Reporting from The Assembly profiles Mark Robinson’s fiery visits to churches across North Carolina, characterizing him as “a drill sergeant readying his troops for the culture wars” and quoting a dozen faith leaders and scholars who are issuing critical warnings about the impact of his dangerous rhetoric. 

Read some of what they said: 

• Robinson “fails to incorporate the strong biblical emphasis on justice…Biblical teaching on justice includes care for the poor, the marginalized and immigrants in the land.”
• “It is claiming a biblical literalism in such a way that it contradicts the heart of the Gospel, which really is ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ That’s Jesus doing the talking.”
• “It’s an us vs. them mentality. So I think it’s very polarizing…And there’s no genuine appeal to how the Bible represents God as a lover of justice and a defender of the weak.”
• “Pointing to how white Southerners once claimed to find a blessing for slavery in the Bible, Howard added: ‘Scripture can become a weapon when it’s not properly interpreted.’”
• “‘To turn the Christian faith into a war-like religion, I think you have violated the heart and soul and core of what it means to be Christ-like.’…Robinson and other gun-rights advocates should be careful to not unwittingly offer ‘biblical permission’ to groups like the Proud Boys that are ready ‘to take up the sword.’”