Thank you for writing this, Dave! I appreciate your thoughtful analysis, especially from a Christian perspective. I find it distressing that the media seems to lump all evangelical Christians together in a pro-Trump category, which I feel is far from the case.
I hope it is possible to truly see that the flaws and imperfections we all have and need to embrace in each other do not reach the place where Donald Trump's hatred, revenge and cruelty get exhibited against all who do not follow his way. Thus, he truly is a unique presidential candidate in our modern era. Thanks again!
Thank you, Dave. It's also bothersome that if he is re-elected, he will swear an oath -with his hand on a Bible- to uphold the US constitution. He regularly implies/states/takes actions that attempt to thwart the constitution and the rule of law. His promises mean very little and the massive support of him by Christian sisters and brothers baffles me.
Regarding the pro- life stance, I wonder how many of these same folks have or would do the hard work of "walking" with a woman through unwanted or non-viable pregnancies? Maybe legislating life issues makes it easier to keep these women and expected children (precious to God) at arms length. Instead, why not fight to legislate increased resources to support and care for these precious ones?
I certainly agree that Trump is a flawed and unsavory character. But to suggest voting for Kamala Harris is a better option because she is of higher moral standing is absurd. She just hides it better. She hates Evangelicals; voting for her would be no additional gain. And I don’t think anybody who is a Christian could vote for someone who wholeheartedly supports the outright murder of innocent human beings.
Dave, thanks for sharing this thoughtful and well written piece. I hope it’s ok … I’ve shared a link to this on my FB page. You’ve clearly stated some of my concerns and I think this will be very helpful for others to hear too.
Should we be looking for "fruits of the Spirit" in people who are not in, or of, the Spirit?
Scripture says, "for all of sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Apart from the work of Jesus Christ, who we give our lives to by grace through faith, aren't all of our righteous deeds just filthy rags? (Isaiah 64:6) Without faith it is impossible to please him (Heb 11:6). As such, shouldn't our focus, as Christians, be on sharing the truth of Scripture for the advancement of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation of our fellow humans rather than spending our time and energy supporting any politician or political idealogy?
Thanks for the question! First, since Trump does indeed consider himself a Christian, I think it's a fair to ask whether he exhibits those fruits.
And to your second question: I think that Jesus does care about eternal life certainly, but it isn't simply about eternity after we die. He also cares about the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of people in the here and now. I think this is why Jesus' inaugurated his ministry with the reading from Isaiah about real physical needs, "‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour" (Lk. 4:18-19). And this is what got Jesus killed by political ideologies.
Again, thanks for the question, and the spirit in which it was asked!
Good question! I think we should put Harris through the same character assessment. When I compare her to Paul's listings in Galatians, I see someone who is a mix of virtues and vices--an imperfect candidate. However, I find Trump to be almost wholly lacking in any of these virtues and an embodiment of many of the vices. From that perspective, I think Donald Trump is unique among perhaps any presidential candidate of the modern era.
Thank you for writing this, Dave! I appreciate your thoughtful analysis, especially from a Christian perspective. I find it distressing that the media seems to lump all evangelical Christians together in a pro-Trump category, which I feel is far from the case.
I just listened to an interview with Ezra Klein that helped to explain the difficulty with Trump — in short, it's his complete lack of inhibition. This is what makes him a very effective public personality, but it also makes him a very immature leader — and as you say, lacking in Christian virtue. Here is the link (NYTimes, unlocked): https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/22/opinion/donald-trump-ezra-klein-podcast.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UU4.5LyC.yPeFHuMtdiRd&smid=url-share
Thanks again for your thoughtfulness and courage in speaking on this important topic!
Ann, I JUST listened to this on my run 45 minutes ago! I found it so helpful.
Thanks!
Dave
Thanks Dave!
I hope it is possible to truly see that the flaws and imperfections we all have and need to embrace in each other do not reach the place where Donald Trump's hatred, revenge and cruelty get exhibited against all who do not follow his way. Thus, he truly is a unique presidential candidate in our modern era. Thanks again!
Thank you, Dave. It's also bothersome that if he is re-elected, he will swear an oath -with his hand on a Bible- to uphold the US constitution. He regularly implies/states/takes actions that attempt to thwart the constitution and the rule of law. His promises mean very little and the massive support of him by Christian sisters and brothers baffles me.
Regarding the pro- life stance, I wonder how many of these same folks have or would do the hard work of "walking" with a woman through unwanted or non-viable pregnancies? Maybe legislating life issues makes it easier to keep these women and expected children (precious to God) at arms length. Instead, why not fight to legislate increased resources to support and care for these precious ones?
Love you, Dave.
I certainly agree that Trump is a flawed and unsavory character. But to suggest voting for Kamala Harris is a better option because she is of higher moral standing is absurd. She just hides it better. She hates Evangelicals; voting for her would be no additional gain. And I don’t think anybody who is a Christian could vote for someone who wholeheartedly supports the outright murder of innocent human beings.
Dave, thanks for sharing this thoughtful and well written piece. I hope it’s ok … I’ve shared a link to this on my FB page. You’ve clearly stated some of my concerns and I think this will be very helpful for others to hear too.
For sure, Becky! Glad it was helpful. Share away.
Should we be looking for "fruits of the Spirit" in people who are not in, or of, the Spirit?
Scripture says, "for all of sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Apart from the work of Jesus Christ, who we give our lives to by grace through faith, aren't all of our righteous deeds just filthy rags? (Isaiah 64:6) Without faith it is impossible to please him (Heb 11:6). As such, shouldn't our focus, as Christians, be on sharing the truth of Scripture for the advancement of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation of our fellow humans rather than spending our time and energy supporting any politician or political idealogy?
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the question! First, since Trump does indeed consider himself a Christian, I think it's a fair to ask whether he exhibits those fruits.
And to your second question: I think that Jesus does care about eternal life certainly, but it isn't simply about eternity after we die. He also cares about the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of people in the here and now. I think this is why Jesus' inaugurated his ministry with the reading from Isaiah about real physical needs, "‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour" (Lk. 4:18-19). And this is what got Jesus killed by political ideologies.
Again, thanks for the question, and the spirit in which it was asked!
Do you have an analysis of Harris or is your research one sided?
Hi Jim,
Good question! I think we should put Harris through the same character assessment. When I compare her to Paul's listings in Galatians, I see someone who is a mix of virtues and vices--an imperfect candidate. However, I find Trump to be almost wholly lacking in any of these virtues and an embodiment of many of the vices. From that perspective, I think Donald Trump is unique among perhaps any presidential candidate of the modern era.
Thanks,
Dave