In the 2016 Presidential race the important Evangelical vote may be more critical than ever. And they are being courted especially by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
After Trump’s private meeting with over 1000 Evangelical leaders the question is whether they are expecting too much of a spiritual leader in the White House.
Some critics of the meeting suggest that Evangelicals are trying to “‘Church Up’ Trump” in order to find a political “Savior.”
“Christians make a foolish mistake, for example, in trying to… take the Christian agenda and compel a party, compel a person to represent it,” says Dr. Charles Dunn, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Regent University.
“Let Donald Trump be Donald Trump. To the extent that you try to trump up someone you create a false presence for that person,” said Dunn. “Evangelical Christians should seek to exercise their influence on American politics but… recognize the limitations of their influence.”
Dunn also responded to the idea that Trump views Evangelicals as merely one of many interest groups. “He is a smart person and that’s where Christians have made a mistake… they’ve gotten down on the level of just being another interest group. The Christian faith should not be looked upon as an interest group.”
“Have American Christians made the same mistake the Children of Israel did in the Bible by wanting a king and not being satisfied with God to lead them?”
“When Protestant churches shall seek the support of the secular power, thus following the example of that apostate church, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution, then will there be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin.” Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, page 410
Comments
M J
Friday July 15th, 2016 at 10:29 PMIt is amazing that despite the rightful abhorrence that naturally follows Mr. Trump’s appalling rhetoric, so called “Christians” ignore all sense of Christianity and support him.
The desire for “power” and to restore the “norms” of a very racist past, so called Christians have deceived themselves that this is the will of God and must be implemented regardless of Mr. Trump’s “rough edges”.
America will then supposedly be Great,… again.
This is part of “restoring the favor of God” and “temporal prosperity”.
Bob
Sunday July 17th, 2016 at 08:58 PMPerhaps we’re looking too deep here. Could it be that Christians simply find him far less evil than his opponent. Most Christians are fine upstanding Americans and feel obligated to vote and there simply isn’t a third alter alternative. We have capitalism vs socialism here and our founding fathers weren’t promoting socialism. Thanks for reading and God Bless.
admin
Monday July 18th, 2016 at 08:46 AMOur priority is to follow God’s counsel in everything. It is never too deep. It is probably true that most christians find Trump to be better than his opponent. But most Christians don’t understand Bible prophecy, nor do they understand the importance of the guidance God has been pleased to give us in the Spirit of Prophecy. Nor do they understand the mission God has given to his remnant church in the last days.
Bob
Sunday July 17th, 2016 at 09:28 AMThe problem is as voters we only have 2 choices and the opposing choice is a “known” pro socialist, connected to the death of dozens of people, is part of a money laundering scheme; The Clinton Foundation, and played a major part in the destruction and loss of American lives in Benghazi to name a few incidents as there’s more. Question: would you prefer the alternative to Trump where we can be assured of a disastrous future or vote Trump where we at least have some glimmer of hope?
admin
Monday July 18th, 2016 at 08:55 AMBoth are dangerous. In the end times, there is never a good choice. The enemy makes sure of that. Moreover, we are forbidden not to vote for parties or people, lest we participate in the sins they commit while in office. We have a much higher calling… to spread the three angels messages and urge souls to get ready for the coming of the Lord.
See FE 475, “The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord’s family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.”
David Lee
Monday July 18th, 2016 at 07:27 PMHal, I’m sure you have heard of all the Pentecostals who claim to be having visions wherein “God” tells them that Trump is His “Cyrus” for our times! One man said that has to be true because Cyrus is in Isaiah 45, and the next President is number 45! Great exegetical tool, that!
Momanyi haron
Saturday July 23rd, 2016 at 03:54 AMTrump is likely to lead to the trampling of God’s holy law.The evangelicals see in him all their hopes fulfilled!