How Donald Trump Won Over Evangelical Christians
The Role of the White Vote in the 2020 Election
The 2020 presidential race has been marked by several significant developments, one of which is the continued support for Donald Trump among evangelical Christians and the broader white vote. This support remains strong despite Trump's numerous controversies and sinuous actions. Notably, exit polling revealed that Latinx and Black voters turned out in higher numbers than in 2016, but the conversation around the unshaken support for Trump by white evangelical voters is often overlooked.
Trusting Political Power Over Morals and Jesus
Through his rhetoric and policies, Trump promised political power to these voters, an issue they place above moral principles and religious beliefs. His stance on abortion and his actions regarding the Supreme Court are often cited as reasons for this unwavering support. His revival of Roe v. Wade opposition, which many believed he would uphold, has fueled this loyalty among those who see him as a possible vehicle toward a more “Christian Nationalist” nation.
Assessing Trump's Alignment with Evangelical Beliefs
McDonald's analysis of the Bible and Jesus' teachings reveals that Trump's actions and statements often directly contravene longstanding Christian values.
Jesus' Take on Trump's Unchristian Behaviors
Divisive: Calling Jesus' supporters 'hellbound'; emphasizing the importance of unity rather than divisiveness. Deceptive: Promoting lies and distortions; teaching honesty and integrity. Arrogant: Using power to brag rather than serve; reminded to serve others and be humble. Aggressive: Violence and aggression are not Christian virtues; instead, forgiveness and kindness are encouraged. Polarizing: Promoting hostility and segregation; emphasizing love and inclusivity. Manipulative: Exploiting others for personal gain; encouraging fair treatment of all. Insensitive: Disregarding the needs of others; teaching empathy and compassion. Intolerant: Limited acceptance; promoting forgiveness and respect for others. Self-serving: Putting personal gain above others' well-being; stressing the importance of self-sacrifice. Rapist, Traitor, Felon, Fraud, Adulterer: Severely warn against these behaviors, encouraging moral integrity.A striking aspect of evangelicals' support for Trump is their willingness to overlook his un-Christian behavior, arguably to maintain their influence and power. Trump's hypocritical and manipulative leadership style often means compromising on moral and ethical standards.
In conclusion, the unwavering support for Donald Trump among evangelical Christians is a testament to their desires for political power over their moral and religious principles. Theonacci examination of Trump's actions shows that he consistently violates key Christian values, yet the support persists. This underscores the importance of examining both leadership and personal values in the context of political influence.