In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump spoke about how evangelicals were supporting his run for the presidency. He added sheepishly, “I may not deserve it.”

I shouted, “Amen!!” I agree, except I would state it more forcefully. Donald Trump does not deserve the support of an Evangelical Christian.

Note: The opinions expressed on this website are mine, informed by Scripture, reflection, discussion and prayer.
They may not be the views held by my church, which welcomes all, no matter how they vote, and takes no position on candidates or election issues.

What confounds me is why so many Evangelical Christians are supporting Trump for President, when he has done nothing in words or actions to demonstrate that he is deserving of support from followers of Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it for myself. I have friends – in my church – and family members who are considering voting for Trump. They’re not illiterate. They read the Bible, pray and go to church. They’ve read and heard what Trump has said and done and they’re voting Trump.

So, I am trying my best to listen. I’m trying to put myself in the shoes of a Christian Trump supporter. In this post, I want to carefully consider the reasons I hear most often for Evangelical Christians supporting Donald Trump for President.

“We’re electing a president, not a pastor.”

Many pastors have said they would not consider allowing Donald Trump to teach a Sunday School class in their church, but they are supporting him as President.

It’s a good point. I can think of a lot of people who are great Sunday School teachers and pastors but would be lousy presidents. And I can think of a lot of politicians who do great work in their field, who should not be Sunday School teachers. Jimmy Carter has done both, but most shouldn’t try.

Still, the question remains, “what are the minimal character qualities of an effective leader in government?”

Character is important, maybe more important than positions, policies and plans. Christians should not demand that the president share our faith, but it is reasonable to expect that our president should honor and exhibit such universal values as wisdom, decency, honesty, consistency and compassion.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

(Re: King Lemuel in Proverbs 31:8-9)

“God can use anyone. God once used Balaam’s ass.”

“We’re not electing the pope…God can use anybody. He used a harlot,” said Trump supporter Vicki Sciolaro on CNN recently. Another Trump supporter made a similar argument and gave as an example, God speaking to Balaam (in Numbers 22 – it’s a great story) through the mouth of his ass (“donkey” in newer translations). This may not be a flattering comparison Trump would make, but let’s evaluate the argument anyway.

Certainly God can use anyone to accomplish God’s purposes. But, God usually does not violate our free will in doing so. God doesn’t compel or trick us to act against our will. The “harlot” in question is probably Rahab, who helped the Hebrew spies in Jericho. Rahab acted according to her beliefs and obeyed God by choice. “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” (Hebrews 11:31).

We can assume Balaam’s ass willingly submitted to being used by God. I would suggest that Donald Trump has not showed such surrender to God’s guidance. He has said he hasn’t asked God’s forgiveness.

Unfortunately, Trump does not have the wisdom of Balaam’s ass.

More to Come

“Who better to fix our government than one who has taken advantage of the government with campaign donations and tax loopholes?”

“The Presidency is 4, maybe 8 Years; The Supreme Court is Forever.”

“If we don’t elect Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton will be president”

Note: The opinions expressed on this website are mine, informed by Scripture, reflection, discussion and prayer.
They may not be the views held by my church, which welcomes all, no matter how they vote, and takes no position on candidates or election issues.