Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: How can evangelicals claim moral authority by insisting on voting for Trump?

Ask the Thoughtful Pastor: How can evangelicals claim moral authority by insisting on voting for Trump? August 10, 2016

man with automatic gun
Mr. Trump, the so-called “moral choice” for president, has encouraged “second amendment people” to take matters into their own hands should Mrs. Clinton win and appoint unacceptable Supreme Court justices.

Dear Thoughtful Pastor: I have been astonished at the Wayne Grudem support of Trump.  I am like some who believe part of hatred of Mrs. Clinton and support of Trump derives from the belief of inferiority of women and the “headship” of men which the right wing is so strong about. How can the religious right claim any moral authority when they endorse and support such a candidate?

Dr. Wayne Grudem is a Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. This prolific author of works on systematic theology may be best known for his magnum opus, a book he co-edited with John Piper called Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism.

There, Dr. Grudem set forth the biblical arguments supporting both present and eternal female submission to males. Part of the subordination of the female means they must not occupy significant leadership positions in either church or home.

I bring this up in light of your reference to the recent Grudem article, “Why Voting for Donald Trump is a Morally Good Choice.”

Cyberspace blew up over the article, full of either “are you kidding me?” scorn or “thank goodness for Grudem” praise.

Dr. Grudem described Mr. Trump as a flawed but deeply patriotic person who sincerely wants the best for this country and who has raised remarkable children.

That same description could easily be said of Mrs. Clinton, only with one child from her one long and complex marriage (and whose is not?) rather than multiple offspring from multiple marriages. But we don’t see those words used to describe her.

Another factor: Dr. Grudem’s theology describes all people as sinners by nature and practice. This means Mr. Trump is no different from any other sinner, only that he may not moved forward sufficiently in the practice of holy living. Again, that description could be applied to Mrs. Clinton–but is not.


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