The Republican Party has touted itself as the Christian party for a long time. This is so ingrained in our society, that it can be difficult for many to separate the two. If it is Christian, it must be Republican. If it is Republican, it must be Christian.
Before the election, I saw a lot of articles about how Donald Trump was the obvious “Christian choice.” I wanted to make a point that Republican or Conservative do not equal Christianity. I made a series of Facebook posts where I presented a quote from Donald Trump next to a quote from the Bible. Every day it was a different topic, and the two quotes were in opposition to each other. The point I wanted to make was that Donald Trump is not Jesus, and on many issues they do not agree. My challenge to my Christian friends was this:
Will you admit when your political party disagrees with your faith, or will you abandon your faith to defend your party?
I tried my best to keep the conversation away from Hillary, because I haven’t heard anyone say that she is the “Christian” choice. I was amazed at how many Christians on my feed were willing to defend the Republican front-runner even when it meant that they had to dismiss the words of Christ.
I am going to show you a few of the responses, but I am only going to post the Bible verse/verses they were responding to. I am removing the context of politics so it is easier to compare these remarks directly to the words of Christ. Ask yourself, are these appropriate responses to what Jesus told us to do?
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” -Jesus
Responses:
-It doesn’t say impossible. Depends on how the riches are used I suppose.
-i didn’t know heaven had tax brackets. i don’t understand what having money has to do with excepting god forgiveness.
-I know a lot of rich Christians,but I don’t think that has anything to do with them going or not going to heaven.
“Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” -Jesus
Responses:
-Luke 22:36 Jesus said to buy swords.
There is a time to kill, and Christians can kill, have killed, and will kill.
-The body of Christ doesnt need everyone Christian to be the same; ideologically.
Some are more passive and compassionate, some aggressive and harsh. The body of Christ needs both.
-Each person is justified to have a personally owned weapon for self defense according to Jesus.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” -Jesus
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” -Galations 3:28
-Dont lock your house then, or your car, or the schools. No more locks.
-Terrorists are training in South america using the poor southern border to smuggle cells in.
Isis, Taliban, hezbollah, Al Qaeda, muslim brotherhood, doesnt matter what name theyre under they want the US to fundamwntally change.
Islam will not stop until they have world domination.
-Is protection really compromising my beliefs? No
Neither is shooting a terrorist in the face.
I think we need to take a good look about how we, as Christians, approach politics. It is perfectly okay to say, “No, my candidate in not in line with Christianity on this issue, but I still think they are the best choice.” The one thing we should never do is to give up on gospel concepts because they do not align with our favorite candidate or political party. I makes me sad to think that many Christians are willing to abandon basic tenets of their faith for the belief that the Republican party has more say over what a Christian should be than the Bible does.
Doug Weaver Art 