An Oklahoma state senator just introduced a slate of faith-based bills he says will reverse his state’s “moral decay.”
The legislation targets a wide-ranging list of perceived moral failures with controversial policies: sending drag queens to jail, abolishing abortion, making divorce more difficult, and handing out prison sentences for looking at porn.
And while the author of these bills calls them a common sense return to traditional morality for a culture which lost its way, others see a slippery slope towards Christian theocracy.
The Bills to Restore Sanity
Oklahoma State Sen. Dusty Deevers, a self-described Christian Nationalist, has introduced eight bills which he says will “restore moral sanity” in Oklahoma.
Deevers, who also serves as pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Elgin, Oklahoma, says that “these bills set a course for pushing back against the moral decay foisted upon Oklahoma by the far-left’s march through our institutions to destroy the moral foundations upon which the United States and Christian Civilization had long rested.”
What are the proposed bills intended to restore sanity to the Sooner State?
- The Abolition of Abortion Act - Classifies abortion as homicide and abolishes mail-order access to abortion pills
- Increasing Penalties for Child Pornography and Prohibiting Pornography in Oklahoma - Increases legal penalty for possession of child pornography, and makes possession of pornography in general a crime
- Prohibiting Drag Performances for Children - Makes it illegal for drag queens to perform in front of children
- The Covenant Marriage Act - Provides a tax credit to couples who opt into covenant marriages
- Prohibiting No-Fault Divorce - Removes "incompatibility" as a legal reason for divorce
- The Make Adoption Affordable Again Act - Provides a tax credit for couples who adopt
- The Promote Child Thriving Act - Establishes a per-child tax credit for married mothers and fathers filing taxes jointly
- Equal Tax Status for Health Share Ministries - Grants tax benefits to health share ministries
There's a lot to unpack in these controversial policies. The abortion bill, for example, closes a “loophole” allowing the order of mail-order abortion pills, and reclassifies the termination of a pregnancy as homicide.
The divorce bill makes it impossible for couples who are no longer in love to divorce, instead requiring proof of abuse, abandonment, or adultery to justify a split.
The drag bill reclassifies all drag – even nonsexualized drag – as an “adult cabaret performance” carrying a criminal sentence of one to five years behind bars.
But the policy grabbing the most attention so far is the pornography proposal, which makes creating or possessing pornography a criminal offense, carrying a prison sentence up to ten years.
Deevers has been active on social media in response to critics, offering a religious plea (or threat, depending on how you read it) to those who watch porn: "Porn brain is real. The conscience accuses the sexually immoral. Don't silence it. Run to Christ! Confess your sins. Repent and be cleansed."
Making Oklahoma Great Again or Hate Again?
So, what next? Will these bills “restore sanity” to Oklahoma? That depends on who you ask.
Deevers himself says the policies are intended to restore American values to how they used to be, combating what he calls “radical and degenerate” changes in recent decades.
“The left’s century-long assault on morality and decency has been so successful that some have come to accept as normal a society that is drowning in hardcore pornography, prenatal homicide, and sexual performances for children. None of this is normal,” he wrote in the bills’ press release. “We can and should imagine and move toward a society that celebrates virtue in the public square rather than vice.”
Yet many Oklahomans view these bills as a harbinger that Christian nationalism is knocking on their doorstep – and perhaps even letting itself in.
For many, these sorts of draconian punishments are more at home in 1625 than 2025. And even some conservative Christians believe these bills go too far, either in what they criminalize or their restrictions on free speech.
“The Christian Taliban is here,” wrote one Facebook user on Deevers’ official Facebook page. “This is fascism,” wrote another. “You say you stand for freedom but you want to shove your Bible down people's throat.”
Others sought to sound the alarm about the legislator and his religious beliefs:
Will the Bills Pass?
It's unclear if any of these proposals will become law. Deevers introduced a similar slate of bills in last year’s legislative session that were never brought to a vote.
However, other faith-forward policies have been successfully implemented. Last year, Oklahoma announced it would spend $6 million to put Bibles in public schools statewide.
Related: "Is Satan Real?" Oklahoma Families Shocked By God-Themed School Assignment
And the recent re-election of President Trump, coupled with the passage of similar bills in other states, could make Oklahoma’s political environment more open to this type of evangelical pivot.
In fact, they may even have the president’s support.
As Deevers puts it, there are only two futures for American politics. “You're coming under the rule of God your creator, who is also gracious and sent His son, or you're going to come under the rule of The Serpent,” he explained in an interview. “It's a serpentine theocracy or a rule of God – and there's not a space in the middle.”
Should these bills find their way to passage, Oklahomans may soon be living under Deever’s interpretation of “rule of God” – whether they like it or not.
What is your reaction?
74 comments
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Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
Deevers is clearly a Christian-in-name version of the Taliban. "Believe my way or take the highway." Even though every major religion touts a basic version of the Golden Rule, that moral principal is ignored while growth and power corrupt them --- as demonstrated all too often in human history. My friend tries to reassure me saying "This isn't the real America." But as I see the MAGA cult rise and look around me I wonder. . . maybe we ARE seeing the real America.
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
Does this mean they are coming for Indigenous faiths as well....AGAIN???? There are number of Sovereign Nations in Oklahoma....and I seriously believe they are NOT going to roll over for this blatantly disrespectful attack on their faiths and beliefs!!!
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Reverend Paula Copp
I believe they want to fully embrace christian nationalism and do away with any/all other religions.
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Lawrence Pearce
Doing away with the suicide belt cult their men strap onto women and children? That might be a good thing, wouldn't you agree?
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Reverend Paula Copp
Could you possibly add something constructive, mr Pearce to ANY conversation in which you’re involved? Your negativity, obtuseness and overall unpleasant disposition are beneath the station of a minister.
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Rev. BH
Lawrence Pearce, I seldom have any idea what you're talking about. Are you bring funny, or angry? Can't tell.
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Daniel Gray
You do know your statement is foolish at best right Paula? Considering that according to the US Supreme Court recent decision on Native Americans , we OWN well over half of the state for our reservations and that includes Tulsa. So nothing that they do is going to affect over half of the state. McGirt v. Oklahoma decision which upheld the historical treaties with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, effectively making much of the area Indian Country once again; this includes a large part of Tulsa, the state's second-largest city. And native American reservations do not have to follow anything the state tries to pass, I dont see why you are trying to make false statements
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Cheryl Pettijohn
I understand what you are saying, however...if the current administration wants something the supreme court will roll over and give it to them. Make sure you keep good lawyers and don't let anything stay in the dark.
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Cheryl Pettijohn
I understand what you are saying, however...if the current administration wants something the supreme court will roll over and give it to them. Make sure you keep good lawyers and don't let anything stay in the dark.
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Cheryl Pettijohn
I understand what you are saying, however...if the current administration wants something the supreme court will roll over and give it to them. Make sure you keep good lawyers and don't let anything stay in the dark.
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Daniel Gray
The SCOTUS CANNOT tell Native Americans what they can do on their own land. So why are you getting bent out of shape enough to repete your myth three times?
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Lawrence Pearce
Where are native beliefs attacked? The Oklahoma natives can still hold all of their ceremonies, so chill.
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Rev. Klaire ThD, MA
If I remember correctly, republicans like deevers, who propose so much of this crap (loudly) have a seriously crowded closet full of child porn, potential past pedophilia, spousal cheating, etc...
Let's just wait for the arrest report.
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James Riggle-Johnson
I was thinking the same thing. Is this his only answer to his own porn problem?
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ServantOfJudgement
You could be right Klaire. Often times people that are strongly opposed to a certain thing are simultaneously a victim of the same, either as a producer or consumer. I don't think this behavior is necessarily associated with a political affiliation though. There are plenty of democrats that say we should love our children and do just that till the cops come. It's more of a human problem it seems.
Regardless of any secret motives this guy may have, I'd like to see child porn go away quick and now. In my opinion, all adult porn should be very very very difficult to get ahold of.
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Patricia Sydney Solis
Freud was right. Sexual repression is why we have Republicans! The inferior function always has the biggest influence! What you resist, persists, Jung said! Being so one-sided, these men just create more of what they don't want. Jung said extreme one-sidedness is a form of psychosis. Oklahoma has got that down!,
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Lawrence Pearce
If what you say is true, then they are setting a trap for themselves. You should be happy.
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Daniel Gray
I guess you have not read the guest list of Epstein which contains over 98% Democrats, nor looked at some of the guest lists for Diddys "white" parties that include over 97% Democrats, if you did then you would not be making suce stupid statements
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ServantOfJudgement
That's a great point Daniel. The music is filled with democrats with almost no republicans. Like two or three.
Such facts are impossible to digest be the left here. Even the democrat president that showered with his 7 year old daughter is glazed over as innocent when we all know it's nothing remotely close to innocent. Lol, imagine if Trump did such a nasty thing!
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Ari Joseph Bertine
Trump, Epstein's best friend of 15 years, who publicly proclaimed Epstein as a "terrific guy" and hung out on his pedo paradise island with him along with Clinton? That Trump? The same Trump that is named along with Epstein in a sexual assault case brought by one of the young girls on Epstein's island? I don't want to imagine him doing such a nasty thing, it makes me sick. Bad enough when he makes sexual remarks about his own adult daughter.
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Daniel Gray
Um sorry, but wrong yet again. There are no FAA flight records showing Trump EVER going to Ep[isteins island and its required by federal law to file a flight plan with the names of all people on the plane so if something happens they will know who to be looking for. Som tell us how exactly can Trump have sexually assaulted anyone when there are absolutely no records of him ever being on that island or in a plane that landed on that island? Oh and I suppose it was ok for you to have Biden showering with his 15 year old daughter starting when she was 9? Or are you going to call her a liar as well?
Your hypocrisy is breath taking
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Alan Meunier
Seems to be the EXACT same idiologies as the drafters of Project 2025 which they are slowly enacting federally. The very same idiologies that have eventually failed (BIGLY) or created rogue states (Iran, Afghanistan, etc come to mind).
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Reverend Paula Copp
You’re absolutely right, Alan! Project 2025 is already going into effect through executive orders, and our right of freedom FROM religion is in jeopardy.
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Daniel Gray
Problem with you and Alans rants is that project 2025 does not exist. It was a think tank part of the Heritage Foundation and nothing more, not to mention that both the Heritage Foundation and the Trump Administration have admitted under lie detectors that that Trump has never seen this nor has the Heritage Foundation ever presented it to him in any way. What that means in plain english is neither of you are being truthful. So is this your way for click bait?
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Lawrence Pearce
False. The religious clerics of Afghanistan impose the death penalty on anyone who joins and then rejects their religion. No Christians are doing that anywhere in the USA, so stop being a drama queen of misinformation.
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Robert James Ruhnke
Oh you mean like the death penalties European nations once had for violating Christian doctrine? There’s nothing new under the sun. There’s not much stopping them from bringing it back. Pearce you’re as naive as you are dull, dull, dull.
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Daniel Gray
why are you insulting yourself?
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James Riggle-Johnson
What does Deevers have going on in his life that he has to make all these changes? Is he addicted to porn? Does he suspect his wife doesn’t love him anymore? Has he caught one of his kids dressing in drag? Or is he just a religious nut who sees demons all around him and thinks he hears God speaking to him? These laws do seem like they’re from 1625 instead of 2025. This is not a Christian nation. We are free to practice any religion or none at all.
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Reverend Paula Copp
Just one more reason to never go to Oklahoma!
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Lawrence Pearce
It was never on my bucket list. Was it on yours? LOL
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Reverend Paula Copp
Nope. I went through it once… never again!
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Robert Gagnon
A couple good ideas about child porn and drag shows, and a bunch of very bad ideas. This is a prime example of a religious nut job. He'd look good with a cardboard sign on the side of road saying the ends near. Maybe it slipped his observation church attendance is dropping. Bribing people to come back through tax incentives is just a weak idea that only benefits the few.
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Todd Richard Thorne
From what I have seen and am seeing everyday with the MAGA GOP and other Christian Nationalists, unfortunately they are trying to create a new version of America bringing to life the combination of 4 books made into movies. Right off the George Orwell novel, 1984, then involving the movie series of separation and segregation, The Hunger Games. Adding to that of deregulation of Women's right, they are putting our society back into the Quacker type ideals of The Hand Maids Tails. The last of what is all over the news is the more than in our face resurrection of White Supremacy of Elon Musk plus others viewing Nazism as part of the new American lives. From what I understand and not a conspiracy theory, I talked to an old friend that still works for the Secret Service, that Mr. Trump reads Hitler's book, Mein Kempt just about every night before going to bed.
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Merlin
Most of the American Christian Churches have abandoned the teachings of Jesus and replaced with demonic fear, hatred and anger. 2 Corinthians 11:14, which states, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Compatible with Trump’s Fear, Hate and Anger.
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Patricia Ann Gross
For most of these, I don't see them surviving a trip to the Supreme Court. Abolition of pornography has been tried and failed multiple times. ACLU will be all over the drag bill (this includes things like storytelling and drag brunches which are a far cry from the gay bar drag shows that are burlesque and sexual in nature).
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Joy Garscadden
Just as with abortion and drugs, the rich and powerful will always have access to the things they take away from others and will do so with a smile on their faces.
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John David Lotts Jr
The proposed laws, if enacted, could have detrimental effects on the state. Individuals who prefer not to live under theocratic governance may decide to relocate, taking their businesses, investments, and contributions to the community with them. Conversely, those who seek to reside in an environment governed by such laws will now have an alternative option.n alternative option.
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Religion as a Weapon is Wrong
They also have Florida and Texas! They are all big with lots of room. I'm sure between the three they can take in all the people that wish to live in a theocracy.
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Roy S. Thorpe
The worst thing you can do is let anyone legislate your life's choices let alone a politician!
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Jameson Scott Riddle
This bears serious watching, lest the rest of the nation go in this direction (though things seem to be determined to move in this direction).
Never thought about the prospect of having to be an "underground" minister, but if things keep going that way, so be it.
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Leslie A. Hulberg Née Tomasura
This is not “What is good for all the citizens of OK” this is hate mongering and manipulative rhetoric to make everyone who is not a member of his faith and gender and social status, an outcast and an enemy. How long before they have public tortures and burnings? This man is NOT serving the people of his state. He is self serving and self righteous. I personally feel he should be removed from office and have someone in his position that serves ALL the peoples of OK.
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Kenneth Charles Busi
These issues are for the people of Oklahoma to decide. Laws and representatives change with the culture; God does not.
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Patricia Sydney Solis
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Patricia Sydney Solis
This has nothing to do with Jesus and morality and everything to do with Caesar seizing power. It's also about some pastors pretending to be pious but who cast a very long and dark shadow. They're completely unconscious. They know not what they do. Looking for porn? You know it was the monks who preserved and copied Apuleius' The Golden Ass.... one of the few novels from late antiquity... because of all the sex.. Think of these pastors as little boys. Puers, Peter Pans, who have a lot of death anxiety because of women and sex. They have a hard time accepting reality, accepting life, sex, woman, accepting death. They are the ultimate hypocrites, unable to look at their shadows and see their own sins, therefore the project it on to others. Read more about it in M. Scott Peck's People of the Lie.
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Rev Ned
Christo-Fascists! 😢
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Rev Samantha Counihan
these bills wont pass to be laws because he has to still request it from the courts, and this bigot needs to separate his religion and his "government" because not everyone is gonna follow his beliefs and religion "rules" pornography is normal, its victimizing and sexist to refuse to abortions from womens care on top of that anti abortion are pro rapists, and hes antiqueer (antidrag) and none christians will not repend to a God or Goddess that we dont believe in, and sin is a made up word, nobody sins
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Lawrence Pearce
"If it improves your life and benefits the world, do as you wish." - Thomas Edison, genius inventor of more than one thousand new products from the world's first science lab that created audio and video recordings to the first electric car and the lights that enlighten our world.
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Lisbeth Kieran Bushey
Edison didn't actually invent much - the people who he employed did.
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ServantOfJudgement
This seems to be a necessary counterforce to the woke hive mind. Every action causes an equal and opposite reaction. If these proposed laws appear extreme, which some are, you can know it's an equal and opposite reaction to woke ideology.
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Michael Hunt
Sure, a Christian theocracy is an equal and opposite reaction to being aware of and attentive to important social and political issues, especially those related to racial and social justice. I suppose the response to someone wanting equality is to subject them to your religious beliefs. Totally normal response.
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Reverend Paula Copp
Love your name, Mr. Hunt! Love your sarcasm! I wonder if it will be properly understood by the intended recipient; somehow, I doubt it…
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ServantOfJudgement
Social justice seems complicated to me. On its surface it's about all races and people having the same access and opportunities as any others do. That sounds really good. You'll find that same philosophy in the us constitution and naturally in the Bible. The complicated part come enters play when I see black farmers getting access to resources white farms have no access to. To an innocent onlooker this plugs into racism pretty well. Men competing in women's sports is an odd form of social justice that I'm not able to sort out. There are many other oddities like this that defeat the concept of ending racism and promoting social justice.
When Christianity is properly applied we do end with those same desires, that is equally without racism and so called social justice. It's the failing of men that corrupt the Bibles noble principles into ugliness. I suppose the same can be said about wokism. Anything noble found in the movement was corrupted 5 seconds after man contemplated it.
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Religion as a Weapon is Wrong
When did Steven Miller change his name to Servant of Judgement? BTW, Elon and his teenage dark web hackers own all of us now and not just in the US. There is no escape but hey, if you think saying "wokism" 1000 times makes you holy and righteous, who are we to question your thought process? That said, may your God bless you and your family and may you someday understand the Book you so like to reference. Peace and good health to you, all to those that think like you and to all that do not think like you. We are all children of the universe.
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Rev'd Andrew
SOJ, I'm confused at your claim that black farmers have "access to resources white farms have no access to" when the USDA has acknowledged its extensive history of discrimination directed at Black farmers. This has been in the form of systemic denial of access to loans, subsidy payments, grant programs, land, and government services. Indeed, as recently as 2022 black farmers, who make up 5% of all farmers in the US, received less an 1% of farming aid provided in response to the pandemic. It seems racism against black farmers is still alive and well, NOT the other way around.
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Daniel Gray
And I see you have refused to listen to your "social and racial justice: crap is dying. But then again you cant show fact to people who refuse to believe it.
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Michael Hunt
"you cant show fact to people who refuse to believe it" is maybe the most ironic thing you've ever commented here.
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Daniel Gray
yes and its very clear Hunt that you are the spitting image of that phrase, so much so that if its looked up, your picture is next to it
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Matthew W Meister
I simply must agree with Mr. Hunt about your irony Daniel. If anyone would know that you cannot show fact to people who refuse to believe it, it would be you.
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Daniel Gray
Oh so you are still upset about being destroyed in a thread a couple months back? Maybe if you spoke the truth instead of your opinions this wouldnt happen to you
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James Riggle-Johnson
Or it’s just the MAGA hive mind doing its own thing, SOJ.
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ServantOfJudgement
The trouble with calling maga a hive mind is people that want America to be great again are able to critique president trump and still keep their skin. I can say it's terrible that president trump cheated on his wife. I can say I don't like his unprofessional outbursts. While there mighty hilarious, they're not presidential.
Can you say Biden is a total sicko for showering with his 7 year old daughter? What about his son involving him, the president with cash payouts from Chinese corporations, can you say that's not good at all for a president? Will you say the shower was innocent and the payouts never happened?
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James Riggle-Johnson
I will say following anyone blindly is always a mistake. Thus, following anyone who lies as easily as they breathe is a mistake because you can never tell what truth is. Yes, I do not agree with everything Biden has done or said, but I don’t think the two are comparable in any way. Now, let’s get off the discussion of politics because it is of no use here. For the record, I am more of a centrist than a liberal, but recognizing all people as equal is a human thing and should not be political.
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Religion as a Weapon is Wrong
Resistance is Futile. I prefer to call the Borg the Borg because Bees (and hives) have a purpose on this planet. We need Bees.
Question: What did the Saudis get for giving the T family 2.5 billion dollars? Apparently they got 2.5 million Palestinians for the next 25 years or that's the plan. They are not happy. Israelis are not happy. Palestinians are not happy. My heart breaks for Israel and Palestine, both horribly abused by their "leaders". We are all children of the Universe. Why do US leaders want to inflict useless pain on their own people? The saddest part is using religion and race to make it work and make us turn on each other. How sad for all of us. How sad.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
Good luck with your Christian crusade I hope you inspire many. Sex addiction is the same as drug or alcohol addiction. It is best for modern health to not be hooked on it. May almighty God give you the strength to stop your addiction. Blest be.
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Rev Morse
Some of it I agree with
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Warren Calvin Wall
Lots of legislative bills are written and submitted to state and federal legislatures. Few even make it to or out of committee review. Even fewer make it to a floor vote. The odds of a single one of his bills getting to a vote is slim and none. Such nonsense seldomly is even considered for legislative action. Much ado about nothing.
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JT Sunrise
Scripture is the only authority in Christianity, not politics or state mandated corporate religion:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
- This passage emphasizes that Scripture is inspired by God and is essential for teaching, correcting, and guiding believers in righteousness.
- Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV): "‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’"
- Jesus criticizes those who follow human traditions and rules rather than the true commandments of God, highlighting the importance of genuine worship and adherence to God's word.
- Colossians 2:8 (NIV): "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
- This verse warns against being led astray by human traditions and philosophies that are not rooted in Christ.
- Mark 7:7-8 (NIV): "They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions."
- Jesus again criticizes the practice of prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments.
- John 17:17 (NIV): "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
- Jesus prays for his disciples to be sanctified by the truth, which is found in God's word.
These verses underscore the importance of Scripture as the only foundational source of truth and guidance for believers. The Bible cautions against placing undue emphasis on human traditions or teachings that may diverge from the core messages of God.
Rev JTSunrise Celestial Nexus Church
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Rev. Kameelah Stewart
I'm sorry but these people crack me up! Do you really think that God makes that kind judgement on us? We are the only creatures that he has created that gives us freedom of choice, to be willing to come to him. God does not force himself upon us, that would be easy, and you can't force people to be religious either. they want to give incentives to couples, what about widows with children? or Single mothers who threw no fault of their own are raising children who are thriving, going to school getting good grades in spite of absent father or mothers for that matter? And what about couples that film pornography of themselves? for their own private use, they go to jail? You are going to turn neighbor against neighbor. There has never been one religion that fits all, we are different, and we all come to God differently and the key word in this is "We all come to God Differently" but we do come to God. There is a reason why there is a separation of church and state, the state is the peoples concern the church is God's concern and you can't speak for God, He loves us sinner, heathen, believer all the same, the blood was not spilt with a bypass, it was shed for all of us. You have the freedom to say what you like, you have the freedom to say what you don't like, but you don't have the freedom to enslave people by one religion, especially a religion that you are making up as you go along,
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Vincent Paul Therrien
My hope is that the good people of Oklahoma reject this misguided person's proliferation of Christian Nationalism. Maybe someday, these far-left folks will spend more time proliferating the love of God rather than their fire and brimstones.
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JT Sunrise
The Limits of Legislated Morality: A Scriptural and Ethical Critique
In Oklahoma, a new set of laws has been proposed in an effort to reverse what is perceived as moral decay. These laws seek to outlaw pornography, restrict divorce, criminalize drag performances, and classify abortion as homicide. The intent, according to their authors, is to restore a sense of moral order. However, as history and scripture teach us, true morality cannot be imposed through law alone.
I. Law Without Spirit Is an Empty Vessel
Scripture reminds us that while laws may restrain outward behavior, they cannot transform the heart. “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Moral legislation without true spiritual renewal leads only to surface-level obedience, not to righteousness.
Throughout biblical history, attempts to legislate virtue—without cultivating wisdom, compassion, and understanding—have consistently failed. The Pharisees of Christ’s time were meticulous in enforcing the Law of Moses, yet Jesus rebuked them:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25).
A society may criminalize sin, but unless it fosters love, wisdom, and discernment, it will not create righteousness—only hypocrisy.
II. The Danger of Coercion in the Name of Morality
There is a profound distinction between laws that prevent harm and laws that enforce virtue. Scripture calls upon believers to protect the innocent, to seek justice, and to restrain evil. But it also warns against the overreach of human authority into matters of personal conscience.
The early church did not seek to establish a theocracy; instead, it thrived through persuasion, example, and spiritual conviction. The Apostle Paul, addressing the moral failings of Corinth, did not call upon secular authorities to criminalize immorality—he called upon the church to lead by example:
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” (1 Corinthians 5:12).
When morality is enforced through coercion rather than conviction, it ceases to be morality at all—it becomes a weapon.
III. When Law Becomes a Tool of Oppression
The proposed laws in Oklahoma reflect a deeper misunderstanding of how human nature and morality function. Criminalizing pornography, for instance, will not remove lust from the human heart. Making divorce more difficult will not restore love where it has already died. These laws attempt to suppress sin through external force rather than cultivate virtue through wisdom.
Jesus never forced people to follow Him—He called them. The rich young ruler was given a choice (Mark 10:17-22). The woman caught in adultery was forgiven and encouraged to sin no more (John 8:1-11). The Gospel offers transformation, but only to those who seek it freely. Faith imposed is no faith at all.
History has proven that when religious law is wielded as an instrument of power, it does not purify society—it corrupts the faith itself. Theocracies have often resulted not in holiness, but in violence, rebellion, and hypocrisy.
IV. True Moral Reform Begins in the Heart
If lawmakers truly desire moral renewal, their efforts must be pastoral, not punitive. Scripture calls for a different kind of transformation—one rooted in love, wisdom, and community rather than legal force.
Consider Christ’s words:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
True moral revival does not begin with banning vice but with cultivating virtue. It happens not through control, but through teaching, healing, and leading by example. It requires patience, understanding, and faith—not the blunt force of law.
V. The Path Forward
The greatest test of a just society is not how forcefully it punishes sin, but how effectively it cultivates righteousness. If Oklahoma wishes to restore its moral foundation, it must prioritize: • Education over criminalization • Compassion over coercion • Wisdom over reactionary laws
Let us not mistake control for virtue. Let us remember that morality is not the product of law, but of spirit, love, and truth.
— Rev. JTSunrise, Celestial Nexus Church
Unfortunately, this guy got elected. I worry as much about the voters in his electorate as I do him
Why worry? It doesn't improve your mental health. But if the bills become law and you are violating any of those laws, don't move to Oklahoma.
No sane person would ever move to that bilge water state. They want bibles in the classrooms. What a farce! They can’t teach the academic subjects they already have, but they have the money and ability to buy $60 bibles for their classrooms. What a joke! But then again, the mango menace is in power… what else can we expect from the AntiChrist?
There is a Texas joke about "why doesn't Texas fall into the Gulf of Mexico?" and the punchline is "Oklahoma sucks". admittedly it is told around the old Texas-OU game time. And at a time when the Texas-OU rally was fun. So a few years ago. But...there is still a little truth there. Not that Texas has anything to brag about in the last few years.
Just show your kids his picture and tell them to tell him to find his own lost puppy in a dark parking lot!