TRUMP AND EVANGELICALS: A WIN-LOSS DISCERNMENT IN FAITH AND POLITICS

 

In the high-stakes world of American politics, few alliances are as surprising – and controversial – as the bond between Evangelicals and Donald Trump. How did a group known for its commitment to faith, family values, and integrity rally behind a figure with a history of legal troubles and a reputation that doesn’t exactly scream Sunday school teacher? What does this support mean for Evangelicals’ credibility and mission to share their faith?

In this exclusive, candid Q&A session on EcclesiasTik Talk, I sit down with theology scholar, Mr. AI, to unpack the wins, losses, and moral dilemmas that Evangelicals face in a post-Trump America. Buckle up – this is one talk you don’t want to miss.

ME: Welcome to our live TV show, EcclesiasTik Talk. I’m thrilled to have a special guest – a theology scholar, to untangle the knotty issues surrounding Trump’s victory and its implications for the Evangelicals who supported him. Please help me welcome Mr. AI!

MR. AI: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to dive into one of the most talked-about topics today. Let’s see if we can shed some light on these complex questions.

ME: Great! So, let’s jump right in. First question, Mr. AI – why did so many Evangelicals back Trump in the first place, given his, well, colorful background?

MR. AI: Excellent question! Evangelicals supported Trump largely because of his policies rather than his personal life. They saw him as a defender of religious freedom, someone who stood up for pro-life policies, and who promised to appoint conservative judges – especially to the Supreme Court.

Those policy stances are extremely important to Evangelicals, so they were willing to overlook some of Trump’s flaws because they felt he would advance their core values.

ME: But aren’t there obvious character issues that could make supporting him a bit of a moral tightrope for Evangelicals?

MR. AI: You’re right! Trump’s conduct – his harsh language, accusations of misconduct, and even his reluctance to apologize – did raise concerns for many Christians. For a faith community that values kindness, humility, and honesty, it’s tough to align with a leader whose behavior doesn’t always match those ideals.

But for many Evangelicals, it came down to a lesser of two evils choice. They believed his policy actions were worth the compromise, even if it meant holding their nose when it came to his personal life.

ME: Alright, but now, let’s throw in Trump’s legal issues, including felony convictions. That’s serious stuff! How can Evangelicals still support him despite all that?

MR. AI: Ah, the big question! Many Evangelicals see Trump’s legal issues through a different lens. They believe these charges are part of a broader political effort to silence him and, by extension, the Christian values he claims to stand for.

There’s a lot of skepticism among Evangelicals toward mainstream media and government institutions, which some feel are biased against them. So, rather than seeing Trump’s legal troubles as disqualifying, they view them as a badge of honor in a fight against a system they feel is increasingly hostile to their beliefs.

ME: But isn’t that a risky stance to take, given that Jesus taught his followers to live with integrity? How do they balance that with Trump’s controversies?

MR AI: Absolutely, it is a balancing act. Many Evangelicals justify their choice by pointing to biblical figures like King David or the Apostle Paul, who had their moral failings yet were still used by God.

They see Trump as a flawed vessel for a greater purpose. They’re willing to support him because they believe he’s advancing values they hold dear – even if he doesn’t always live up to them personally.

ME: Alright, but let’s dig deeper here. In the Bible, there’s that powerful verse, Matthew 16:26: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” Couldn’t this verse serve as a warning to Evangelicals who support Trump?

MR. AI: That’s an insightful point! This verse absolutely can serve as a warning. It challenges Christians to consider what they’re willing to sacrifice for worldly gains, like political influence. The question it raises: Are Evangelicals compromising their moral integrity for short-term wins? By supporting a figure whose life may contradict Christian values, they risk damaging their witness to others and losing credibility in their mission to share the Gospel.

ME: So, are you saying that supporting Trump could hurt Evangelicals’ efforts to spread the faith?

MR. AI: Yes, it’s possible. One of the core principles of Evangelicalism is activism – sharing the faith with others. But if people see Evangelicals supporting a leader with serious character issues, it could make them question the sincerity of the faith itself. For some, it might look hypocritical.

When you say one thing about moral standards and then seem to support someone who doesn’t meet those standards, it can weaken your credibility. So yes, it’s a risk to their evangelistic efforts.

ME: I see. It’s almost like they’re risking their reputation to gain influence. So, what would you say Evangelicals need to think about moving forward?

MR. AI: Evangelicals need to think carefully about the long-term impact of their choices. Gaining influence is valuable, but if it leads people to question the authenticity of their faith, then they might be trading something eternal for something temporary. The challenge is finding ways to stay true to their values without compromising on character, even in the messy world of politics.

ME: Well said, Mr. AI. So, to sum up, Trump’s victory might be a win in terms of policy, but it could also be a loss in terms of moral integrity. Quite a paradox, isn’t it?

MR. AI: It is! It’s a classic example of a double-edged sword. On one side, you have the political gains and influence; on the other, you have the potential moral and spiritual costs.

Evangelicals are left in a very challenging position, where they have to ask, “What do we value most?” That’s a question only they can answer.

ME: Thank you, Mr. AI. This has been such a thought-provoking conversation! You’ve certainly given us all a lot to think about. We appreciate your insights and your honesty.

MR. AI: Thank you! It was a pleasure being here, and I hope this conversation can encourage everyone, Evangelicals or not, to reflect on what truly matters.

ME: And that wraps up today’s episode of EcclesiasTik Talk. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Keep questioning, keep learning, and remember – faith is a journey. See you next time!

Content & editing put together in collaboration with ChatGPT

Head photo courtesy of getty image

Still photos courtesy of Pixabay, AP News, & Inc. Magazine

OUTSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE: REFLECTING ON TRUMP'S NEW AMERICA

 

TRUMP RETURNS TO POWER – NBC News

TRUMP’S AMERICA: Victory Changes Nation’s Sense of Itself – The New York Times

Trump Just Ran The Most Racist Campaign In Modern History -- And Won – Huffpost

These headlines greeted me as I opened my laptop this morning. I looked out the window of the guest room in our Texas home, where the vibrant colors of late fall filled the view. The trees stood cloaked in amber and crimson, and the sky stretched blue and infinite above them. The scene should have felt beautiful.

But today, that beauty seemed distant, muted, as if the world had dimmed to match the weight pressing on my chest.

Bedroom Window View

The trees outside stand as silent witnesses, their leaves drifting slowly to the ground, one by one. In the past, I might have admired the graceful descent, and seen it as nature’s way of letting go. But now, each falling leaf feels like a quiet farewell, an echo of loss. The landscape is shedding its colors, retreating into a bare, indifferent stillness, as if the world, too, mourns something precious slipping away.

The houses, nestled calmly among the trees, no longer offer warmth or comfort. They seem cold and distant, like strangers, cloaked in shadows cast by the low, reluctant light of a November sun. The golden canopy, once so alive and welcoming, now feels somber, as if nature itself senses the heaviness I carry.

The sky remains blue, but today it looks vast and empty. Sunlight filters weakly through the branches, casting long, reaching shadows across the ground. Even the light itself feels hollow., unable to warm and soothe. I search for the solace this view used to bring, but it eludes me, replaced by a quiet, aching awareness of endings – of seasons, cherished ideals, and the life that once felt stable and sure.

This landscape has become a mirror, reflecting not just the end of fall but something deeper -- a quiet surrender to what cannot be changed. As I look out, I feel connected to and separate from this world, a silent observer in a place that moved on without me. The beauty remains, but my heart is not ready to see it anymore.

As a Filipino visiting the U.S., though a literal outsider, I am deeply connected to this country for it shaped much of who I am today. American education provided me with more than knowledge, it sharpened my thinking, honed my judgment, and prepared me for a mature life. Despite criticism that education was a colonial tool, it has been one of America’s most enduring contributions to the Philippines. For countless poor Filipino families, like my own, education was the only passport out of poverty.

One invaluable by-product of this education is the English language. During a recent trip abroad with my wife, I wrote in my travelogue:

“I recalled one instance in Belgium. We were having lunch in one restaurant when I overheard someone in a group at another table muttering, ’They speak English.' It’s a feather in our cap that we ought to treasure, nurture, and build up.”

Jacob Mikanowski of the Guardian captured the dominance of English eloquently:

“English is everywhere, and everywhere, English dominates… It is an official language in at least 59 countries… It is aspirational: the golden ticket to the worlds of education and international commerce, a parent’s dream and a student’s misery, the winnower of the haves from the have-nots. It is inescapable: the language of global business, the internet, science, diplomacy, stellar navigation, and avian pathology."

“China currently has more speakers of English as a second language than any other country. Some prominent English teachers have become celebrities, conducting mass lessons in stadiums seating thousands. In South Korea, English is a ‘national religion.’"

In my American educational journey, a book, A Passion For Excellence by Tom Peters, caught my attention, particularly a chapter called A Blinding Flash of the Obvious. It refers to insights that once thought of, seem obvious, yet are often overlooked.

Here’s a striking example. Imagine choosing between a school teacher and a businessman as the next U.S. president. The teacher’s qualifications are well understood; everyone has had a teacher. The businessman, however, is a convicted felon. Who would you choose?

The answer should be obvious. If one chooses the businessman, he or she demonstrates the essence of a blinding flash of the obvious – a tendency to turn a blind eye to the self-evident. Notably, this is any typical teacher, not even the incumbent Vice President.

Reflecting on real-life choices in the recent U.S. election, I’m reminded of the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:

“The ultimate measure of a man is … where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” 

Let’s consider how the two leaders faced their loss. Kamala Harris, after the election results were clear, stated:

“We must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.

“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny. And anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it. At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution of the United States, and loyalty to our conscience and to our God.”

In contrast, Donald Trump’s refusal to accept his 2020 loss to Joe Biden culminated in a deadly riot. On January 6, 2021, swarms of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, derailing congressional session to confirm Biden’s win.

To conclude, a comment from a Huffpost reader, Daniel Bundy, captures a sentiment shared by many:

“I am sure of one thing: people who thought we needed this change, that Republican could run this country better, well, they will have a front row seat. They will know the repercussions of their decision. For the rest of us, save your money, reduce spending, buy a bunch of popcorn & watch the regret. Oh, it will come, & remember just four years.”

Would Americans have their own nabudol moments?

Content & editing put together in collaboration with ChatGPT

Head photo courtesy of The Washington Post

Still Photos courtesy of NBC News, Rolling Stone, Institute for New Economic Thinking, Unsplash, & freepik

ONE LITTLE ROSE: WHY WE SHOULD CELEBRATE LIFE BEFORE IT'S GONE

 

Who could forget that classic song by the APO Hiking Society?

Nakasimangot ka na lang palagi

Parang ikaw lang ang nagmamay-ari

Ng lahat ng sama ng loob

Pagmumukha mo ay hindi maipinta

Nakalimutan mo na bang tumawa

Sumasayad na ang nguso mo sa lupa

It’s a perfect example of kantiyaw, that lighthearted teasing we, Pinoys, often share among close friends or barkada, perfectly captured in the song Awit ng Barkada. This gentle ribbing, this humor tinged with fondness, is part of our culture, even greeting a friend after a long night out: “O, buhay ka pa?” or “Anyari? Para kang namatayan.”

But this humor takes on a different flavor when we remember that November is a season of reflection, marked by All Souls’ Day – the Day of the Dead or the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. This tradition, honored across Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Lutheranism, Methodism, and more, serves as a solemn reminder to pray for and remember those who have gone before us.

A Tale of Two Deaths

Speaking of the dead, I once had an unusual brush with “death.” Or should I say, “deaths”? The first was the kind many Christians know as being “spiritually dead,” as described in Ephesians 2:1: “In the past, you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins.” It was only when I was “born again,” as Jesus explains in John 3:3: “Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God” – that I found new life in faith. I shared this conversion story in the January 3, 2022, ATABAY article, The Old Has Passed Away, The New Has Come.

But the second experience was quite different – an experience I’ve only read about before or dismissed as impossible. My perspective changed after listening to Lee Patrick Strobel, a former atheist-turned-Christian author and investigative journalist, who shared his insights on near-death experiences (NDEs) in Preston Baptist Church. In his book The Case for Heaven, Strobel presents compelling accounts suggesting that death is not the end but rather a transition.

Strobel’s research surprised me. He explained in a YouTube interview how over 900 scholarly articles have been written on NDEs, with documented cases of people experiencing things during “death” that defy logical explanation. One case involved a woman named Maria. Strobel narrated:

“And so, there’s this famous case of Maria who dies in the hospital of a heart attack. Conscious the whole time, she said, ‘My spirit detached from my body (which is what the Bible talks about), I watched the resuscitation efforts on my body, THEN MY SPIRIT FLOATED OUT of the hospital, up and out of the hospital.’ (Underscoring mine)

“And when she was revived, she said, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s a man's shoe on the roof of the hospital. It’s left-footed, it’s dark blue. There’s some wear over the little toe, and the shoelace is tucked under the heel.’ And they go up in the roof of the hospital and they find it – just as she had described it."

Another case Strobel shared was about Vicky Umapag, a woman blind since birth. “And yet,” he recounted, “during her near-death experience, she could see for the first time – she saw people trying to revived her body, she saw plants, she saw birds. And then, when she was revived, her blindness returned, and her eyesight disappeared. As one medical researcher said, ‘This is impossible’.”

Remembering My “Floating” Experience

Listening to Strobel, I was transported back to a peculiar moment from my childhood, when I was barely old enough to remember. I had a high fever, likely typhoid, and as my parents cared for me, I recall something strange: I was floating above them, watching them from a distance. That’s all I remember, but that eerie sensation has stayed with me all these years – a moment that aligns with the near-death experience Strobel shared.

As we reflect on the mystery of what lies beyond, the possibility of an afterlife reminds us to cherish the present life with even greater appreciation. Life, fragile and fleeing, is a precious gift – one that calls us to make each moment count.

Life's a canvas where we paint memories with those we love, a journey where kindness, laughter, and joy are the brushstrokes that add color and meaning. Yet too often, we allow our most heartfelt expressions to go unsaid, reserving words of gratitude and love for a time that may never come. If death teaches us anything, it’s the importance of seizing the present to honor and cherish one another.

In that spirit, we turn to some reflection that captures the simple yet profound desire to be remembered and appreciated while we’re still here, rather than only in memory.

Reflections on Life and Legacy

In one of his sermons, Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, gave this wisdom:

“We all will die. Life is short. Death is certain. Do not postpone your conversion. Now na. Tell the Lord, ‘Mahal ko po kayo. Patawad po. As for me and my household, we will serve you, Lord.’ Do not postpone your loving. Don’t let it be said that you loved too little, too late.’”

And to all of us who hold loved ones dear, Fr. Orbos shared a poem that I feel resonates deeply especially during this season:

One Little Rose

I would rather have one little rose

From the garden of a friend

Than to have the choicest flowers

When my stay on earth must end.

I would rather have one pleasant word

In kindness said to me

Than flattery when my heart is still

And life has ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile

From friends I know are true

Than tears shed round my casket

When this world I’ve bid adieu.

Bring me all your flowers today

Whether pink, or white, or red

I’d rather have one blossom now

Than a basketful when I’m dead.

In the spirit of All Souls’ Day, let us remember those who have gone before us, and cherish the time we have with those still here. May we live fully, love deeply, and leave behind a legacy that will be remembered warmly – not only in death but in life.

Content and editing put together in collaboration with ChatGPT

Head photo courtesy of Peter Steiner

Still photos courtesy of jplenio, painted lady, X.com, StockSnap.io, & Pixabay