Christian preacher denounces young voters supporting Vivek Ramaswamy, warns of ‘Fight with God’

Hank Kunneman, a Christian nationalist preacher, criticizes Ramaswamy’s candidacy and religious beliefs

Vivek Ramaswamy In his Sunday sermons, Christian nationalist preacher Hank Kunneman launched a scathing denunciation of young voters supporting Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, cautioning them that they would face a confrontation with God for backing the Indian American contender.

During his Sunday morning service at the Lord of Hosts church in Omaha, Nebraska, Kunneman expressed concerns over the state of the country and directed his message to Generation Z and Millennials, especially those who admire Ramaswamy. He warned that if the candidate does not prioritize serving Jesus Christ and upholding Judeo-Christian principles, these young voters would find themselves at odds with God. Kunneman criticized the idea of having a candidate swear on anything other than the Bible and questioned the acceptance of diverse beliefs and gods in the White House, urging voters to prioritize Christian values in their decision-making.

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He said: “We are in danger as a country. And listen to me, Generation Z, listen to me, Millennials, those of you that are watching, that you like this new young guy: If he does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ and stand primarily for Judeo-Christian principles, you will have a fight with God. What are we doing even entertaining the fact you can have some dude put his hand on something other than the Bible? You are going to let him put all his strange Gods up in the White House that we are just supposed to blink because he understands policies?”

Ramaswamy, a successful businessman and practicing Hindu, has been gaining popularity in the polls, currently holding the third position behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. However, his Hindu faith has been a subject of concern for some conservative Christian voters within the Republican primary electorate. They perceive his religious background as a potential hurdle, given their tradition of evaluating candidates not only based on policies but also on personal beliefs and religious faith.

READ: We need an outsider in the White House: Vivek Ramaswamy (July 11, 2023)

A New York Times story, published on July 9, pointed out that the businessman is making a pitch that his Hindu faith has much in common with Christianity, but for many religious conservatives, the difference is a hurdle.

“Mr. Ramaswamy, 37, was raised by Indian immigrants and is a practicing Hindu,” the Times wrote. “That poses a dilemma for some of the conservative Christian voters who make up a significant share of the Republican primary electorate and are accustomed to evaluating candidates not just on their policy proposals but also on their biographies and personal beliefs, including religious faith.”

In response to such concerns, Ramaswamy has attempted to reassure Christian voters that he shares their “Judeo-Christian values.” He appeared on the Christian nationalist program “FlashPoint” and clarified that he is running for commander-in-chief, not pastor-in-chief, but insists that he aligns with the same value set as Christians who share a right-wing religious and political worldview.

READ: Vivek Ramaswamy wants to raise the voting age to 25 (May 12, 2023)

As the presidential race progresses, Ramaswamy’s religious background and the reactions it elicits from different voter groups remain points of interest and debate. While some religious conservatives may find his Hindu faith problematic, others seem willing to consider his policy proposals and commitment to shared values as decisive factors in their support. The intersection of faith and politics continues to be a key aspect of the ongoing election season.

READ: Vivek Ramaswamy embraces American nationalist identity for 2024 race (June 7, 2023)

READ: Vivek Ramaswamy enters Republican race for White House (February 22, 2023)

READ: Vivek Ramaswamy exploring 2024 presidential run (February 14, 2023)