I identified as an evangelical before the presidency of Donald Trump. Now, I hold on to my Christian faith, but dropped the evangelical label; I am ashamed. American evangelicals defy biblical principles to support Trump’s vile, boorish and crude conduct. He gave them pro-life laws and moderate judges, both vital to his cause. That is why they say that the end justifies the means. However, that reason is not biblical. It is sophistry. This is what Jesus teaches:
Therefore, whoever transgresses one of these very small commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be called very small in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever keeps them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. . Matthew 5:19 (NIV)
Trump’s actions are anti-Christian
I believe in a free market, small government, few but helpful rules for business, and a strong private sector. The government should not tax companies or provide them with welfare. They should let business, the only generator of wealth in society, create productive jobs. I am against abortion, for legal scholars like Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, and for secure borders. But unlike evangelicals, I cannot deny basic Christian values and defend Trump’s routine vulgar behavior. That is not Christian. We can forgive some of Trump’s misdeeds, but not his usual vicious attacks on those who challenge him.
Why do evangelicals choose the timid path and not condemn Trump’s behavior? A vital hallmark of following Jesus is loving people as we love ourselves: the golden rule. As Christians, we do not criticize a person. Instead, we pray for him or her, but condemn his or her behavior. Donald Trump’s behavior shows that he is a narcissist who lies, including to the special counsel, harasses and demeans people, and brags about groping women. These offensive traits are anti-Christian, but evangelicals back it up. The message from evangelicals is clear: To win anti-abortion laws and moderate judges, we will ignore Trump’s unbiblical offenses.
Evangelicals compromise Christian values to support Trump
Evangelicals tout Trump as the most pro-life president who is remaking America with his election of moderate justices. So, they should back it up. This is why they ignore behavior that defies almost everything Jesus taught. It is a sad day when Christians who should model moral ideals in society fall into the depths of Trump. I think abortion is wrong, but I know from scripture that tolerating Trump’s rude and abusive style is unbiblical and shows the opposite of Jesus’ messages. Like my mom said, two wrongs never make a right! If Trump attended my college, he would kick him out of my class because of his bullying behavior and tactics.
Where do young people turn for moral and ethical leaders? Trump demoted the Office of the President. The politicians’ approach is myopic. They focus on their pet projects and serve their donors and sponsors, not the people. Evangelicals gave up their moral clout to support Trump with his fluent views on abortion and his loose moral character. They lost their moral fiber. The Republicans claimed they had the moral high ground; but, like the evangelicals, they are silent. They fear Trump’s venom if he doesn’t like his reactions to his personal attacks on others. Democrats are quick to bet positions further to the left than the next.
Is it any wonder that the youth clamor for socialism even though polls show they do not understand what it means? They hope it will be better than the current mess. But they don’t realize that politicians would gain significant influence over the economy, and history shows that would be disastrous.
Jesus teaches love, not hate and division
Trump’s rhetoric divides Americans and damages race relations. The division is deep and the hatred is on the rise. The next president will have a tough job but with different priorities. He or she must offer a hopeful vision, a story, and restore dignity and moral leadership to the Office. The United States and the world are waiting for that person to unite, not divide, encourage, not degrade, and lead the country out of the Trump quagmire. The leader must be free from corporate ties, commit to the country, not the party, and distance himself from evangelicals.
Politicians from both parties have failed people who want action to address their concerns. Neither side has answers to the current problems; neither do they focus on the country’s ills, but on his re-election. They don’t ask essential questions to find solutions; they do not focus on people’s problems, but on politics. Both parties must reevaluate their basic values and stop playing politics and serving the people.
10 For whoever keeps the whole law, but fails in one point, is guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” he also said, “Do not kill.” If you do not commit adultery, but kill, you have become a lawbreaker. James 2:10-11 (NIV)
