Embracing Trumpism within the evangelical community has led to a crisis that is undermining the core message of Christianity – love and inclusion. Evangelicals who aligned themselves with Donald Trump not only embraced his policies but also his values, which promote strength and a hatred of others, particularly the weak and unique.
Jesus, on the other hand, preached a message of love and spent his time with society’s outcasts – the poor, the mentally ill, and the marginalized. His teachings centered around embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, when pastors within the evangelical community quoted Jesus’s words, they were met with skepticism from congregants who viewed these teachings as liberal talking points.
Russell Moore, a former official in the Southern Baptist Convention, experienced this firsthand when he criticized Trump. He was ostracized from the group, while other pastors sought power by aligning themselves closely with Trump. Moore believes that this crisis within evangelical Christianity is self-inflicted due to the embrace of Trump and Trumpism.
Jesus taught during a time when violence was prevalent, with Roman control over Palestine characterized by brutality. Yet, Jesus’s response was not to promote strength or hatred but to advocate for love and compassion. He warned against the dangers of wealth and encouraged the rich to give to the poor. He called out those who practiced religion for show rather than genuine belief.
If Jesus were present today, he would likely be found among the migrants, advocating for their rights and engaging with them on a personal level. His teachings and actions emphasize social justice and caring for the less fortunate.
The crisis in evangelical Christianity is evident in the disconnect between the teachings of Jesus and the embrace of Trumpism. When pastors quote Jesus, congregants often dismiss these words as weak and outdated in the face of Trump’s message of strength. This mindset reflects a cult-like devotion to Trump, where faith is placed in him regardless of evidence to the contrary.
It is important to recognize that not all Christians align with Trumpism and that many Christians embrace the social justice values found in Jesus’s teachings. The crisis within evangelical Christianity highlights the need to reclaim the core message of love and inclusion, and to reject the divisive and hateful rhetoric that has become associated with Trumpism.
In order to address this crisis, it is essential for pastors and leaders within the evangelical community to continue promoting the true message of Christianity – one that is rooted in love, compassion, and inclusion. By focusing on the teachings of Jesus rather than aligning themselves with political figures, evangelicals can regain their moral authority and work towards a more just and compassionate society.
This article is based on original reporting by Scott Detrow, Gabriel J. Sánchez, and Sarah Handel of NPR.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinion of the author alone.
Jason Miciak is an associate editor and opinion writer for Occupy Democrats. He is a Canadian-American who grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is a trained attorney.
