Christians and Trump

February 10th, 2024

How can I unbiasedly appeal to my fellow evangelicals? How can I come across as a genuine believer, attempting to speak the truth as I’ve been taught, without sparking the ire of my brothers and sisters in Christ? I am the grandson of Dr. Charles Ryrie – but do not let my ancestry serve as evidence of my faith, as Paul pleads to the Corinthians to not assume he’s godly because he “inherited” it. We are taught to live a faithful life unto God – “you will know a man by the fruit that he bears.” This is how my fellow evangelicals must judge me – and those whom they wish to follow. 

Several years ago, I came across an article written by Jerushah Duford, a granddaughter of the famous 20th century theologian, Billy Graham. Going against the vociferous support her family gave to Donald Trump, she spoke out against the then-president, urging fellow Christians to open up their eyes and reject him. I imagine her opinion was not well received within her family (or church!), making it hard to speak out the way she did.

As mentioned above, I too am a grandchild of a famous 20th century theologian, Dr. Charles Ryrie. He became famous in the 1970s when he released the Ryrie Study Bible, among other books, which became one of the most widely used bibles in the US. I am also disheartened and concerned by my fellow evangelicals’ uncompromising support for a second Donald Trump term, and I too am willing to speak out against him.

Unfortunately, I am definitely a minority in the evangelical community I identify with. This community placed culture wars and pride above the Gospel, and elevated a man who plays to our anger and fears. My fellow Christians have become too blinded by this fear and anger at the “other side” to see who Donald Trump really is. Maybe this full-throated support for this man shows just how far the American church has fallen.

It's a tremendous shame the church has come to this. It never had to be this way. We’ve traded the love and grace of God for a political figure. Rather than sharing the Gospel, as we’re called to do, and living our lives according to what Jesus said, we instead live to pick fights and tear down our fellow Americans, while backing the only person who will “fight for us”. It seems we’re confusing Jesus Christ with Donald Trump. Maybe Jonah was speaking about us when he said: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8). We’ve put our faith and trust in this man who claims he can make America great again, rather than the one true God.

Donald Trump had his chance. Despite his well known flaws and blemishes, Republicans elevated him as their leader in hopes to shake up the establishment. He had a full GOP congress to do his bidding – drain the swamp, cut spending, lower taxes, manage the border, and many other things. He has shown he does not follow through with his promises – he is without excuse. I recognize and appreciate several of the good things he did for this country (lower taxes, appoint competent judges), but his time is gone. He is a disloyal, begrudging old man driving a stake in the heart of this country. 

A final plea to my fellow Christians – see Donald Trump for who he really is. Repent, and turn your faith from him to Jesus Christ.