A Plea to Conservative Christians: Dump Trump, Vote for McMullin

I have been radio silent here for some time. This is a terrible time in our nation’s history, and I don’t think a blog can solve it. In fact, blogs have too often been part of the problem, with their huffy headlines and hot takes. In addition, I am working many more hours than when I started, and I don’t have the time to keep up with comments that I used to have, though I deeply value the people I’ve met here. I am trying to figure out how blogging can continue to work in my life and what role it has. But, anyway …

So, how am I these days? I am sick at heart. Beyond sick at heart.

This election is personal for me. I grew up as part of the Moral Majority. We were really strong on morals. We were so sure of our moral indignation in the Clinton years. Oh, they were the worst. Bill acted terrible and Hillary supported him. The Monica Lewinsky situation degraded the Presidency and brought oral sex into the vocabulary (and maybe behavior) of school children. It set a national standard that this behavior was ok. I remember feeling dread when Bill Clinton was reelected. As far as I was concerned, he was a bad man who abused his power and set a terrible example for our nation. I still think his moral example was horrendous, and as I have learned about his rape of Juanita Broaddrick, I have been further sickened. I am also sickened by Hillary’s attempt to cover that up and intimidate Broaddrick. I don’t care if it was a different time. It’s unacceptable. Period.

Understandably, people who lived through this era and the moral repugnance of those days have a vested interest in not seeing a Clinton in the White House again. Bill and Hillary may have some strengths (he balanced the budget and she is very smart and hardworking), but it is hard to forgive them for how low they dragged our nation. That I understand.

But what I do not understand, not for a minute, is the way so many members of the GOP have become drunk on the Trump Kool-Aid to the extent that they do not understand they are fighting back against the moral failures of the Clinton years with literally the same exact thing.

Do not try to tell me that with Trump it’s just words, whereas with Clinton it was actions.

Trump’s first wife alleged he raped her. Now, she later pulled that statement back, but before that fact allows you to dismiss her first statement, consider the considerable power and leverage this wealthy man had over her. Consider also that her statement that Trump had raped her was given in a sworn deposition, whereas her retraction was not under oath.

Trump nonconsenually kissed Miss Universe contestants on the mouth.

Trump is accused of having nonconsensually groped Jill Harth precisely as described in his so-called “locker-room talk” caught on tape with Billy Bush. It’s worth noting that Harth is mentioned in the New York Times article about Trump’s treatment of women in May of this year. Nick Kristof, one of the most respected and fair journalists of our time, merely resurrected the story this past week and reinterviewed Harth.

[Added after initial blog posting] Trump is accused in a lawsuit of having sexually assaulted a teenage girl multiple times. He has admitted his friendship with known pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who Trump describes like this: “He likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” There is a witness who has gone on record supporting the story of the then-teenager in the lawsuit, as well.

These are all actions, not just words. I believe words are important too. Jesus tells us,

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.–Luke 6:45 NIV

But in the event that a person wants to argue that actions are more important than words, folks, Trump fails on that count as well.

I began by saying this election is personal for me. I do reject the moral failings of the Clintons. I lived through that era, and I remember it well. But I refuse, I absolutely refuse, to fight that kind of moral failing with the same exact thing. I refuse to engage in justification of sexual assault. I refuse to say “boys will be boys.” I lived through the era when Republicans criticized Democrats for saying those same kinds of things. Let’s have some consistency. A large portion of Christians have lost all moral credibility this election cycle. I want to say this and say it clearly to my Christian friends: If you think any person who is not a Christian is going to take your guidance on morality seriously or be swayed by your arguments if you back Trump and justify his actions, you are sadly mistaken. You are trying to gain the whole world (and failing) and losing your soul in the process. Stop focusing on winning or beating the Clintons or striking back at the changing values of America. Start living and modeling the values you hold dear. Stop selling your soul. You may not recover your political power, and you may have to accept that. But if you repent, you may still be able to have a spiritual influence. Say no to this idolatry. Say no! Enough, enough, enough!

Christians believe our mission on this earth is to share the Gospel. It’s not our only mission, but it’s certainly the one Jesus left to us when he ascended into heaven and therefore one of our chief priorities. This idolatry is pushing young people from the Church. It is making it so that the Gospel will be a laugh.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.–Matthew 6:24

Where to turn? I have chosen not to support either Clinton or Trump. But there is a leader who has a strong moral voice, a commitment to conservatism and a culture of life, strong foreign policy understanding, and compassion that combats hatred. I am speaking of independent Presidential candidate (and former Republican) Evan McMullin. I suspect there are areas where we may not see eye to eye, but that is true of any candidate. What has impressed me most about him is his compassion and willingness to speak against racism and prejudice. He has been willing to back criminal justice and policing reforms that address the complex situation surrounding race in America today. He’s been willing to articulate an understanding of religious liberty that moves beyond liberty for one numerous group but extends to all. He’s been willing to see refugees as human beings who are suffering and in need of help. He’s been willing to fight back against ethnic slurs and to stand up for the oppressed, whoever they may be. He has also appointed a female running mate, Mindy Finn. He has a hopeful vision for America. I encourage you to look into his campaign in the waning days of this Presidential election. Choose a candidate that you can proudly support, instead of one that makes you cringe. Stand up for character and righteousness. Show that the Gospel is not a sham. I am begging you.

This election is personal for me. Something is dying inside me as I see so many people turn to darkness instead of light. Please don’t be one of them.

Note: Here is the list of where you can vote for McMullin and how.