Senator Ted Cruz avoids repeating 'Christ is king' phrase at Republican gathering
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 23
Senator Ted Cruz avoids repeating 'Christ is king' phrase at Republican gathering
5 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 23
At a California Republican event, Cruz declined to repeat the phrase when asked by Dennis Feitosa, a congressional candidate, citing its association with antisemitic online movements.
Cruz, a practicing Christian, explained his hesitancy by noting that the phrase has been used in hateful ways and linked to far-right America First politics.
The phrase, once a neutral Christian declaration, has become controversial as figures like Candace Owens and Nicholas J. Fuentes use it in contexts criticized for antisemitism, sparking debate among conservatives.
Does avoiding a co-opted phrase empower the extremists who misuse it?
Can the original meaning of a phrase be restored after being co-opted by extremists?
How are religious leaders combating the distortion of their faith by online influencers?
What does recent data show about the spread of weaponized religious phrases online?
How is artificial intelligence being used to turn religious expressions into weapons?