Donald and the fig leaf

Dear Editor

I hesitate to write anything about Donald Trump as it may quickly become out of date - he is proceeding at a frenzied pace. So I’ll remind readers of three assertions which were made about him long before the 2024 election. These are just examples, there are many others.

Firstly, Trump lies on an industrial scale (his false claim to have won in 2020 caused an insurrection). Secondly, his sexual immorality has long been public knowledge. Thirdly, it was asserted that he regularly cheated the contractors who worked on his properties (see James 5:4).

Facing a lack of criticism

Even though he was clearly unfit to hold office, a majority still voted for Trump in 2024. The possible explanations for this have been discussed at length elsewhere. Since his victory it’s no more surprising that Republican politicians stick by him than Democrat politicians and their voters condemn him.

But what’s much harder to understand is why Republican voters have, to the best of my knowledge, made very little criticism of him since his election. In a breathtakingly short time Trump has undermined the rule of law and ruined the reputation of a great country. He’s made only modest progress, if any, on the issues his voters elected him to tackle. If he were my President I’d be deeply ashamed of him.

Are you praying for Trump?

But I have done much I’m ashamed of. I too have been guilty of lying, sexual immorality, cheating, and more. But wonderfully I can praise God that Jesus died to pay for these and all my other sins. I can praise God that His Holy Spirit gives me power to overcome sin every day. And I know that unless a person turns to Jesus in repentance and faith they will remain as enslaved to sin as I was. So I shouldn’t be pointing out anyone’s sin without praying that they too find forgiveness in Christ. Are you praying for Trump?

Maybe Trump’s voters can’t bear to admit that they are ashamed of him. But let’s not forget that most of them are not converted. Trump has had the money and opportunities to sin more grossly and publicly. But that apart, unconverted people can feel a sense of solidarity with him. And why should they be ashamed of Trump’s sins, if they’re no impediment to being elected to the highest office in the land?

If the extent of such a solidarity among sinners still seems an inadequate explanation for Trump’s enduring popularity, then let me make two final observations. Firstly, Jesus warned us that few find the gate to life, and most are on the broad road to destruction. Jesus’ warning also applies in the USA, despite its high rate of church attendance. Secondly, society on both sides of the Atlantic has become increasingly anti-Christian. So should we be surprised when the fig leaf of decency covering people’s sinful nature gets flimsier?

Yours sincerely

Ben Tannett

Via email