, saying:
Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
Those in charge realize that by discouraging faith and trust in God, their power grows, while the people get discouraged.
When it’s convenient to the Left, they will embrace Islam or other religions—but Judeo-Christian values stand in the way of their complete takeover of American society. Without this foundation, the powerbrokers become law. They become the final authority. They become gods.
Christ preached a powerful message of forgiveness, which also doesn’t seem to fit into the recent vindictive behavior shown towards conservatives and people who follow Jesus.
Though we people of faith should expect this persecution, it doesn’t make it any less wrong, or mean that we must stand idly by and allow it to steam roll us.
Take it on Faith
There are a multitude of solutions to help course correct the culture. Legal challenges to discrimination—as is popular with the Left—should be embraced by churchgoers and those who believe in God. If you feel your rights are being violated in any way, consult an attorney who specializes in this field immediately.
Another way to combat this evil is to support local, state and federal candidates who make religious freedom and expression a major pillar of their campaigns and governance.
Christians must also be more on guard with fellow parishioners, priests, pastors, and others whom they interact with during worship.
Paranoia isn’t necessary, but the DOJ is seeking inside sources. It appears they’ll stop at nothing to turn your friends and neighbors into eyes and ears for their political attack dogs. The pendulum is beginning to swing back thankfully, as more people choose to speak out.
Above all, we must trust in God. Persecution is not pretty or just, but it may lead to a greater good.
Those taking fire today may become the vehicle by which our nation restores its religious roots and once again embraces the civic upside to emulating Christianity, instead of trying to destroy it completely.
