The Relationship Between Evangelicals and Donald Trump: From Whore to Unworthy Supporter

Do Evangelical Trump Supporters Consider Him a Religious Figure?

At the outset, it is clear that evangelical supporters of President Donald Trump do not view him as a religious figure. For them, the issue lies in whether he aligns with their core beliefs and interests. While he claimed to be anti-abortion, this stance alone did not make him a source of religious faith for evangelicals. In fact, even when the truthfulness of his claims was called into question, it did not deter his support base.

The core belief among Trump supporters is that he is a 'whore'—a term used in a transactional context rather than a moral one. They saw in him an opportunity for political power and access. Their efforts were focused on gaining any political advantage they could, regardless of how much harm was caused to the country. The primary driving force was not faith but the pursuit of power.

Parallels and Misunderstandings in Religious Support

However, there is a deeper issue at play. Some so-called Christians within the Word of Faith Movement support Trump, but their religious beliefs are also questionable. The Word of Faith Movement is a worldwide Evangelical Christian movement that teaches that Christians can access the power of faith or fear through speech. This movement is closely aligned with the Prosperity Gospel, which emphasizes financial blessings and prosperity as a result of one's faith.

Donald Trump fits into this category, as he has been portrayed as someone who supported those who prospered from greed and deceit, both personally and through his policies. The Word of Faith Movement, and those who support Trump within it, tend to worship a different deity—one that is a creation of their own desires and agendas rather than the authentic God of the Christian faith.

Power Over Faith: The Changing Dynamics of Evangelical Support

It is now evident that the dynamic between Trump and evangelical supporters has shifted. Everett Piper, a Washington Times columnist and former president of an evangelical university, has acknowledged this in his post-midterm polemic. He argues that Trump is 'hurting, not helping' American evangelicals. This shift reflects a growing disillusionment among evangelical voters who are beginning to question their loyalty to Trump.

While there are still many who share similar anti-Trump sentiments but have not publicly expressed their dissatisfaction, the overall trend is clear. Evangelicals are showing signs of backing away from Trump. The last three election cycles have been losses for Trump, and there is a growing sentiment among evangelicals that their support is waning.

The key takeaway is that Trump is no longer seen as the means to political power for evangelical supporters. His ability to provide them with access to political opportunities has diminished, and with it, his status as a reliable ally. This shift in perception reflects a deeper and more complex understanding of faith and power in the political sphere.

The story of evangelical support for Donald Trump serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of faith and political power. As evangelicals reassess their relationship with Trump, the dynamics of religious support in politics are likely to evolve. This evolution could lead to a more critical and discerning approach to religious claims in political leadership.