Evangelicals: Return to Biblical Values, Reject Political Idolatry
In a time when faith communities face profound challenges,
evangelicals can return to the Bible's foundational teachings and rediscover
the transformative power of Christ's message. This call to action is
particularly urgent as evangelical leaders and congregants navigate the
seduction of political influence, the allure of power, and the perils of
Trumpism, fascism, oligarchy, and theocracy.
Rediscovering Biblical Teachings
The teachings of Jesus Christ were revolutionary, not
because they sought worldly power, but because they challenged the entrenched
systems of greed, oppression, and inequality. Jesus emphasized compassion,
humility, and justice: caring for the poor, healing the sick, and uplifting the
downtrodden. His message was not of nationalism or political dominion but of
spiritual renewal and selfless love.
Matthew 6:24 resonates powerfully today: “No one can serve
two masters... You cannot serve both God and Money.” Evangelicals must reflect
on whether their allegiance has shifted away from God toward political idols
that demand conformity, fear, and exclusion rather than the love, mercy, and
justice Christ exemplified.
Rejecting Trumpism and Political Idolatry
Donald Trump's brand of politics, rooted in division,
intolerance, and self-aggrandizement, is antithetical to the teachings of
Christ. The blind support of such figures not only distorts the evangelical
mission but also undermines the credibility of faith itself. Fascism,
oligarchy, and theocracy are incompatible with the principles of humility,
servant leadership, and equality found in the Bible.
When political power becomes the goal, the message of Jesus
is diluted. The early Christian movement thrived precisely because it rejected
the corrupting influence of empire and wealth, advocating instead for a Kingdom,
not of this world. Today, evangelicals are called to remember this lesson and
disentangle their faith from the destructive allure of political supremacy.
Living as Jesus Would
Central to the Christian faith is the command to love one
another as Jesus loved us (John 13:34). This love is unconditional,
sacrificial, and inclusive. Evangelicals must treat all people with dignity and
respect regardless of race, creed, or political affiliation. Such behavior starkly
contrasts the divisive rhetoric and policies that alienate and marginalize.
The Bible consistently calls for justice, care for the
vulnerable, and humility before God. Political movements prioritizing power
over people and wealth over welfare are fundamentally at odds with these
teachings. Evangelicals must reject any ideology that places greed and power
above the gospel’s core tenets.
A Path Forward
Evangelicals can lead by example, fostering a renewed
commitment to biblical principles over political expediency. This means:
- Rejecting
Political Manipulation: Detaching from movements prioritizing power
and influence over spiritual integrity.
- Embracing
Compassionate Action: Advocating for policies that reflect Christ’s
teachings, such as caring for the poor, ensuring justice, and promoting
peace.
- Promoting
Unity and Understanding: Building bridges between communities rather
than sowing division.
By rejecting Trumpism, fascism, and theocracy and returning
to the compassionate, justice-oriented message of the Bible, evangelicals can
reclaim their role as moral and spiritual leaders. This is a moment to reflect
on what it truly means to follow Christ, not as a figure of worldly power but
as the ultimate example of love and humility.
The choice is clear: Will evangelicals continue down the
path of political idolatry, or will they return to the teachings of Jesus and
lead a movement of spiritual and moral renewal? The time to decide is now.
William James Spriggs
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