While much has been written about the direct link between conservative evangelicalism and support for MAGA, there’s an opposite link less talked about. These are self-identified Christians who vote MAGA despite their theology.
“These things are not related,” one MAGA voter recently told some friends of mine in a progressive Baptist church they all attend.
Mark Wingfield
This group of friends can talk about theology but not politics.
The same is true in many Cooperative Baptist Fellowship churches, based on conversations I’ve had with pastors of so-called “purple” churches — meaning their members are both Republicans and Democrats.
Thirty years ago, that meant one thing; today it means something else entirely. Thirty years ago, the GOP had not yet become a cult paying obeisance to a single deranged personality.
I agree with some of the far-right pastors currently telling their congregations their faith must shape their vote. I just disagree on how our faith should shape our vote. The two things absolutely are connected, and to claim otherwise is to bury your head in the sand.
“If they were to take seriously the teachings of Jesus, they would have to abandon their lifelong party loyalty.”
Why try to disconnect these? For some, it must be that the cognitive dissonance is too great. If they were to take seriously the teachings of Jesus, they would have to abandon their lifelong party loyalty.
I do not blame pastors for this failure of discipleship. The blame rests solely with those for whom the word of God falls on hard ground, to borrow a parable of Jesus.
Take the Ten Commandments, just as an example.
You shall have no other gods before me. MAGA puts Donald Trump first. Trump has claimed to be God, Jesus, the pope and the most important person in history. Following him is not following Jesus. He is an anti-Christ.
You shall not make for yourself an idol. Trump has put his face and figure everywhere, from giant banners on federal buildings to passports and currency.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God in vain. MAGA has linked its movement with God in such a way as to defame the name of the Lord.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Emphasis here on “keep it holy.” Although Trump rarely darkens the door of a church, he claims to be a spiritual leader. MAGA cruelty has infected evangelical preaching, worship and conversation. There is nothing holy about this.
Honor your father and your mother. This commandment is about more than just biological parents. It also is about honoring those who have come before you, those who raised you. How can we honor parents and forebears who fought in World War II against fascism by now linking the same rotten ideology to Christian faith?
“MAGA has linked its movement with God in such a way as to defame the name of the Lord.”
You shall not murder. MAGA celebrates death and calls it justice. But it is not justice when fishermen are blown out of their boats by U.S. missiles or when families are torn apart by cruel deportation or children are denied food because of “America First.”
You shall not commit adultery. See Donald Trump, Ken Paxton, Pete Hegseth and so forth.
You shall not steal. MAGA is all about stealing from the poor and middle class and giving to the wealthy. The grift of the Trump White House is well-documented and disgusting. And all this is applauded by MAGA.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. MAGA is built on a house of lies. This is the foundation of the cult. Kids are not being turned transgender at school. Immigrants are not raping your wives and daughters. Books are not brainwashing your children. Every MAGA lie is designed to stir up a common fear.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife or possessions. The entire MAGA movement is built on covetousness — a desire to obtain power at whatever cost necessary. Its goal is to rule over others without mandate, to take what has not been granted.
If you want to post the Ten Commandments in every school classroom, you ought to heed the Ten Commandments in voting. Yes, they are related.
Mark Wingfield serves as executive director and publisher of Baptist News Global.