Originally published at Daily Kos

Well, this would certainly help explain policies like Muslim, climate change and transgender bans…

According to the leading Christian site CBN News, “a spiritual awakening is underway at the White House,” where Ralph Drollinger, a former NBA player turned founder of the Christian fundamentalist Capitol Ministries, has been leading a weekly Bible study group attended by the majority of President Donald Trump’s top cabinet members. Capitol Ministries’ stated mission is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena,” and officials in what CBN called “the most evangelical cabinet in history” have shown great zeal for Drollinger’s teaching and preaching — and great disregard for the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.

Among the dozen or so cabinet officials who regularly attend the weekly study sessions are Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Vice President Mike Pence, who is one of the group’s sponsors, is planning to join “as his schedule permits.” One glaring absence — the president, who each week receives a copy of Drollinger’s lesson but who has lived an infamously sinful life and has shown next to no interest in pursuing anything approaching a “godly” existence.

“It’s the best Bible study that I’ve ever taught in my life,” gushed Drollinger. “They are so teachable; they’re so noble; they’re so learned… I just praise God for them. And I praise God for Mike Pence, who I think with Donald Trump chose great people to lead our nation.” It should be noted that Drollinger’s favorite politician is the “batshit crazy”former Minnesota Tea Party congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

It’s unclear what scriptural lessons Drollinger is teaching the most powerful officials in the nation, but judging from their very un-Christ-like policies and actions, we can safely assume it’s not the following Biblical standards:

”Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13)

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

“Love thy neighbor as you love yourself.”  (Mark 12:31)

“For I was hungry and you gave me food.” (Matthew 25:35)

“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27)

“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)

“You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” (Ten Commandments)

“Do you have daughters? Be concerned for their chastity, and do not show yourself too indulgent with them.” (Sirach 7:24)

I could go on all day.

It defies imagination how tens of millions of self-professed Christian conservatives pulled off the mental gymnastics necessary to convince themselves that a thrice-divorced, adulterous, egomaniacal gambling baron who boasts of relishing revenge and sexual assault was “God’s” chosen candidate. But that’s precisely what they did, perhaps believing Trump would fill his cabinet with just the sort of fundamentalist fanatics who attend Drollinger’s sessions. In this, at least, they will not be disappointed. Beware: a uniquely American brand of corporate, flag-wrapped, cross-carrying, Muslim-and-LGBTQ-hating, bomb-the-shit-out-of-them-and-kill-their-families fascism is on the creep.