Michele Bachmann Urges Fellow Christians To Convert As Many Jews ‘As We Possibly Can’
Former congresswoman Michele Bachmann likely fancies herself as something of a forward-thinking individual. After all, she seems to ruminate upon the impending end of days with relative confidence, dispensing advice to her spiritual brethren on what will go down when the Big Man Upstairs pulls the proverbial plug on humanity.
Most recently, the Evangelical Christian appeared on a radio show hosted by Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, discussing a range of subjects. She talked to Perkins about the spiritual importance of Israel, sharing her interpretations of information she heard while touring the country. In an excerpt posted by Gawker, she also expressed her belief that fellow Christians should convert non-believers to their religion with haste.
“We recognize the shortness of the hour and that’s why we as a remnant want to be faithful in these days and do what it is that the Holy Spirit is speaking to each one of us, to be faithful in the Kingdom and to help bring in as many as we can — even among the Jews — share Jesus Christ with everyone that we possibly can because, again, He’s coming soon.”
Bachmann also said that “fulfillment of Scripture” is a regular occurrence and that recent world events are consistent with Bible prophecy.
But while Michele Bachmann’s comments might resonate with her fellow Evangelicals, some individuals of other faiths took umbrage to the former Minnesota legislator’s sentiments. One prominent rabbi interpreted Bachmann’s comments as the endorsement of an aggressive and ongoing campaign to challenge the faith and culture of Jews.
“A statement like Ms. Bachmann’s should serve to remind Jews that missionizing is, unfortunately, alive and well, and that we must always be on the lookout for it,” said Rabbi Avi Shafran said in comments published by The Jerusalem Post. “It also should be a reminder of the importance of Jewish education, since the surest defense against missionizing is authentic Jewish knowledge.”
The Catholic Church — which follows a markedly different path with regard to the theory and practice of Evangelical Christians — publicly declared an end to missionizing Jews in 2009 while under the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican’s decision to cease missionary activity that aspired to convert Jews was hailed in Israel as “an immensely important message.”
While controversial, Michele Bachmann’s religious call to action is not quite as incendiary as comments made by her fellow travelers, including political pundit Ann Coulter, who infamously called upon the American government to convert Muslims to Christianity. Coulter’s declaration, which appeared in a column entitled “This Is War,” were made in the wake of the September, 2001, terror attacks. She later denied that her statements endorsed “forcible” religious conversion.
Even if Michele Bachmann’s above-noted comments leave some room for interpretation, many of her assertions related to religion and politics have garnered shock and surprise over the course of recent years. As previously noted by Inquisitr, she asserted that the Rapture is coming soon, further implying that the demise of mankind will be the result of the policies and deeds of President Obama. She has also likened Obama to suicidal pilot Andreas Lubitz, who is believed to have killed 150 people when he intentionally crashed an airliner earlier this year.
The high-profile Republican’s eyebrow-raising critiques aren’t just limited to America’s chief executive, though. In 2004, Michele Bachman denounced the acclaimed and award-winning Disney movie The Lion King as “gay propaganda” because the film’s theme song was written and performed by Elton John.
[Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images]
