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Revealed Emails Show Starr Debated Faith With Epstein
Clear Facts
- Ken Starr discussed Christianity with Jeffrey Epstein through emails in late 2018.
- Epstein criticized a Christian prayer for repentance, calling it “forced speech.”
- Starr emphasized that accepting Christ should be voluntary rather than compelled.
Emails released by the Department of Justice document a conversation in November 2018 where Ken Starr attempted to share Christian beliefs with Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein objected to a prayer for repentance, referring to it as
“forced speech”
during their exchange.
“Great seeing you”
Epstein told Starr.
“Having to accept christ seems to me in your words ‘forced speech’ … forcing acknowledgment of a belief”
Epstein said.
Starr, known for his leadership at Baylor University and negotiating a prior plea deal for Epstein, replied.
“Great point!”
“At a basic level, the acceptance of Christ must be voluntary.”
“It’s an invitation.”
“No forced acknowledgments, conversions etc., as in the bad old days.”
“Rather, the invitation is extended, warmly and lovingly.”
Epstein quoted Romans:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
He continued.
“Father in Heaven, I believe that Jesus died for my sins.”
“And God will impart eternal life to your spirit…”
“Sounds like forced speech to me.”
“Again, fair point”
Starr wrote.
“But as Billy Graham was wont to say, I don’t pretend to know the mind of God. So the great preacher for one would not agree with the proposition of unhappy consequences automatically flowing to those who did not believe.”
Epstein replied.
“As usual, very clever, he was great.”
“However the double negative of not bad to those that dont.. is not the same as only good to those that do.”
The emails reveal Epstein’s thoughts on faith, including a suggestion that Steve Bannon learn from Starr when they met in New York.
Epstein previously mocked Bill Gates in a 2013 exchange for “the ludicrous statement that every life is equal,” criticizing it as “Catholicism at its worst.”
Starr responded.
“I know this is a pesky theological issue, one that I struggle with.”
“Let’s talk it over with Steve.”
“Church in New York it is.”
Ties between Bannon and Epstein became public months ago, but Bannon has not been connected to any criminal activity and has called for further investigation of the Department of Justice’s Epstein files.
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