The Evolution of the Tea Party Movement: From Abraham, Jesus, and the Founding Fathers to Today

David Barton has claimed that the Tea Party is just like Jesus and Gary Cass has called it “the work of the Holy Spirit” … but that is nothing compared to Steven Grant of Destiny Christian Center in Greeley, Colorado who writes on the Tenth Amendment Center’s website that the Tea Party is literally the fourth iteration of a movement that started with Abraham, continued through Jesus, re-emerged with the Founding Fathers, and has now returned again with the Tea Party Movement:

Many American citizens treat the current “Tea Party Movement” as a recent innovation, or a novel idea that will disappear in the future. Others tie current thought patterns back to the Boston Tea Party that occurred in 1773. Actually, the thought patterns and mindset of the Tea Party movement finds its origins in a rebellion that occurred more than 3,000 years ago. Believe it or not, this movement was detailed in the Bible.

Abraham’s seed grew through the generations, reinforcing this covenant blessing through Abraham and Sarah’s son Isaac, and then also through their grandson Jacob. Jacob’s name was later changed to Israel and he had 12 sons. These became known as the sons or tribes of Israel. God gave them the land of Canaan, and they occupied the land for several hundred years under the leadership of various judges. Then they requested a shift in government to become a monarchy, and God granted their request. King Saul ruled over the tribes, and King David followed him. God blessed David’s reign, and promised that David’s seed would remain on the throne of Israel.

David was succeeded by his son Solomon, who was reputed for his wisdom. Solomon also prospered the kingdom and built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem. He strengthened the military, made Jerusalem a beautiful city, and built himself a lavish palace. However, in the process Solomon also angered God. He married 700 wives and had 300 concubines! These wives were often given as a form of a political alliance between tribes or countries. But Solomon’s heart was turned toward their idols and cultures, and he turned away from God. This led to the first tea party.

In the days of Jesus Christ, the Pharisees had devised a cozy moneymaking scheme. They reasoned that the money of the world governments was all polluted and corrupt. Therefore, they would not accept it as payment for the various animal sacrifices. But the sacrifices were still mandated under religious and societal law. So, the Pharisees coined their own money. They would exchange the world currencies for the temple currency, with a healthy up-charge added on. Then, they would refer you to the sacrificial animal dealers that were already approved by the Pharisees as well. These vendors would sell you a Pharisee-approved animal at a premium price because they were already governmentally approved!

Jesus despised the hypocrisy and oppression of these practices. They obliterated freedom and allowed a small minority of the populace to oppress the people through unfair laws and immoral financial practices. Christ did not merely tell them to leave. He scattered their money on the floor, created chaos, drove out the merchants, and thundered His edict! You are not welcome here! Jesus Christ Himself created the second tea party.

Today, we have yet another tea party movement among us … And the current tea party movement may have roots yet again in the Bible … The economic crisis looming over the United States of America has been foretold centuries ago. The current problems will worsen, as the government partners with various business leaders and progressives to oppress and control our freedom. The days that we face will perhaps be more difficult than we can understand. But hope is not lost … It is up to the people to once again hear the voice of God. God cannot bless a land that is corrupt in her practices, her oppression of liberty, and her economic behavior that flaunts itself against God’s laws. It is time for “we the people” to stand up and begin to nullify the practices that have been put into place to oppress free men and women. Every man, woman and child is being called to involve themselves in the fight. As our forefathers have shown in years past, the battle may be difficult but we can have the victory … I believe the current Tea Party movement is ordained by God. As you rise up with others to reclaim our nation, you too will have your place in history. It’s our turn now. Let’s go forward for God.