Politicians Using Christianity As A Tool
One of the most intriguing dynamics of American politics recently is the way a politician might manipulate religion to influence their prominence. This fraudulent portrayal of faith is anti-gospel. Religious citizens (specifically Christians) must know how to see through the veil of politicized religion, and vote accordingly.
For news organization The Conversation, Jerome Viala-Gaudefroy contends that the modern era has seen the culmination of this, from John F. Kennedy’s (albeit problematic for his campaign) Catholic faith, to Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith and finally arriving at its most devastating point with former President Donald Trump’s claim to Christianity.
Gregory Prince writes for Berkeley Center at Georgetown University, “In 2012, during the presidential campaign when Romney was the Republican nominee, I was openly critical … I stated publicly that Romney did not represent the face of Mormonism.”
He went on to note, however, that Romney’s recent controversial stances have proven his beliefs are deeper than surface-level religiosity for the sake of the religious vote in Utah, though it did not seem that way at the time.
During the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, religion was indeed a factor that attracted voters. The Survey Center on American Life found that 81% of white evangelical Christians, 50% of Catholics and 31% of Jewish voters supported Trump in 2020.
How should Christians see through claims and actions of politicians who are hoping to capture the religious vote? It starts by looking at the fruit of their lives.
“If we live by the Spirit,” the Apostle Paul writes, “let us also keep in step with the Spirit,” (Galatians 5:25). The rest of this passage shows what keeping in step with the Holy Spirit looks like, and what it doesn’t look like.
The works of the flesh include “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy” and many others (Galatians 5:19-20). The true Christian works diligently against these things, seeking to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus himself says that as a tree is recognized by its fruit, so a Christian is recognized by the way he lives (Matthew 7:20).
A politician is not exempt from such treatment. Donald Trump, Joe Biden or anyone else claiming religion must show its fruits in their character. In the same way a Christian is expected to live not conformed to the ways of the world (Romans 12:2), so a Christian politician’s policy must be informed by such a lifestyle.
Candidates that claim Christianity and live contrary to its foundational beliefs should not be given the title of a Christian. Their use of the Bible and other Christian truths should not be heeded, because they do not heed those truths themselves. A falsified Christian campaign is as dangerous for the church as an honest non-Christian campaign.
A truly Christian politician does not prioritize the nation’s betterment at the expense of the Bible’s instruction. The Bible is God’s word, alive and unlike any other. It informs even governmental policies, functions and relations (Hebrews 4:12).
For the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, David Closson writes that “Christian witness in the public square contributes transcendent values about moral and ethical issues.” It would suffice to add that those claiming Christianity must provide a true Christian witness, not one informed by governmental success or personal gain.
Before you vote for a Christian, consider their fruits and the intent of their political promises. There you will separate a ploy for the religious vote from genuine religious commitment — a needed virtue today.
Bower is an opinion writer. Follow him on Twitter