NOTICE:
Can Bible-believing Christians of good conscience vote for Donald Trump in November?
It’s a question at the heart of much debate and consternation as it becomes increasingly clear that the former president – a boisterous, thrice-married businessman turned politician who is the first former president to face criminal charges – is likely to be the 2024 Republican nominee.
Much fury surrounded Mr. AssetThe popularity and support of . among Christians and, in particular, among “white evangelicals,” a group often mentioned obsessively in the media. Even if true, the majority of evangelicals supported Mr. Assetthey are not his only supporters.
In fact, he has increased support among other cohorts, including black and Hispanic Americans — and even younger voters. More broadly, Mr. Asset has consistently beaten President Biden in RealClear Politics polling averages, sending a clear message that Americans simply aren’t feeling the direction the nation is heading under Mr. Biden.
But back to the larger sticking point: Can Christians really support Mr. Assetespecially in light of his often scathing rhetoric, his penchant for distorting the truth and his perpetual legal baggage?
Many progressives like to shout a resounding no, with secularists suddenly breaking from their biblical aversions to announce the teachings of Jesus, quote Scripture, and vehemently condemn Christians who plan to show Mr. Asset any semblance of support.
It is remarkable to see some of these people who generally demean Christian values act as if they have suddenly become scriptural gurus, subjecting Christians to a litmus test that these secularists simply do not understand and for which they have no real framework.
For decades, many on the American left have lectured Christians about the need to separate their faith from electoral decisions. But “keep your religion to yourself” suddenly went out of fashion when Mr. Asset came on the scene, with the faithful being told that they must essentially vote theocratically against the Republican candidate.
If we’re honest, secularists have long complained about Christian efforts to elect believers to higher office, but they turned to lament once Christians said, “You know what? Maybe we should give Asset a chance.”
Many of these individuals acted as if Mr. Asset‘s rhetoric and antics are why it resonates. While this may be true among some voters, there is a much more excruciating explanation that requires a capacity for self-reflection that many progressives avoid.
The Democratic Party’s platform and policy initiatives have become increasingly extreme on issues related to gender, abortion, the economy, and borders, among others. And even if it’s true, Mr. Asset offers plenty of reasons to pause when it comes to one’s personal and public statements and behavior, more knowledgeable voters choose candidates based on policies and the perceived impact those positions will have on their lives .
It’s no secret that Mr. Asset in 2016, he promised to nominate pro-life candidates for the Supreme Court, champion some conservative social causes, cut taxes, and protect the border. He was also openly supportive of the faith. And of course, critics will say that Mr. Asset didn’t really believe in any of this and was just pleasing Christians, but from a voter’s perspective, did Mr. AssetDoes personal dedication really matter if he keeps his promises?
Shane Idleman, founder and senior pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California, recently explained how key questions are essential to understanding why it is entirely possible for Christians to choose Mr. Asset in November.
“If Mr. Assetis going to appoint… people to leadership positions who love the Lord… I don’t know why a Christian couldn’t do it, because, remember, he’s not the head pastor; he is commander in chief,” Mr. Idleman said on the Higher Ground podcast. “When you weigh everything in the balance, I find it hard to understand why no one could support… his policies. »
In the end, despite everything Mr. AssetWith his enormous baggage – and the load is certainly heavy – he has delivered on much of what he promised, with the justices he appointed helping to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court abortion decision that no one realistically thought would ever be overturned.
The reality is that Christians have a choice between a candidate who will not post mean tweets but will actively pursue policies that go against biblical morals and ethics or a foul-mouthed, boorish man with cowardly ethics who will likely defend the values they advocate.
“You look at (LGBTQ issues), China, Russia, Iran laughing at us, the borders, the arrival of our enemies… the fentanyl crisis, men having babies, energy, the economy – leadership matters,” Mr. Idleman continued. “(Does) character matter? Absolutely. But when you start weighing in… all of these huge problems… have huge ramifications.
When you look at the situation from this perspective, the question instantly transforms from “Can a Christian vote for Mr. Asset” to “Why wouldn’t some Christians enthusiastically choose him in the election?” Beyond that, electric bills have skyrocketed, food prices are absurd, and gasoline prices remain high – all problems that have become financial difficulties for Americans under Mr. Biden.
Please understand: this does not constitute an endorsement by Mr. Asset, nor is it a statement that Christians should vote for him. It is entirely legitimate to challenge the opinion of Mr. Asset‘s statements and actions and questions about why other qualified candidates on the Republican side without such issues have not resonated. Furthermore, if Christians feel convinced not to participate in these elections, that is between them and God.
Regardless, this column serves to explain why so many people are willing to choose Mr. Asset on the Democratic alternative in November. It’s not complicated: Elections have consequences, and voters are quickly realizing that they may have to make a different choice this year if they want to see more morally thoughtful policies.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital television host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” He is the author of four books.
