Lawmaker says he distributed “Biblical Basis for War” paper

Associated Press

SPOKANE — A Washington state lawmaker has acknowledged that he distributed a manifesto titled “Biblical Basis for War,” which describes the Christian God as a “warrior,” details the strategies of a “Holy Army” and condemns abortion and same-sex marriage.

The Spokesman-Review reported that Republican Rep. Matt Shea, of Spokane Valley, said Wednesday that it was a summary of sermons on biblical war in the Old Testament as part of a larger discussion on the history of warfare.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich says he gave a copy of the document to the FBI, describing it as how those wanting to create a white homeland intend to seize control should there be a governmental collapse or civil war.

Shea on Facebook dismissed criticism as “smears and slander.”

He’s facing Democratic challenger Ted Cummings in next week’s election.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com