When Government Quotes the Bible: Brian Kaylor on DHS, Faith, and Public Messaging

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected]: We discuss social media posts in this episode that are shown on the screen. To see the actual images watch the YouTube episode: https://youtu.be/316SCgIX9qQ The Department of Homeland Security has been posting Bible verses alongside immigration enforcement content. In this episode, Will and Pastor Josh are joined by President and editor-in-chief of Word&Way Brian Kaylor to examine what those posts mean and why they matter. The conversation focuses on how specific passages of Scripture are being applied, whether they are used in context, and what happens when government messaging adopts religious language to frame public policy.Kaylor walks through several examples and explains how these verses function rhetorically. The group discusses interpretation, audience impact, and the broader implications for churches, public discourse, and civic life. The episode also explores how political messaging can shape the way people understand both faith and government authority, especially for newer believers or those encountering Scripture through social media rather than through a church context.The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Powerhttps://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780827203501Social Media Images Used:Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers”: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1D8o2ar3ay/Isaiah 6:8 — “Send me”: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17v3tazVxv/Proverbs 28:1 — “The wicked flee…”: https://x.com/DHSgov/status/1949913619644493930?s=20Psalm 28:7 — “The Lord is my strength and my shield”: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPbyLZoEUJ4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear thou not…”: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRXiDWuicRE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Proverbs 23:24 — “Father of a righteous child…”: https://x.com/DHSgov/status/2000609130835292248?s=20Guest BioBrian Kaylor is a Baptist minister, journalist, and commentator covering the intersection of faith, politics, and public life. He serves as President and editor-in-chief of Word&Way and writes extensively about church-state issues, Christian nationalism, and the public use of Scripture. His recent book, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power, examines how biblical language is often deployed in political messaging and what responsible interpretation requires. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast