WHO CARES WHAT I SAY about the two emerging candidates for president.
It doesn’t bother me that people don’t care what I say. Which is why I haven’t said anything.
Here’s what bothers me.
Some Christians don’t seem to care what Jesus had to say, either.
Donald Trump is a candidate like none other in American history – at least none that I’m aware of. I don’t mean that as a compliment, not that anyone should care.
Mr. Trump is a rarity because in temperament and practice he mimics vindictive autocrats that Christians in the previous generations refused to call out, to the detriment of tens of millions and to the deserved humiliation of the church. Think about what led up to World War II.
Shame on those Christians in the generation past. And if Christians do not speak out today, shame on us in the generation ahead.
For Christians planning to vote for Mr. Trump, I doubt there is anything I can say that would turn them from that path.
But for Christians on the fence, compare the words of two men. Then choose which man to follow.
If you think you can follow both, that’s your choice to make. I have Christian friends who will probably make that choice. They will be no less my friends for it, I hope.
The power of a word
- Jesus: “The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:37).
- Trump: “You know, it really doesn’t matter what they [the media] write as long as you’ve got a young, and beautiful, piece of ass.”
Getting even
- Jesus: “You know that you have been taught, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you” (Matthew 5:38-39).
- Trump: “When someone crosses you, my advice is ‘Get Even!’ That is not typical advice, but it is real life advice. If you do not get even, you are just a schmuck!”
A shining example
- Jesus: “You are like light for the whole world…. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).
- Trump: “My fingers are long and beautiful, as, it has been well documented, are various other parts of my body.”
Greed is great
- Jesus: “Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. Life is not measured by how much one owns” (Luke 12:15).
- Trump: “The point is, you can never be too greedy.”
Hit the other cheek
- Jesus: “Do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39).
- Trump: “If you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you? Seriously, OK? Just knock the hell – I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees. I promise. I promise.”
Picking on people
- Jesus: “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults – unless, of course, you want the same treatment” (Matthew 7:1-2).
- Trump: “If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America?”
Money is beautiful
- Jesus: “Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven….Your heart will always be where your treasure is” (Matthew 6:19-21).
- Trump: “The beauty of me is that I’m very rich.”
Golden rule, but not for Muslims
- Jesus: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 7:12).
- Trump: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.”
A great guy
- Jesus: “Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant…For I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:26-27).
- Trump: “I will be the greatest President that God has ever given America.”
Bleeding with compassion
- Jesus: “You must be compassionate, just as your father is compassionate” (Luke 6:36).
- Trump: “You could see there was blood coming out of her [Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly] eyes, blood coming out of her, wherever.”
For more about Donald Trump
Skip political ads from either party. They reprogram the brain with lies and half-truths taken out of context.
Skip most news on broadcast TV…it’s too much about ratings, which drive on the power of fear and hatred stroked by the tongues of talking heads.
Try reading news from objective news sources such as the Associated Press and Reuters. Their apps are wonderful. And their reporters don’t tell you what they think or what they think you should think.
A final note
I seldom do this kind of mixing politics and the Bible. But during this election cycle, like none other I’ve witnessed in my lifetime, Americans need reminded of who Jesus is, what he taught, and what his teachings look like when they sit there beside those of our national leaders who say they’re Christian.
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Once again, Steve, you’ve boldly stuck your neck out.
I’ll be very interested to see what kind of response you get (especially considering the threats you’ve received in the past on less political discussions).
But, meantime, please know that, regardless of of the hate mail, you really do have more supporters than opposers.
Sometimes you’ve got to say it. And I said so much less than needs to be said. But I’m trying to keep it within the realm of Bible teachings.
My local Pastor friend basically said the same thing and added that the state of Evangelical Christianity is just corrupt as our Politics. I cannot support Mr. Huey Long (Donald Trump) or Mrs. Evita Peron (Hillary Clinton) — I pray that God will give us a President that we need and not one we deserve! When you use Scripture Steve, I must listen and pray!
Thanks, Wayne.
It’s so unfortunate you share the same name with Trumps senior advisor. That’s how I came across your blog.
For a minute I thought I was in the twilight zone. Like I was the only Christian NOT voting for trump. Like why are so many “Evangelical” Christians voting for trump.
Why so many prominent ministers across the board are endorsing trump.
What’s going on? I feel really worried about church, religion & people who profess to be Christians – Christ like – voting for trump.
I notice at the same time they aren’t wearing trump support garb or flair. Do they not want to be known as trump supporters? & why?
Hi, Carolyn. Yeah, one of my best friends (a Trump trumpeter), told me about Trump’s senior adviser sharing my name. I told my friend that the guy dirties the name. Kind of a joke. Kind of not.
You are a far better Christian than me. Of course the reason I go to church and pray for forgiveness is because I’m not a very good Christian.
Go and sin no more.
I honestly believe we have lost our way in the USA. Getting back to a healthy mindset in religion, politics, business, whatever, is going to require some very painful soul-searching — and probably even more painful experiences to generate it. Our nation may, or may not, be the most powerful in the world, but we can no longer claim to be the shining city on the hill to the rest of the world.
You are an amazing man. I came across this blog because I was simply trying to go online to find other books you’ve written because I just completed the absolute BEST book ever written (as it relates to books that help with understanding The Bible). I will forever be your loyal reader! As for politics, you hit on precisely what I’ve long been saying. God bless you in all your efforts to build His kingdom.
Very kind, Kim.
As for Mr. Trump, I have some friends a little angry with me now.
In my books, I don’t take a position on controversial matters; I simply report the various sides as objectively as I can. But in a blog, I figure people can talk back to me and debate the matter a bit. Even so, I rarely do this kind of thing in blogs. Sometimes, however, you gotta speak up.
I, too, find it important to remain objective and do my level best to stay away from chiming in on controversial issues. However, I believe The Lord commands and expects us to speak up when something is so very contrary to His ways. Particularly when the world is watching. The world as in those that have yet to accept CHRIST as their personal savior. They look at us as hypocrites; crazy, judgemental people. It makes witnessing difficult if we embrace and support (or excuse) actions that we know in our hearts is contrary to what the Bible teaches. All politicians to some degree are dishonest and fall short – as we do. But when it comes to Trump, I, too, felt compelled to speak up.
You can’t say it, but I will – I question anyone that finds offense in your position or the way you expressed it. You’re not beating up on anyone. Nor are you questioning anyone’s relationship with God. You are merely pointing out the obvious: Donald Trump is all about building his brand and “his kingdom”, not His Kingdom! Let’s not fool ourselves if morals is what drives our vote.
Hey, thanks Kim. I’m at an absolute loss to understand why Christians would support the man. So far I haven’t heard a defense that tracks with anything but secular, non-Christian principles.
Kim,
You have spoken clearly and wonderfully.
Stephen,
I just read your blog and agree wholeheartedly with your approach. Just an aside: my 20 yr old son will be voting for the first time this. He is a quiet, intelligent, rather reserved young man but becomes rather animated when the Donald is mentioned: he is truly incredulous that is seriously contending for the presidency…and scared. So am I.
Hi Charley. Bible aside, some candidates are scarier than others. This is a frightening election cycle.