The Moral Cost of Christian Support for Donald Trump

Throughout history, Christians have often held a moral high ground, advocating for justice, equality, and ethical governance. However, the support of some Christians for former President Donald Trump has deeply divided the religious community. The question arises: has this support come at the cost of their faith and ethical principles?

Support through Policy, Not Personality

Many Christians support Trump not for his personality or his tweets, but for the policies that align with their values. They appreciate his efforts to advance religious freedom through executive actions and the appointment of conservative judges to the judiciary, which some see as protecting their rights and freedoms. However, this nuanced support also comes with significant moral considerations.

For instance, if a Christian supports Trump but does not endorse the entire administration, maintaining a focus on the policies that align with their beliefs, they can retain their moral integrity. This approach allows them to support actions that align with their ethical standards while still recognizing the imperfections of human leadership. This stance does not compromise their faith or credibility.

The Extreme View: Fuzzy Morals

However, there is a significant risk when some Christians adopt an extreme view, equating Trump to historical figures like Saint Thomas More, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Mother Teresa. This comparison not only stretches the boundaries of reality but also undercuts the richness of Christian tradition.

Tim Keller, a well-known Christian leader, cautions against such comparisons. He notes that while these figures were moral giants, their actions were deeply informed by their faith. Trump’s support is primarily based on political and material goals, not the higher moral principles that drive true Christian faith.

Two Camps of Support

The support for Trump can be categorized into two main camps. The first group supports the Republican platform, particularly on issues like abortion restrictions and LGBT rights. They see these policies as aligning with their Christian beliefs, even as they acknowledge Trump’s less-than-perfect character.

The second camp is more extreme, with supporters comparing Trump to ancient rulers like Cyrus or even King David. This kind of unquestioning loyalty strikes many as a form of political idolatry, reminiscent of the idolatrous support for political figures throughout history.

The Loss of Moral Integrity

Regardless of which camp they fall into, Christians who support Trump have lost much of their moral standing within the community. This is not just because of Trump’s personal shortcomings but also due to the broader issue of aligning faith with political power.

To maintain their moral integrity, Christians must separate their faith from political ideologies. As author and theologian G.K. Chesterton noted, “Orthodoxy is not a political party; it is an observation of things as they are.” This means that while Christians can support policies that align with their values, they must remain vigilant against reducing their beliefs to mere political tools.

Furthermore, by choosing to support Trump, many Christians have shown a willingness to abandon the Gospel in favor of short-term political gains. This is especially true given the history of Christian support for systems of oppression, such as slavery and segregation. While not all Christians sinned in these areas, the collective history of the Church has made it harder to claim moral purity today.

The Remnant and the Sheep

There is a “remnant” of Christians who remain faithful to these principles, maintaining their fidelity to the Gospel regardless of political allegiances. Even these faithful followers, however, will face challenges in maintaining their moral high ground for some time. The association with Trump and the political class will likely taint their reputation in the eyes of the general public.

Ultimately, the support of Christians for Donald Trump reflects a complex interplay of faith, politics, and ethics. While some may retain their moral integrity, others may find themselves in a position of diminished credibility. As the church navigates these waters, it is essential to remain true to the core principles of Christian faith and avoid political idolatry.

Keywords: Christian support, Donald Trump, moral high ground, religious freedom, political allegiances