Kamala Harris Jezebel spirit/ Christian nationalism Harris/ Jezebel spirit political rhetoric/ Kamala Harris demonized by Christians/ spiritual warfare in politics/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Christian nationalist leaders have labeled Vice President Kamala Harris as influenced by a “Jezebel spirit,” a term rooted in racism and misogyny. This rhetoric has sparked concern among scholars who warn of its potential to incite violence, as it implies a spiritual battle. The use of the term plays into political and religious narratives that demonize powerful women, particularly women of color.
‘Jezebel Spirit’ in Politics Quick Looks
- Jezebel Rhetoric: Christian leaders describe Kamala Harris as under the influence of a “Jezebel spirit,” evoking harmful racial and misogynistic stereotypes.
- Biblical Origins: The term references Jezebel, a biblical queen who persecuted prophets and met a violent end.
- Political Weapon: The term is often used to attack Black women and female political figures, casting them as dangerous and untrustworthy.
- Spiritual Warfare: Leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation, a Christian nationalist movement, view Harris as part of a spiritual battle between good and evil.
- January 6 Echoes: Scholars link this language to the religious fervor that fueled the Capitol insurrection in 2021.
Christian Nationalists Use ‘Jezebel Spirit’ to Target Kamala Harris
Deep Look
Vice President Kamala Harris has become the latest political figure targeted by Christian nationalist leaders who accuse her of being influenced by a “Jezebel spirit.” The term, rooted in the story of Jezebel from the Bible, carries both racial and misogynistic undertones, invoking imagery of a dangerous, manipulative woman. Harris, a Black and South Asian woman, is now at the center of this narrative, which has alarmed religious and political scholars who warn of its dangerous implications.
The idea of a “Jezebel spirit” originates from the biblical figure Queen Jezebel, one of the Old Testament’s most infamous characters. Jezebel was a foreign-born queen who wielded considerable power, persecuted prophets, and defied religious norms. Her downfall came when she was violently overthrown and killed, a story that has been interpreted for centuries as a cautionary tale about female power. This historical figure has since evolved into a stereotype used to vilify women, particularly Black women, as oversexualized, manipulative, and untrustworthy.
In modern contexts, particularly in some evangelical and Christian nationalist circles, the “Jezebel spirit” is framed as a demonic influence—a force of evil that must be eradicated. In the case of Harris, the term is being deployed as a political tool to paint her as morally corrupt and spiritually dangerous. This rhetoric often suggests that Harris, who identifies as Christian and Baptist, is somehow non-Christian or, worse, aligned with demonic forces.
Anthea Butler, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of White Evangelical Racism, explains that calling Harris a “Jezebel” communicates to certain audiences that she is unacceptable—both as a woman in power and as a person of color. Butler emphasizes that the term is code for a broader ideological rejection, particularly of women who challenge patriarchal norms or occupy powerful political positions.
The racial roots of the “Jezebel” stereotype run deep in American history. During slavery, Black women were often portrayed as “Jezebels” to justify their mistreatment and sexual exploitation by enslavers. The term has continued to be used to undermine Black women in positions of power, as seen with past attacks on figures like Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. The characterization reduces their humanity to a harmful caricature, painting them as inherently immoral and manipulative.
Tamura Lomax, author of Jezebel Unhinged and a professor of religious studies at Michigan State University, argues that labeling Harris with the “Jezebel spirit” can dehumanize her and even suggest that she is deserving of violence. Lomax warns that this rhetoric is especially dangerous in political contexts where it is used to demonize women who assert their power, aligning them with demonic forces.
The usage of this term is rooted in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a decentralized Christian movement that promotes charismatic teachings and spiritual warfare. Leaders within this movement often speak of demonic influences in politics, claiming that certain individuals are agents of evil forces. Matthew Taylor, a scholar who has studied NAR, notes that this rhetoric aims to galvanize evangelical Christians by framing elections as battles between good and evil. This language, according to Taylor, “justifies aggression,” turning political opponents into demonic enemies rather than just rivals with different views.
Harris, in this narrative, becomes a stand-in for the broader fight against liberal ideals like feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion access, which have all been labeled as part of a “Jezebel agenda” by some Christian leaders. Evangelist Lance Wallnau, a prominent figure in the NAR and an early supporter of Donald Trump, has repeatedly invoked the Jezebel spirit to describe Harris, suggesting she embodies intimidation, seduction, and manipulation.
Wallnau, who has a large following on social media, portrays Harris as more dangerous than previous female political figures like Hillary Clinton because of her race and relative youth. In one video, he claimed Harris represents “an amalgam of the spirit of Jezebel in a way that’ll be even more ominous than Hillary,” arguing that her influence could be catastrophic for America.
Wallnau’s rhetoric echoes the broader spiritual warfare language that was present during the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. As Christian nationalists stormed the Capitol, many invoked religious imagery, praying, singing hymns, and blowing shofars, traditional Jewish instruments that have been co-opted by Christian nationalists. This kind of militant religious fervor, combined with political grievance, is fueled by the belief that political leaders like Harris are not just opponents but manifestations of evil that must be defeated.
While Wallnau clarified on social media that he does not believe Harris is a literal demon, he stands by the assertion that political figures, organizations, and parties can be under demonic influence. This worldview raises concerns about how religious rhetoric is being used to justify extreme political stances and, in some cases, violence.
Beyond Harris, the “Jezebel spirit” label has trickled down to other political races. For example, in Indiana, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Micah Beckwith accused the Democratic ticket, led by three women, of embodying the “Jezebel spirit.” Although Beckwith later clarified that he was referring to Democratic policies, the use of the term is a clear example of how this rhetoric is seeping into mainstream political discourse.
In a recent prayer rally on the National Mall, New Apostolic Reformation leader Ché Ahn further connected these religious and political ideas by likening Trump to the biblical figure Jehu, who overthrew Jezebel. Ahn, praying for Trump’s victory in the upcoming election, declared that Harris would be “cast out,” reinforcing the dangerous narrative that ties Harris to demonic forces.
As the 2024 election approaches, the use of religiously charged language like the “Jezebel spirit” demonstrates how intertwined politics and spiritual warfare have become. For figures like Harris, this rhetoric not only distorts their political stances but also fuels a dangerous narrative that frames them as enemies in a larger cosmic battle.
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