The same week, he called himself a “conspiracy theorist” on the Epstein files and brushed past the two popes who have already corrected him — all while selling a book about grace.
“Comparing the Mass to a snake-handling revival” may seem “like a poor way to win over the Catholic voters Vance will need in 2028,” but I* think he’s right to point out that the Pentecostals and the Catholics are, each in their own way, and just like other faith communities, searching for the experience of communion with God. It may be the only thing he’s right about, even.
*I say this as a Catholic-raised Quaker who has himself compared the Quaker experience of receiving a message from Spirit in the midst of meeting for worship to that of speaking in tongues at a Pentecostal service.
The Mass is a Eucharist-based service set in motion by Jesus at the Last Supper and practiced by Catholics and Orthodox Christians for two thousand years. Snake-handling may be an earnest attempt to commune with God, but Vance, as an educated man and practicing Catholic knows better than to compare it to the Mass.
When I was a little girl we loved paper dolls. You could cut out an outfit and use little tabs to change the clothing of a little girl-kind of a basic model. All week I have thought of this when listening to JD shape shift from charming raconteur to desperate bootlicker. His brand of toxic male Catholicism has tested my faith since it started before Covid. Bishop Barron and his manly squad, the Bishops who have defended Trump and his policies and now sadly, my Giants on Pride night. “Love one another” is the message I cling to and try to live. I am a granni trying to show the beauty of faith to those around me! It’s my church and my country too! ✝️❤️🌈🙏🏻🇺🇸 just feeling so done but I know the road is long as Springsteen says! Good night!
I love that Just Dance Vance hit the airwaves all this week, reminding us just how odious, awkward, hostile, weird, and unlikeable he is. It was his greatest act of public service so far.
Trying to figure out who you are at the same time as you are getting ready to sit on the throne is not a good look...at least when it is all done publicly.
As an ordained Pentecostal minister, and Church History professor, I have always viewed the need to prove your faith by acts of hubris and stupidity such as snake handling, as a way of testing God rather than trusting God. This is another example of taking scripture out of context just as scripture says that we will know people by their fruit. Clearly, the fruit of President Trump and the fruit of Peter Thiel are not evident to JD Vance, just as the obvious faithfulness of Pope Leo XIV escapes him. Wake up JD!
“Comparing the Mass to a snake-handling revival” may seem “like a poor way to win over the Catholic voters Vance will need in 2028,” but I* think he’s right to point out that the Pentecostals and the Catholics are, each in their own way, and just like other faith communities, searching for the experience of communion with God. It may be the only thing he’s right about, even.
*I say this as a Catholic-raised Quaker who has himself compared the Quaker experience of receiving a message from Spirit in the midst of meeting for worship to that of speaking in tongues at a Pentecostal service.
The Mass is a Eucharist-based service set in motion by Jesus at the Last Supper and practiced by Catholics and Orthodox Christians for two thousand years. Snake-handling may be an earnest attempt to commune with God, but Vance, as an educated man and practicing Catholic knows better than to compare it to the Mass.
I thought he converted to Fascism.
When I was a little girl we loved paper dolls. You could cut out an outfit and use little tabs to change the clothing of a little girl-kind of a basic model. All week I have thought of this when listening to JD shape shift from charming raconteur to desperate bootlicker. His brand of toxic male Catholicism has tested my faith since it started before Covid. Bishop Barron and his manly squad, the Bishops who have defended Trump and his policies and now sadly, my Giants on Pride night. “Love one another” is the message I cling to and try to live. I am a granni trying to show the beauty of faith to those around me! It’s my church and my country too! ✝️❤️🌈🙏🏻🇺🇸 just feeling so done but I know the road is long as Springsteen says! Good night!
You and I have much in common: a childhood love of paper dolls, and an affinity for Springsteen!
I love that Just Dance Vance hit the airwaves all this week, reminding us just how odious, awkward, hostile, weird, and unlikeable he is. It was his greatest act of public service so far.
“You knew I was a snake when you let me in,” a line from his boss’ favorite (self-portrait) poem, sssssseems apropo here as well. Voters beware.
Trying to figure out who you are at the same time as you are getting ready to sit on the throne is not a good look...at least when it is all done publicly.
Very interesting portrait. Sad that CBS may have been the most deferential
As an ordained Pentecostal minister, and Church History professor, I have always viewed the need to prove your faith by acts of hubris and stupidity such as snake handling, as a way of testing God rather than trusting God. This is another example of taking scripture out of context just as scripture says that we will know people by their fruit. Clearly, the fruit of President Trump and the fruit of Peter Thiel are not evident to JD Vance, just as the obvious faithfulness of Pope Leo XIV escapes him. Wake up JD!
Thank you. Spot on!
What a great article! Thank you again, Christopher! The Holy Father is well represented by you! 🙏🏼❤️
Wouldn't worry much about JD Vance's viability as a presidential candidate.
Yet another insightful, perfect article, Christopher!