The final results are not yet in from the elections on Tuesday (and some won’t be known for several days), but the rejection of Donald Trump’s presidency and policies was so deep and wide that Democrats will take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate by large margins for the remainder of Trump’s second term. Followers of Jesus vary significantly in their thinking and actions, including their politics, but I suggest that now is a good time for all Christians to reflect upon Jesus’ teaching in light of the election results. Repentance is not easyl This will require courage because it will demand a change in our thinking and in our actions.
Here are some key teachings of Jesus that seem pertinent for all Christians whether they lean Republican, Democrat, or independent.
- Truth is vitally important. Jesus affirmed that he was the way, the truth, and the life. His followers should walk in the truth, big and small. A person’s “yes” should mean “yes”, and “no” should be a clear “no”. Although Donald Trump has some virtues, truth telling is not one of them. During these last two years, he has repeatedly lied about the war with Iran, the economy, inflation, ICE, the Epstein files, and tariffs. Sadly, most Republican leaders in government have not challenged these lies (some notable exceptions have been Lisa Murkowski and Thomas Massie). Many self-identified Christians also fell into the unethical trap of the “end justifies the means” and tried to justify and/or excuse the president’s repeated falsehoods.
- “Christian Nationalism” is neither Christian nor aligns with the way of Jesus. The gospel is good news precisely because it is offered freely. When politicians try to impose religion on their fellow citizens, it usually distorts the faith. Historical examples include Constantine’s Christendom, the Spanish Inquisition, and even Hitler’s use of Christianity with his Nazi soldiers. In our contemporary democracies, although citizens can derive their ethical positions from religious sources, policy implementation should be promoted by persuasion, using generally acceptable evidence and legislative procedures.
- Money, and what it can buy (food, homes, health care) can be an instrument for human good. Nevertheless, the love (idolatry?) of money leads to all kinds of evil. Followers of Jesus should be concerned when big money gets involved in the electoral process, especially when it is for one political party. Elon Musk is the world’s richest person who became much wealthier these past two years, in part, due to political favors he and his companies received from the current administration. He “gave” $445 million to the Republican Party in this election season even though this amount of money was not able to stop the blue tsunami. Most citizens would describe this practice (money in exchange for favors) as corruption.
- Followers of Jesus need to select their leaders and sources of information with great discernment. Billy Graham tended to be fairly cautious in his political recommendations. His son, Franklin Graham, has not been so reserved. In his total support of the Trump regime, he has abandoned some essential values near to the heart of God: mercy, justice, humility, and the Lord’s love for the most vulnerable among us.
- There are some pressing issues where followers of Jesus might offer some insights.
- The war with Iran. This was a bad war from the beginning. What suggestions do Christian peacemakers offer to end it justly?
- Putin’s invasion of and war with Ukraine. How should we stop a tyrannical aggressor who is killing thousands of innocent civilians?
- Immigration. What kinds of legislation and implementation demonstrate God’s love for the foreigner and prudent economic concerns?
- Affordability. Which aspects of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and tariffs should be repealed, and which ones should be kept?
- Fairness in redistricting and gerrymandering. In a ten-district state where 52% of its residents vote for party A, how many representatives should party A receive? 5, 6, 9? Why?
Pride goes before a fall. Democratic leaning followers of Jesus should not celebrate for long. American people want to see results.
