Dear Friends,
Last week, like most of the nation, I watched with dismay over the
assault on our nation’s democratic process. As the events unfolded on the steps
of our capitol, and more information became forthcoming, I found myself
reevaluating some of my previous political thinking.
I wanted to hear and learn what other trusted friends of mine were
feeling, and so putting my thoughts in the form of an e-mail, I sent them to a
number of people I respect who stand on both sides of the political aisle. I
did so in hopes of helping me clarify my own perspective, I shared my views and
requested a response to an article that I had sent to them, and I was most
encouraged by the numerous responses I received.
As a Trump supporter during his years in office, mostly due to his
support for “right to live, I found my support now waning in the face of
transpiring events.
The many insightful replies I received helped me to clarify and
reformulate my own thinking, and one of the best responses came from my very
own daughter, Rachel, with whom Jean and I live. She was not a Biden supporter,
but simply an open minded, hungry to learn, follower of Christ who has been
reading, studying and praying, while all the time agonizing over the events of
the last six months.
The following, which she has given me permission to share, are the
words she sent me.
Hi Dad,
I have read the article you shared several times. Rather
than pick it apart or debate each piece, I thought I would share some of what I
have read over these last couple of days that summarize much of what I think
and feel about Trump, his leadership, and the detriment his actions have
caused. My heart is broken for this country. I am sad to imagine
how Christ views the shameful and horrific choices made and celebrated these
last four years. I hope we can reunite after the great division Trump has
caused in his term. Here goes...
Jesus flags? JESUS FLAGS?!?!??? Let’s be clear: Jesus boldly
states, “My Kingdom is not of this world” in John 18:36. That’s pretty darn
clear. Jesus said it, we believe it, and we cannot —MUST NOT—send a message
that contradicts the words of Jesus.
Jesus also clearly calls out hypocrites. So, if anyone marching on
the Capital building said ONE SINGLE WORD against the protests from the Black
Lives Matter movement... take pause. And repent. Thank God for Grace, but own
up to privilege.
Whatever your political party, if you claim Christ as Lord, your
allegiance is first and foremost as Kingdom citizens (Philippians 3:20). Lord,
help us.
Wednesday, January 6, was the Feast of Epiphany when Christians
celebrate how the light of Christ spreads to all nations. But if the
nations were watching yesterday—as people destabilized democracy while carrying
flags that read “Make America Godly Again”—would any onlooker want anything to
do with this Christ?
The violence wrought by Trump supporters storming the Capitol
yesterday is anti-epiphany. It is dark and based in untruth.
While what happened at the Capitol yesterday is tragic, it is not
surprising. For more than four years, Trump has shown that he is more than
willing to say any lie, ignore any standard of decency, and bring any amount of
violence and division to shore up his own power. Through manipulative
disinformation, he incited an insurrection and has yet to condemn it
unequivocally.
But sadly, in this anti-epiphany, the wise men are not so wise.
They willingly comply. So, for me, the worst part of this week’s insurrection
is how it represents an utter failure in the American church. Though it saddens
me deeply, it must be clearly admitted: Yesterday’s atrocity was in large part
brought to us by the white, evangelical church in America.
I have at times tried to dismiss these leaders and events as
fringe, as the crazy cranks and bizarre displays we ought to ignore. But I
cannot overlook the reality that millions of evangelicals are swayed by those
who proclaim untruth and ugliness in the name of Jesus.
The responsibility of yesterday’s violence must be in part laid at
the feet of those evangelical leaders who ushered in and applauded Trump’s
presidency. It can also sadly be laid at the feet of the white American church
more broadly.
The ongoing protest of the election is not about a search for
truth; it is an attempt to shape truth to suit the desires of the
powerful. President Trump wasn’t making a legal or a factual argument. His
stop the steal “case” has been dismissed over 50 times and several by judges he
himself appointed. He was using his power to put a thumb on the scales.
Therefore, the ongoing support of these unproven theories of election fraud by
some white conservative Christians does not simply weaken the church’s witness
by making it partisan. It weakens our witness by aligning truth with power — a
classic error that has always led to ruin.
To be on the side of truth is to be on the side of peace and the
flourishing of this country because lies can only be maintained by violence.
The church has always seen a profound truth in these words. As the
one beaten and bloody, Jesus reveals what humanity was designed to be. Strength
and transformation do not come through the assertion of the will. Strength is
the willingness to suffer and to be counted as weak, to be on the side of truth
and love.
For the Christian, we are not most human when we toss away our
integrity to hold on to power or when we cower in silence. We are most human
when we live completely in accord with the truth. For the Christian, this is
not a theory about how one might live. The resurrection proves transformative
power can come out of weakness — God can snatch victory out of certain defeat.
The resurrection, the triumph of the humiliated and seemingly powerless one,
frees us to tell the Pilates of the world the truth.
Their desire for something to be true doesn’t make it so. The
truth exists outside of them. It belongs to God. This fact frees Christian
leaders to tell the truth to their congregations, even if the pews empty. Trump
lost the election. That isn’t a partisan statement. It is a true statement
that, if repeated loudly and consistently enough, might, even in the last days
of this presidency, help portions of the church find itself.”
I am grateful for Rachel’s perspective as one who is a
non-political partisan follower of Jesus, and to those who may differ
with her, both she and I would champion your right to disagree. For me, I am
still evaluating her response and regardless of where I come out, I would never
choose to allow my political beliefs to sever a single relationship, something
that sadly has happened in too many situations.
For those seeking more information, she includes the following
articles which shaped her thinking’
Article #1: Christianity Today: We worship with the Magi, not
MAGA
Yours in faith and friendship,
Tom
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