By Jim on
Fundamentalism & Evangelicalism
Liberty University
Donald Trump

“GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump touted his faith at Liberty University on Monday, telling the conservative college that Christians have to ban together because their religion ‘is under siege.’ ‘We’re going to protect Christianity,’ he said. ‘If you look at what’s going on throughout the world…Christianity is under siege.’”

Discussion

Mon, 01/18/16

http://www.dennyburk.com/what-was-wrong-with-trumps-appearance-at-liber…

Trump has given little to no evidence of actually being a Christian–at least in the way that Liberty has heretofore defined it. That is not to say that Trump doesn’t claim to be a Christian. Indeed, in his speech he claimed to be a protestant and a Presbyterian. Shouldn’t we just take him at his word? For the moment, let us set aside whether we think his policy proposals are consistently Christian. Just consider how Trump has described in his own words his Christian commitment. Trump has said that he has never asked God for forgiveness. Why? Because he says he doesn’t need it. Trump has said that he only goes to church at Christmas and Easter. His many divorces are also well-known. What kind of Christian is it that feels no need for forgiveness from his sins? That only gathers with God’s people twice a year for worship? That is involved in what is at best serial monogamy? It may be a “Christian” that is Christian in name only, not in reality.

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Jim's Doctrinal Statement

Mon, 01/18/16

Apparently, Trump referred to the book of “Two Corinthians” instead of “Second Corinthians” — sort of a dead giveaway that he isn’t exactly knowledgeable when it comes to the Bible.

Surprised there are evangelicals out there fooled by Trump. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though.

Tue, 01/19/16

Um…..I can’t believe I am about to say something that could be construed as support of Trump….

I know many very theologically astute people who say “two” instead of “second.” I am talking about people who have read hundreds of theological books. Maybe it’s a regional thing or something because, although still the minority, that is common around here.

Qualifier: I think Trump would be possibly the worst president we have ever had.

Tue, 01/19/16

I’ve heard British folks (and folks for whom English is a second language) refer to books of the Bible that way. Of course, The Donald isn’t British …

Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.

Tue, 01/19/16

I don’t think the evangelical supporters of Trump believe he is actually a true Christian. They like him for other reasons. I doubt we’ve had a true Republican Christian in the White House this century. No one criticized Ronald Reagan for not attending church.

Tue, 01/19/16

Since my undergrad degree is in Political Science, I look forward to the Presidential elections. Every 4 years, people say that particular election is the most significant and important. Perhaps this year, however, that statement may be true. We have become a two-party system with third parties never winning modern Presidential elections. A very interesting year with the possible Democratic nominee being investigated by the FBI and the possible Republican nominee reminding people of Hitler’s fascism and Napoleon’s ego. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord” Prv 21:1a

Wally Morris
Huntington, IN

Tue, 01/19/16

By ‘fooled’ I meant more than simply fooled into thinking that Trump would advance the cause of Christian freedoms. I agree that few would think him a born-again Christian. Trump has been a long-time friend of the Clintons, and he has been all over the map on so many issues. By ‘fooled’ I mean that it is obvious Trump is a guy who simply scratches people where they itch, and that any convictions he has about any issue runs only an inch deep. If he won the White House, he could easily appoint Hillary to the Supreme Court because he “wouldn’t want that brilliant mind to go to waste” he would say. Trump is the very definition of a loose cannon, and yet people want to believe he is their political savior—just because he is willing to be politically incorrect, and he likes to overturn tables and throw chairs.

Tue, 01/19/16

Four bankruptcies, three wives, two parties, one big problem. He’s a master of schmooze and has milked investors and taxpayers for billions while abusing many women—his wives followed numerous other affairs. Bill Clinton without the political experience, and as Josh notes, he could well be worst ever if elected, perhaps even eclipsing the current guy.

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.