JD Vance’s Antichrist remarks defended as common christian belief

Vice‑President JD Vance has opened a fresh conversation about religion in American politics after reflecting on Christian teachings of the “end times” during a podcast appearance.

Responding to host Bryce Crawford, Vance admitted he would “not [be] shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us,” though he cautioned against dwelling on apocalyptic theories. “Do I think that we’re in the end times? I don’t know,” he said. “And I think that it’s probably bad for me spiritually to focus too much on it, because there are, like, things you gotta do. I gotta be good to my wife. I gotta be good to my kids. I have to be as good of a leader as I can for the United States of America.”

The vice‑president emphasized that his attention remains on his duties: “What I’m trying to focus on is doing as much of God’s work as possible right now.”

His comments drew immediate defense from conservative writer Rod Dreher, a longtime friend who spoke to the BBC’s Today programme. “This might sound bonkers to someone who is outside the Christian religion, but it is a very, very common belief within Christianity,” Dreher said. He argued that “most Americans who are inclined to vote Republican already believe this stuff,” adding that Vance’s reflections were consistent with mainstream faith traditions.

Dreher linked Vance’s musings to broader anxieties about rapid technological change and global instability, noting that even Ronald Reagan had voiced similar thoughts during his presidency.

Vance’s religious identity has been a defining feature of his career. He converted to Catholicism in 2019, in his mid‑30s, describing how the Church aligned with his family values and conservative politics. Since becoming vice‑president, he has occasionally clashed with Pope Leo and Pope Francis over immigration policy, underscoring the tension between his political role and religious convictions.

The remarks come as Vance prepares to deliver Thursday’s White House press briefing, his first since the departure of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, ensuring that questions about faith and leadership will remain part of the public conversation.

Source: BBC