Presidential hopeful, Donald Trump, spoke at Liberty University on January 18. Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. has endorsed Trump as his top choice for president. Trump’s campus visit and chapel address were controversial among Liberty alumni and the evangelical community for a variety of reasons.
Some were upset that there was such a mixing of faith and politics. Others noted that he doesn’t line up with Christians on certain moral issues (i.e. abortion). Some were not opposed to Trump’s visit but did not feel that he should have been given the platform at a Christian college chapel service (that would be my personal position).
My concern is not about Donald Trump’s political candidacy. One could make a case for Donald Trump as the most qualified candidate for the presidency. It could be argued that he is the best option to cut through the foolish extremes of political correctness and defend our Christian liberties. And his business experience could aid the economy.
More concerning to me is what Donald Trump communicates about the nature of Christianity. The fact that he is in any way presented as a Christian candidate makes a mockery of the Christian faith. He has been married three times and has continued to be quite open about his ungodly views of marriage and sexuality. By his own admission, he attends a liberal church on holidays. When asked specifically, he acknowledged that he has never sought forgiveness of his sins.
As elections loom, vote your conscience. I don’t see any perfect candidates on the ballot. Our next president will be flawed – just like all of our previous presidents. But let’s not get confused on what genuine faith in Jesus Christ looks like.
Pastor Jeff
Photo credit: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Donald_Trump_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg
I am disappointed that you do not unequivocally disavow Trump for his racism, bigotry, sexism, and hatred–all of which are contrary to Christian faith & values. There is no RATIONAL argument for this man being a candidate for President–at least, not of THIS country. That someone in a position of influence like Franklin Graham introduces this man as a Christian–well–he made himself look gullible and Christians along with him. I pray for Trump because the Lord tells us to pray for our enemies, not that he will become President (God forbid!), but that he be saved. I have been praying that pastors would have God’s wisdom as they speak in the political realm. I’m inclined to feel my prayers are going unanswered. I don’t expect you to endorse a progressive candidate–though I do–but God is not a Republican, and if Trump is the candidate, you have NO reason left to vote for the Rs. I pray for Ted Cruz as an enemy, as well, because I see nothing Christian in him except words. He’s just as unsavory as Trump. May I suggest that you and your congregation consider a different source for your news and opinion than Fox and Ru$h Limbuck$. I came to this site looking for a Good Friday service, but it doesn’t look like you have what I’m looking for. Please have a thoughtful day.
Diana Wallis
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I am not blind to Trump’s racism, bigotry and sexism. As a matter of fact, I drew attention to these things in my original post. My point is that there is something more at stake than who becomes the president of the United States. Trump (and anyone who would endorse him as a Christian candidate) communicates a very dangerous message about the nature of Christianity. A Christian is not simply someone who attends church periodically and holds conservative viewpoints on immigration and foreign policy. A Christian is a person who has acknowledged their sin and turned to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. In the midst of all the cultural confusion, the church must clearly articulate the gospel and how people can come to peace with God through Jesus Christ.