Janice R. Andrews
During a House Oversight Committee hearing on Thursday, Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, made a mistake with the sign of the cross, which led to her being ridiculed on social media. The event took place during a heated discussion on Attorney General Merrick Garland’s contempt proceedings between Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Jasmine Crockett, D-Tx.
Seated between Greene and Crockett, Boebert made a spectacular but misplaced attempt at making the sign of the cross. This move seemed more like a theatrical show than a genuine expression of faith, despite its deep religious significance. The video soon went viral online, inspiring a lot of jeers and condemnation.
Reactions on Social Media
The absurdity of Boebert’s error was immediately highlighted by social media users, particularly in light of her public image as a devoted Christian. “It’s worth pointing out that if a Democrat messed up the sign of the cross like this, there would be a SEA of Republican dips***s spreading conspiracy theories about how she actually worships the devil or some nonsense,” tweeted user @TheBoeskool in response to criticism of the double standard. But Lauren Boebert is actually just really, really stupid.”
A another user, @WMatire, said, “Lauren Boebert had to peek to make sure the camera was on her & she still didn’t make the sign of the cross, she made the sign of the Grifter.” According to this statement, Boebert’s action was less of a sincere act of religion and more of a publicity stunt.
In a lighthearted observation, @DerekLogue2 said, “Boebert is only touching her forehead and shoulders; she is not making the sign of the cross. “That’s the Triforce from the Legend of Zelda,” she said, making fun of the well-known video game franchise to draw attention to how inappropriate her gesture was.
The Hearing’s Context
The altercation happened at a contentious meeting meant to discuss Attorney General Merrick Garland’s contempt proceedings. Rep. Jasmine Crockett made a scathing comment regarding Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s looks during the already partisanly charged session, calling her a “bad-built butch body.”
Boebert’s misplaced cross brought an unexpected bit of humor to this heated discussion, although at her expense. The motion was badly performed, raising doubts about Boebert’s acquaintance with the ritual—typically, it entails touching the forehead, chest, and both shoulders.
Public Perception and Irony
To compound the irony, President Biden made the sign of the cross after bringing up Boebert’s name in a 2023 address to CS Wind, a Pueblo, Colorado wind turbine company. Spectators were quick to draw comparisons between Biden’s precise performance of the motion and Boebert’s gaffe, which fueled the social media fever even more.
Boebert’s error, according to her detractors, calls into question her sincerity as a professedly pious Christian. A basic gesture in many Christian religions, the cross represents the Holy Trinity and the Crucifixion. Because of this, being able to execute it correctly is frequently seen as a fundamental indicator of one’s faith and familiarity with Christian customs.
Wider Consequences
This episode shows the larger problem of public leaders using religious gestures and symbols. Errors may have far-reaching effects when politicians integrate religious rituals into their public personas, raising doubts about their sincerity and dedication to the faith they claim to practice.
Furthermore, Boebert’s error highlights the severe scrutiny that prominent personalities in the social media age undergo. All actions—intentional or not—are scrutinized and criticized immediately and widely. Boebert, a well-known representative noted for her candid opinions, regards this episode as a warning against the dangers of theatrical religiosity.
Rep. Lauren Boebert’s mishandling of the cross during the House Oversight Committee hearing has sparked much laughter and debate regarding the authenticity of religious expression in public. The event emphasizes the fine line that separates sincere religious expression from staged performances intended for the cameras, as social media continues to magnify and analyze every move made by famous personalities. Boebert’s apparent indiscretion raises important questions regarding the standards that are applied to public figures who identify as religious.
