Susan Wright on the Right
I’ve made it no secret that I’m deeply disappointed in the American Christian church body, these days.
I’m sickened by those who twist the Word of God to promote their liberal worldview, rather than reflect the truth of God.
There is no salvation in their efforts, because they operate under a corrupted, false theology.
I’m equally sickened by a large portion of the evangelical community that have put a profane, unrepentant man – Donald Trump – on a holy pedestal and in spite of his continued abusiveness and cruelty, call him “God’s man.”
They are in error, and what they do weakens their witness to a dying world.
This is where I get the usual suspects from both camps tossing the term “self-righteous” my way.
Trust me. This is not self-righteousness. That would require that I not be aware that I mess up, every single day. I struggle with my own flesh. I stumble over my anger.
I address those issues with the Holy Spirit daily.
Lord, I’m sorry. Just help me do better today than I did yesterday. Keep making me into who I’m supposed to be.
I don’t make excuses, but I have the surety of my salvation, and a Father God Who knows my heart. You can believe I’m working on that plank in my eye.
Unfortunately, fear of being called out has hobbled the efforts of many Christians to do their duty of holding the church body accountable for their actions.
That being said, I would direct you back to the piece I wrote yesterday, addressing the absolutely stunning lack of Biblical knowledge or grace so openly on display from an assumed “evangelical leader,” Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Falwell was highlighted in an interview with The Washington Post. He embarrassed us all.
It’s a shame that Falwell is who those who don’t know any better will look at as the example of what the evangelical belief system is.
He’s more a deacon in the House of MAGA, than the House of God.
He’s a High Sparrow in the Temple of Trump.
Where are the other church leaders to call this man out?
Well, I’m happy to say that at least one Southern Baptist pastor has stepped up, and he has called out Falwell’s disturbing views on faith, the world, and Trump.
He’s called him out, given historical examples of reasons for concern, and rightly condemned Jerry Falwell, Jr for what he has promoted.
Alan Cross, a Southern Baptist minister from Montgomery, Alabama, was just as stunned by Falwell’s words as I was.
“This interview. Wow. Most Evangelical ‘leaders’ won’t say a word about this. But, Falwell’s clearly articulated ‘Two Kingdoms’ theology needs heavy critique. It’s the SAME approach German Lutherans took as Hitler rose to power,” Cross tweeted, alongside a link to the article titled “Jerry Falwell Jr. can’t imagine Trump ‘doing anything that’s not good for the country.’”
Now, before you go citing Godwin’s law, Cross is not calling anyone a Nazi. He is, however, making a point.
“If you want to know how the German Lutheran church comprising 80-90% of all Germans collapsed into subversion to tyranny, Falwell lays it out the blueprint perfectly,” Cross continued. “Hitler advocated for “positive Christianity” rather than a prophetic Christianity. Support the state as it advances its own interests and the state will leave you alone. Except, the state demands loyalty. Falwell’s position is disaster for the church in a democratic republic.”
The pastor concluded: “None of this is to say that Trump is Hitler or Falwell is promoting Nazi ideology. Not at all. Rather, this is about how history teaches us about the way subversion happens. Falwell lays the groundwork for church capitulation to the state. He should be vigorously critiqued.”
He’s not wrong.
https://twitter.com/AlanLCross/status/1080159097331372032
In particular, he points to Falwell’s ridiculous assertion that to reject Trump is “immoral.”
In suggesting all Christians should support Trump, Falwell further fell into his error:
“It may be immoral for them not to support him because he’s got African American employment to record highs, Hispanic employment to record highs,” the lawyer and university administrator said. “They need to look at what the president did for the poor.”
That’s not how morality works.
https://twitter.com/AlanLCross/status/1080159757011427329
In fact, according to Falwell, there is absolutely nothing Trump could do to lose his support.
“When Jesus said we’re all sinners, he really meant all of us, everybody. I don’t think you can choose a president based on their personal behavior because even if you choose the one that you think is the most decent,” he said. “You choose a president based on what their policies are. That’s why I don’t think it’s hypocritical.”
No, ideally, you do both. Policies should be what draws you to a politician, certainly, but character matters.
If a person has a long and very public history of being the worst type of person, that matters. If his life has been highlighted by multiple adulterous affairs, bankruptcies, scandals, and lawsuits – often because of his deceptive and crooked business or personal dealings – this person’s character is rotten.
If others have been harmed by this person’s immoral character and deceitfulness, such as the wives who trusted him to be faithful, or creditors and small businesses that lose out because they’ve been cheated out of their pay, then how can anyone trust him?
If a person’s entire life is made up of lies and backstabbing, you’re not going to be able to trust him in any other area, even if you appreciate his stated policies.
This is what Falwell and his ilk miss.
I’m just glad to see someone else from the evangelical wing of Christianity speaking up.
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