Are There Two Trumps or What? Further Thoughts about Trump’s Christian Status

Are There Two Trumps or What? Further Thoughts about Trump’s Christian Status

Recently I suggested that, in my own opinion as a Christian theologian, Trump cannot be a Christian if it is true, as he is quoted by reliable sources as saying, that he has never needed to repent and has never repented.

One reader and frequent commenter responded with a citation of another quote from Trump where he allegedly said, in effect, that he has repented. I have not been able to verify that independently using internet search engines.

So, are there two Trumps? That wouldn’t be surprising if by “two Trumps” we mean that, like most politicians, he sometimes talks out of both sides of his mouth—depending on the context.

I choose to believe his 2015 and 2016 statements in interviews that he has not needed to repent and “doesn’t bring God into it” when he makes a mistake and needs to do better. (You can “Google” for those interviews and quotations. I’m not going to provide links or specific references or quotes here because a simply internet search reveals what I am talking about. Decide for yourselves.) So far as I know, he has not publicly expressed repentance in any convincing way before, during or since the 2016 election. I will keep my “eyes and ears” (and mind) open for that. Anyone can become a Christian, but repentance is necessary.

*Sidebar: The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.*

When I say that, in my opinion, someone is not a Christian I am not saying anything about their salvation or even about my opinion about their salvation; I leave the “salvation status” of everyone up to God alone. However, given the extreme pluralism of people and groups claiming the status of “Christian” it becomes necessary sometimes to form an opinion about the truth of those claims and even express it.

As a footnote: If you disagree with me, express it in a respectful and calm manner. I will not post comments, responses, that are uncivil, insulting, accusatory or slanderous. I also will not post comments here that are merely argumentative, homiletical, quotations, or expressions of completely alien (to Christianity) worldviews that are not genuinely seeking information and insight or wanting to engage in constructive dialogue. Read my “Note to commenters” below….

*Note to commenters: This blog is not a discussion board; please respond with a question or comment only to me. If you do not share my evangelical Christian perspective (very broadly defined), feel free to ask a question for clarification, but know that this is not a space for debating incommensurate perspectives/worldviews. In any case, know that there is no guarantee that your question or comment will be posted by the moderator or answered by the writer. If you hope for your question or comment to appear here and be answered or responded to, make sure it is civil, respectful, and “on topic.” Do not comment if you have not read the entire post and do not misrepresent what it says. Keep any comment (including questions) to minimal length; do not post essays, sermons or testimonies here. Do not post links to internet sites here. This is a space for expressions of the blogger’s (or guest writers’) opinions and constructive dialogue among evangelical Christians (very broadly defined).