The liberal children of evangelical preacher Rev. Rick Joyner have spoken out against their famous father’s far-right rhetoric, saying it could cause violence.
Joyner, 71, who founded MorningStar Ministries and has written a slew of bestselling books, believes that ‘liberals are in league with Satan and Democrats are plotting to criminalize Christianity.’
But while Joyner may be a staunch conservative, all five of his adult children identify as left-wing and have pursued careers as artists and activists.
The insubordinate offspring – AnnaJane, Aaryn, Amber Grace, Ben, and Sam – spoke with The New York Times on Saturday, slamming their father’s fundamentalism while simultaneously describing the relationship with their dad as ‘complicated’.
The liberal children of evangelical preacher Rev. Rick Joyner have spoken out against their famous father, saying that his far-right rhetoric could cause violence
‘He talks about Democrats being evil, forgetting that all five of his kids vote Democratic,’ daughter Anna-Jane, 36, told the publication.
Anna Jane – who is a podcast host and a climate change activist – is particularly perturbed by her father’s recent assertion that Joe Biden is a ‘Marxist who stole the election’.
She worries that her dad’s extreme views may spark civil unrest.
‘I think it’s completely possible that some of my dad’s followers could pick up guns and cause violence because they think they’re defending the country’.
But despite her concerns, Anna -Jane admitted that her dad is still the first person she calls in a crisis.
‘He’s the one I turn to in the middle of the night when… I’m really scared,’ she conceded.
‘I think it’s completely possible that some of my dad’s followers could pick up guns and cause violence because they think they’re defending the country’: Climate activist Anna Jane Joyner, 36, spoke out against her father, but admitted she still calls him in a crisis
Son Sam Joyner, who is a 26-year-old ceramic artist, told The Times: ‘He’s causing harm in my view, and he’s being incredibly irresponsible.’
Ben Joyner, 28,stated: ‘I think what he does is morally wrong, but I love him. I don’t want to hurt him, but when he’s spreading dangerous ideas, it gets complicated.’
Her four siblings are similarly conflicted – denouncing their dad while also admitting that they still love and care for him.
Son Sam Joyner, a 26-year-old ceramic artist, told The Times: ‘He’s causing harm in my view, and he’s being incredibly irresponsible.’
His brother Ben Joyner, a 28-year-old filmmaker, concurred, stating: ‘I think what he does is morally wrong, but I love him. I don’t want to hurt him, but when he’s spreading dangerous ideas, it gets complicated.’
Meanwhile, musician Amber Grace Joyner, 30, said she feels ‘a responsibility to hold those you love accountable’.
Aaryn Joyner, 34, a farmer and florist, also admitted that she is ‘disappointed by what her father says’.
Musician Amber Grace Joyner, 30, said she feels ‘a responsibility to hold those you love accountable’.
Meanwhile, Rev. Joyner also has conflicted feelings about his kids.
‘One of my goals as a parent was to raise strong, independent children, but I think I overshot the runway,’ he stated.
Still, he is in close contact with all five of his offspring.
He has been pictured accompanying Anna Jane to a film screening, and even promoted a film made by son Ben about a gay man in the south.
But Rev. Joyner believes a civil war is still on the horizon, and is hopeful that his children find a way out of left-wing activism.
‘I hope my kids don’t get involved in the violence, but it’s coming,’ he stated.
Despite her concerns, Anna -Jane admitted that her dad is still the first person she calls in a crisis. The pair are pictured together at an event in 2014
‘I think it’s completely possible that some of my dad’s followers could pick up guns and cause violence because they think they’re defending the country,’ she said.
