Last week (see Part 1 here) we looked at problems with President Trump’s comments about the Charlottesville demonstrations. We explained why his comments about the racists were disappointing. This week we look at responding to President Trump and what we say to others.
In spite of Trump’s character issues, some Christians supported his nomination, though most Christians supported other candidates. (In the general election Christians didn’t have much choice – Trump’s opponent was not concerned about declining religious freedom so what could Christians do?). But why would a Christian who cared about the virtue of America vote to nominate someone who lacked virtue? How could someone without character bring character back to America?
His lack of character includes owning casinos, starting a strip club, his multiple marriages, justifying looking into a room of beauty contestants who were dressing, sexualization of women, habitual disrespectful comments, habitual glory-seeking, boastfulness, habitual distortion of the truth, and materialism. (See December 21, 2016 on the Musings page.)
Some Christian leaders still express overall support of President Trump. But in view of Trump’s very unchristian lifestyle is it okay for Christian leaders, including those in the prophetic movement, to support Trump as a champion for change and not point out his vices that are in need of reform? Many of these leaders believe that he will do God’s will even though he lacks character (see our comments for December 21, 2016 on the Musings page) and some have said God will convert him so we should support him. Obviously, one can support a specific policy or action of President Trump, such as his Supreme Court appointment, but how can it be okay to voice overall support of the President when he has said and done so many unchristian things?
Maybe the President will make some changes to help the people and maybe he won’t. But either way, giving general support to President Trump without stating our objections only gives unbelievers and some believers a [good] excuse to be disenchanted with Christianity. If we say to someone that we support Trump are we not misleading them into thinking that we support his lifestyle? Are we not responsible to be accurate with our words?
I don’t say this lightly. As a Christian who went through law school I have spent much time reflecting on politics from a Christian point of view. I believe that Christians cannot afford to be silent about Presidential faults of this magnitude just so they can gain political favor. Our democracy depends on good people becoming informed and expressing their views by voting and in other ways, so we need to speak well and be honest. Sometimes immoral actions require us to be clear where we stand and I think this is one example of that.
Spiritual growth includes growing in wisdom in our relationship with our society and government. In fact, this gives us an opportunity for others to see how God’s goodness applies to society. We have an opportunity to talk with our friends about our stance toward racism and the President. If we are a minister we have the opportunity to bring the topic up with the people we minister to so that they clearly understand that Christianity precludes any kind of racism. Moreover, we can teach about attitudes toward our President so that they can be bright lights in their world. In these ways we can turn political sorrow into spiritual gladness.
