Like many of you, I watched over these last months, well-respected and notable Christian pastors, professors, ethicists, university presidents, and lobbyists endorse (sometimes reluctantly) Donald Trump for president. I grimaced and groaned as I listened to the reasoning which mostly entailed unprecedented theological acrobatics to reach such a conclusion. Many even admitted that they did not like the conclusion they reached, but the “times” demanded unusual measures so therefore, foundational Scriptural precepts were suspended for the greater cause (or hope) of “conservative values”. I don’t question these people’s motives. I do believe for most (if not all) of them they have a genuine concern about our country and the direction it is headed. However, the time has come to reevaluate this endorsement and defense of Donald Trump. It was a prophetic long-shot in the beginning to imagine such a man carrying the banner of evangelical concerns and values. It has now become a prophetic mandate to rebuke him by distancing ourselves from his candidacy. Contrary to what some will claim in the comment section below, this is not judgmental or pharisaical. This is about conviction, credibility, and consistency.
Contemporary Church Issues
Confronting Public Endorsements: A Matthew 18 Fallacy
If you have stayed connected to this blog you have seen that I have responded to articles written by high profile pastors, Christian leaders, and academicians in regards to their endorsements of Donald Trump. There has been a continual parade of well-known and influential leaders making the case for the Church to support Donald Trump because he is less of a problem than Hillary Clinton and the only viable alternative. As you are aware from my writings I find that problematic for the Church on the basis of obedience to God’s Word and the presumption of pragmatism. If you read some of the past threads and comments, the discussion can get rowdy. My problem is not so much the passion of the discussion or the rationale that is offered as a defense for Trump, but rather the instant rebuke that is often given to me for daring to respond and critique these leaders endorsements.
A Response to Dr. Jim Garlow’s Endorsement of Donald Trump
As pained as I was to critique Dr. Wayne Grudem’s endorsement of Trump, I find myself even more conflicted to address the recent Charisma online article by Dr. Jim Garlow. Dr. Garlow is the Senior Pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, California. He is the recent author of the book, “Well-Versed”, a great resource of biblical insight applied to the tough issues and topics of today. You may read his endorsement and reasons at the following link Here .
A Response to Dr. Wayne Grudem’s Endorsement of Donald Trump
One of the most respected conservative theologians has thrown his opinion in the political ring and has advocated for the election of Donald Trump. His name is Dr. Wayne Grudem, the distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. Prior to that he was a Biblical theology professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. You may read his endorsement here. http://m.townhall.com/columnists/waynegrudem/2016/07/28/why-voting-for-donald-trump-is-a-morally-good-choice-n2199564
How Shall We Disciple Donald Trump?
How Shall We Disciple Donald Trump?
I want to take just a moment and thank the 200+ Facebook friends who tagged or messaged me with the article quoting the esteemed Dr. James Dobson with regards to the recent commitment Donald Trump made to Jesus Christ. I mean that genuinely and it is heartfelt (you can stop the tagging now). Despite not personally endorsing or supporting Donald Trump, I do want the man and his family to know Jesus Christ, be prepared for heaven, and be genuinely converted in his life and thought. It does him and us no service to simply be culturally assimilated into the ranks of the “tares” of the American Church. I will also say that through the primary process of getting to “know” Donald Trump there have been at least 3 separate and recent accounts to this Christian commitment and it would be nice to hear the actual testimony and/or journey from the candidate himself. Perhaps that will soon be clarified.