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

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 Power

Social Media Images Used:

Matthew 59 “Blessed are the peacemakers”

Isaiah 68 “Send me”

Proverbs 281 “The wicked flee…”

Psalm 287 “The Lord is my strength and my shield”

Isaiah 4110 “Fear thou not…”

Proverbs 2324 “Father of a righteous child…”

Guest Bio

Brian 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.