Now is the time for Christians to speak

Early in the current campaign for the 2016 presidential elections, I wrote a blog post about the wide field of Republican candidates and their religious affiliations. 

 

Back then, the candidates were eager to be seen as part of some faith group, but they were careful to define their affiliations to pass the political correctness test.

 

The test was given again this week. The grade for the Republican frontrunner is an embarrassing F–.

 

The field is now narrowing—current events are giving us a view of the forerunners’ faith. Character is emerging. Perhaps it is a God-send these issues are arising now, before the campaign narrows our choices any further. Perhaps it will help us avoid a serious national mistake.

 

 

Which is more troubling?

 

  • The leading candidate, Donald Trump, is sending us back to World War II and the McCarthy Era. His views and proposed remedies of the current crisis with militant Islamic extremists violate our nation’s founding principles. It should be obvious to any eighth-grade civic student.
  • The remaining serious contenders seem to be scared to speak strongly against the forerunner. Some have already pledged to support the person who won the nomination.

 

If ever there was a reason to break a promise, this is it. We need the other contenders to speak up and withdraw their pledged support. Just be honest: you thought you could support his candidacy but this is a development you cannot accept. That would be leadership.

 

There are more important principles at stake than protecting chances for the VP slot or protecting party loyalty. There usually are, by the way.

 

It has been proven time and again—Leaders who lead by excluding self-defined opponents are dangerous (in world politics and within the Church).

 

A few months ago, the candidates were trying to qualify for the nation’s faith vote.

 

Now they are missing the main point of most faith groups and the very definition of the God worshiped by Christians.

 

Back then, Trump defined himself as a Presbyterian who attends church as much as he can. “Always on Christmas and Easter.”

 

 

Well, Donald. In two weeks or so, when you find yourself in church on Christmas, I hope you hear the message.

 

God is love. Change the accent. God IS love.

 

Love is inclusive, not exclusive. Any Sunday School Kindergarten student can tell you that.