Drollinger does not believe the coronavirus is God’s judgment on homosexuals, environmentalists or any other group of people, and has never said that it is.

What must be said first, before the distortions, inaccuracies, cheap shots, and – to be generous, we’ll call them “misunderstandings” – of various news media attacks on a recent Capitol Ministries Bible study are addressed is this: 

If you have a problem with the concept of God’s wrath, then you have a problem with God and the Bible, not with Ralph Drollinger.

»Read how these false stories started and how they spread.

The Bible study currently under attack by liberal media is “Is God Judging America Today?” in which Drollinger outlines five forms of God’s wrath that are identified in the Bible. 

Those who read the 8-page study will learn that Drollinger has written that God is NOT judging nations today. Drollinger concludes that the coronavirus may be a result of the concept of “sowing and reaping.” 

Also called “consequential wrath,” this is commonly referred to as “natural law,” which is defined as, “the body of unchanging moral principles regarded as a basis for all human conduct.”

Sowing and reaping wrath is an inviolate principle of the universe just like gravity. If you put seed corn in the ground, you will grow corn. In the same way, if a nation irresponsibly allows a contagious disease to get out of control, the world suffers. 

That is the point Drollinger made in the Bible study and in the story about it that was published on capmin.org. 

However, it has become trendy in modern “journalism” and we use that term very lightly, for writers to distort, purposefully misinterpret, lie, take things out of context, write to mislead, and practice other forms of malice all with the justifiable confidence that their lock-step colleagues not only will support them but also re-write those false and distorted stories and publish them again under their own bylines—often with even greater distortions.

And with many editors and publishers in big media no longer having the integrity to correct false claims, and with some in total support of the distortions—these writers are on solid ground in this world. 

The reasons are varied—reporters are trying to make a name for themselves, they are pushing an agenda, they have a vendetta, they are hostile toward God and countless other reasons. The true reason is revealed at the end of this story. 

Once false reporting was so disdained by legitimate reporters and editors it was given the pejorative label “yellow journalism” – or that which is a sensational and crude exaggeration. Reporters once cringed at this characterization. No more. Today such tactics are embraced and even aspired to.  

This isn’t old fashioned muck raking – the stuff of investigative reporting. This is malicious character assassinating gossip brazenly passed off as news.

Most recently at Capitol Ministries, Drollinger and the Bible study, “Is God Judging America Today?” is under their attack. 

The story that launched a race to the bottom was written by Lee Fang for the online publication, The Intercept that promotes itself as “fearless journalism.”

A Deceptive Headline

The headline to Fang’s story, in all capital letters, alarms: TRUMP CABINET BIBLE TEACHER BLAMES CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ON GOD’S WRATH — SOMEHOW IT INVOLVES CHINA, GAY PEOPLE, AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS

THIS IS FALSE

This headline was written to purposefully mislead. 

Drollinger does not believe the coronavirus is God’s judgment on homosexuals, environmentalists or any other group of people, and has never said that it is.

Drollinger writes about the coronavirus being the result of “sowing and reaping.” If a nation handles an epidemic badly, a pandemic eventually threatens the rest of the world. 

This is fact. 

China has admitted to arresting a whistleblower physician to keep him from alerting the world to the virus that was destroying Wuhan. 

International experts have accused China of mishandling what at its early stages was an epidemic. 

Early on, the World Health Organization falsely reported China’s claims that the virus was not contagious. 

The world reaped what China sowed, the classic definition of “consequential wrath.”

Hiding behind the vague term “somehow,” Fang can make any unsubstantiated charge he wishes, and he does. 

Drollinger’s Bible study does address homosexuality and environmentalism but never connects those sins to the coronavirus. 

Drollinger refers to the Word of God which equates those sins with “forsaking wrath.”

This is an important distinction that a casual reader might overlook, but a journalist must make sure he understands this distinction lest he libel the person he is reporting on. 

“… and exchanged the glory of the incor­ruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling crea­tures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”  (Romans 1:23-25)

“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women ex­changed the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural func­tion of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.”  (Romans 1:26-27)

If Fang read the Bible study, his intention in writing the headline was to mislead. 

Truth Twisting

Fang’s first paragraph reads: RALPH DROLLINGER, a minister who leads a weekly Bible study group for President Donald Trump’s cabinet, released a new interpretation of the coronavirus pandemic this week, arguing that the crisis represents an act of God’s judgment.

THIS IS FALSE

In a story on capmin.org, Drollinger addressed the five forms of God’s wrath and wrote that based on Scripture, nations today are not experiencing God’s “forsaking wrath” or as it is termed elsewhere, His “abandonment wrath,” which is when God gives a sinner over to his sin. 

Nor, states Drollinger, are nations today experiencing God’s “cataclysmic wrath” such as what destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in response to the sins of their people.   

Drollinger wrote that regarding the coronavirus, the world is experiencing “consequential wrath,” or reaping that which has been sown. 

Drollinger wrote, “A biblically astute evaluation of the situation strongly suggests that America and other countries of the world are reaping what China has sown due to their leaders’ recklessness and lack of candor and transparency.”

Christians believe that God is sovereign and omnipotent, that He could stop the coronavirus if He chose to do so. In that He did not, God is allowing the world to experience the consequences of its actions, or “consequential wrath.” 

This biblical principle Drollinger is expressing is totally missed by Fang and other writers. 

Inflaming by Distortion

Fang wrote: “Neither does he miss a chance to condemn those who worship the ‘religion of environmentalism’ and express a ‘proclivity toward lesbianism and homosexuality.’ These individuals, Drollinger argues in ‘Is God Judging America Today?’, one of the minister’s posts about coronavirus pandemic, have infiltrated ‘high positions in our government, our educational system, our media and our entertainment industry’ and ‘are largely responsible for God’s consequential wrath on our nation.’”

THIS IS FALSE

Drollinger is not personally condemning anyone. He is quoting the Bible which calls homosexuality and the false religion of environmentalism sins, as was discussed in the previous section in this story. 

Drollinger does not believe the coronavirus is God’s judgment on homosexuals, environmentalists or any other group of people, and has never said that it is.

Regarding the point about people in high places being responsible for God’s consequential wrath, Drollinger’s point is that they have opportunities via their powerful positions to initiate unbiblical actions and precepts that bring dire consequences upon many others.  

Fang wrote that Drollinger’s “study guide” “meanders through scripture, explaining the ways in which God may have caused the coronavirus.”

THIS IS FALSE

Fang’s repeated reference to a Bible study – an exegetical teaching of God’s Word – as a “study guide” is disrespectful and demeaning. Drollinger writes Bible studies based on Scripture. He does not pen “study guides.”   

The Bible study addresses the five forms of God’s wrath. Drollinger addresses the Coronavirus only once in a footnote:

“If God is sovereign over the affairs of mankind today, which the Scriptures state He is, and a cataclysmic event occurs somewhere in, or over all the earth at any time in biblical history, one could and should attribute that cataclysmic event to the wrath of God in some form and to some degree. Accordingly, the coronavirus could be a form of God’s cataclysmic wrath. But having said that, I don’t think we should label the  coronavirus as a form of God’s cataclysmic wrath, such as the form of wrath He manifests in the OT with the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, or the “unparting” of the Red Sea, because that form of God’s wrath is void of a human curative—and I think we’ll soon see a human cure for the coronavirus.”

The word “meandering” is defined as twisting, winding, zigzagging, circuitous, and rambling. In this particular word choice, Fang is conveying to readers that Drollinger’s Bible study is disorganized and chaotic. It is neither. 

THIS IS FALSE

If Fang read the Bible study, his intention in writing these paragraphs was to mislead. 

Misrepresentations and Falsehoods

Fang wrote: “Drollinger’s evangelical lessons are carefully catered to conservative ideology, with a focus on interpreting current events through a partisan lens.”

THIS IS FALSE

Drollinger’s Bible studies are based on careful study of the whole of the Bible. He is not attempting to justify a political ideology. The former is the discipline of objective textual exegesis, the latter is subjective eisegesis. 

Exegesis means the critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially Scripture. Eisegesis is the interpretation of a text by reading into it one’s own ideas.  

Drollinger is the former, not the latter.

In addition to a degree in ecosystems from UCLA, Drollinger has a master’s degree in theology. He is an experienced, expository teacher who has taught the Bible for 25 years. He has written hundreds of Bible studies. His Bible studies examine what God’s Word says about a variety of topics and are applied specifically to government leaders; as such they are neither conservative nor liberal. They are scriptural. 

Fang offers no evidence for his use of the word “partisan” (meaning a strong supporter of a particular political party). 

THIS IS FALSE

Capitol Ministries Bible studies are open to members of all political parties and are attended by Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. In fact, Capitol Ministries appoints dozens of other Bible teachers like Drollinger who serve in U.S. state capitols as well as foreign federal capitols and is by non-profit charter, a bi-partisan organization.

Fang wrote, “Drollinger, reached by phone, referred questions to his foundation’s press line. 

THIS IS FALSE

Fang’s telephone call was not answered by Drollinger. Fang didn’t ask to whom he was speaking and falsely reported that Drollinger answered the telephone. He did not. 

Fang wrote, “Capitol Ministries, the nonprofit founded by Drollinger that hosts his Bible study, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.”

THIS IS FALSE

Fang’s request for comment was received the evening of March 24 (the night before Fang published his article). Capitol Ministries responded to him by email the morning of March 25 and asked what questions he had about the Bible study. As of this printing, Fang has not responded to that inquiry. 

Provoking by Inference

Fang writes about the government leaders who attend Drollinger’s Bible studies, how powerful they are, and that some who support CapMin are members of President Donald Trump’s Coronavirus Task Force.

THIS IS TRUE

But he then presents his opinion as fact that: “The evangelical lessons are carefully catered to conservative ideology, with a focus on interpreting current events through a partisan lens. Drollinger’s study guides have provided biblical justification for the Trump administration’s undocumented immigrant child separation policies and arguments in favor of lower taxes on the wealthy.”

THIS IS FALSE

Drollinger’s Bible studies are based on Scripture. They investigate what the Bible says about a variety of topics. Christians believe there is nothing in today’s world that the Bible does not address. Drollinger is teaching Scripture to Christian leaders in office. How they vote and what policies they enact are between the political leaders and God.  

Fang again misuses the word, “partisan.” 

THIS IS FALSE

As noted before, CapMin’s Bible studies are open to and attended by members of all major political parties.  

Implying Extremism

In this same section of his story, Fang departs from the Bible study “Is God Judging America Today?” and quotes the Bible study, “The Bible as an Aid to Terrorist Sensitivity Training” that was released six years ago on June 2, 2014. This study is unrelated to the one he has been criticizing and has nothing to do with the topic at hand. This hit and run tactic is an obvious attempt to paint Drollinger as an extremist. 

Fang writes, “Bible study guides from Capitol Ministries distributed to politicians also claim that “Islam and its Koran are nothing more than a plagiarism of OT truths…”

Capitol Ministries stands by this characterization. 

Fang continues, “…a reference to the Old Testament and, in all caps, declare: “NOT EVERY MUSLIM IS A TERRORIST BUT EVERY INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST IN RECENT HISTORY HAS BEEN A MUSLIM.”

THIS IS TRUE

The Global Terrorism Index 2018 compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace names four organizations as the deadliest terrorist groups in the world today who are responsible for 10,632 deaths in 2017. They are: The Islamic State, also known as Daesh and ISIS, and ISIL; The Taliban; Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of Al-Qaida; and Boko Haram. 

Regurgitating Copy Cats

A variety of copy-cat writers regurgitated Fang’s story and presented the re-writes as their own. 

Following close on Fang’s heels is a story by Brooke Sopelsa, editorial director for NBC OUT, which showcases content “of interest to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.”

Sopelsa’s headline says, “Trump Cabinet’s Bible teacher says gays cause ‘God’s wrath’ in COVID-19 blog post.”

THIS IS FALSE

Despite this bold claim, her story contains no such quote from Drollinger.

As said previously in this story, Drollinger does not believe the coronavirus is God’s judgment on homosexuals, environmentalists or any other group of people, and has never said that it is.

Sopelsa writes, “In a blog post titled “Is God Judging America Today?” a pastor who leads a weekly bible study group for members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet appeared to blame the coronavirus pandemic on several groups, including those who have “a proclivity toward lesbianism and homosexuality.”

The word “appeared” is a hedge to hide behind. The story does not support Sopelsa’s false declarative statement in the headline. 

Sopelsa writes, “In addition to gays and lesbians, Drollinger — who The New York Times recently referred to as the Trump Cabinet’s “shadow diplomat” — also laid blame on people with “depraved minds,” environmentalists and those who deny the existence of God for igniting “God’s wrath.”

THIS IS FALSE

Drollinger’s Bible study discusses five forms of God’s Wrath and says while God judged nations in ancient times and will again in the Tribulation Period, He is not judging nations today.

In today’s time, His wrath is levied on individuals who sin against him. They are calling His wrath down upon themselves. That would be everyone including deceivers, homosexuals, liars, adulterers, white collar criminals, and purse snatchers among many more. 

Tarnishing Drollinger’s Reputation at the White House

Sopelsa’s story quoted Judd Deere, White House spokesman who commented on statements that Drollinger did not make.   

She wrote, White House spokesman Judd Deere called the implication that homosexuality caused the pandemic “disgusting” and “certainly not something the President believes.”

Trump and Drollinger carry the same view toward such an implication. Drollinger leads a Bible study to President Donald Trump’s White House Cabinet and his reputation at the White House is important to him and to Capitol Ministries. 

Capitol Ministries contacted the White House and requested to speak with Deere about his comments. 

»Click here to read the full story about his response.

It’s odd as well as unfortunate that Deere, who holds an important position in the White House press office, abandoned traditional journalism standards by not asking Sopelsa for proof that Drollinger made this inflammatory remark before publicly condemning Drollinger for comments he did not make. 

It’s Scripture, not Opinion

Sopelsa wrote, “This is not the first time Drollinger has made offensive remarks about LGBTQ people. In just the past two years, Drollinger has written multiple blog posts about the dangers of homosexuality. 

THIS IS FALSE

Drollinger is not expressing personal opinions in “blog posts.” He writes Bible studies and is teaching lessons on what the Bible says about homosexuality. He is quoting Scripture.

Like the apostle Paul, Drollinger teaches the whole purpose of God. He does not avoid teaching about topics that may be unpopular. 
 
“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” (Acts 20:27)
 
Some Scriptures that warn against homosexuality include: 
 
“You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)
 
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idola­ters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

The True Issue: The Hearts of Man

In a recent interview with Frank Sontag on his live drive-time radio show that is broadcast from Los Angeles, Drollinger addressed the hearts of people who reject God’s truths in this frightening time of the coronavirus pandemic. He said:

“I think this is a great time if you are a listener and you don’t know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the fear of it all is pinging your conscious and you wonder what more there might be in terms of security because America provides a pretty good security blanket until about two weeks ago. This crisis might be rocking your cage as you listen and this might be a time when the Holy Spirit is pinging your conscience about making Jesus your Lord and Savior. Let Him come into your life and give you that sense of fulfillment, that sense of being a total person and having a spiritual understanding of Biblical truth born through repentance of sin and acknowledgment by faith of His Lordship in your life. Do that today if you haven’t already.”  
 
“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)