JESUS OPPOSES TRUMPISM

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:

1. Rejecting Political Manipulation: Detaching from movements prioritizing power and influence over spiritual integrity.
2. Embracing Compassionate Action: Advocating for policies that reflect Christ’s teachings, such as caring for the poor, ensuring justice, and promoting peace.
3. 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