Well, it’s been an interesting two weeks, right? If you haven’t been following, Trump was convicted of numerous felonies related to falsifying business records to conceal a hush payment, all while running for the presidency. Such actions, if true, constitute a crime.
I’m not going to delve into whether I think he’s innocent or guilty. There are enough voices discussing that, and frankly, I think it’s divisive. Opinions vary widely depending on whom you ask. As it stands, he was convicted in a court of law by a jury of his peers.
What I want to do is bridge the gap between those celebrating his convictions and those grabbing their bug-out bags, fearing America’s collapse. I believe both reactions are problematic and wrong.
One of the biggest confusions I see from the left is how people can still support a convicted criminal for the presidency of the United States. I want to try to explain that. I am not trying to change minds, just trying to help answer the question or confusion.
First, you need context and history. Conservatives believe in a small government because they see it as a necessary evil. If the government becomes too big and powerful, it will eventually become corrupt. This is the lens through which conservatives view things, explaining their usual opposition to more government spending or programs.
Now, I’m not saying conservatives aren’t corrupt. I think most Republicans are corrupt, which is why I, just so you know my perspective, am a libertarian and not a Republican.
From the start, most conservatives do not trust the government, whereas most Democrats believe the government is the solution to the nation's problems. This is why Democrats support increased government spending on programs like food stamps or initiatives for the homeless. Conservatives, however, would prefer churches or private parties handle charity.
This brings us to Christian conservatives, where I think most of the left is the most confused. How can Christians support a convicted criminal? Isn’t there moral hypocrisy here? No, there isn’t, and I’ll explain why.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is God. Way back when, Jesus was charged with several offenses by Jewish leaders and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, including:
Jesus was crucified, executed as a convicted criminal. If you missed it, the Christian God was also a convicted criminal and was punished by death.
Another aspect of why some conservatives continue to support Trump, despite his convictions, lies in their perspective on the laws he violated. Many conservatives believe that some of the laws Trump is convicted of violating shouldn’t exist in the first place. They see these laws as part of an overly complex and burdensome legal system that stifles freedom and economic growth.
For example, Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to hide a hush payment. Many conservatives view the laws surrounding business regulations and campaign finance as overly restrictive and often selectively enforced. They argue that these regulations create unnecessary obstacles for business owners and political candidates, leading to a system where only those who can navigate the complex legal landscape succeed.
Conservatives often call for a comprehensive overhaul of the legal system, advocating for fewer regulations and simpler, more transparent laws. They believe this approach would reduce corruption and ensure that laws are applied more fairly. The conviction of Trump, in their eyes, highlights the need for legal reform rather than the need for more laws to convict people.
By pointing to examples like excessive business regulations, conservatives argue that the current legal framework often criminalizes actions that should not be criminalized. They believe that reforming the legal system to reduce unnecessary regulations would prevent similar convictions in the future and create a more just and equitable society.
No, Trump is not God, nor is he even close. However, if Christians praise and worship a God who was a convicted criminal and punished by death 3,000 years later, it’s not too hard for that same group of people to support a mere human who falsified business records. It’s not a huge leap.
But wait—doesn’t the Bible say to obey the governing authorities? Yes and no. In a nutshell, Christians are to obey governing authorities unless such obedience requires them to violate their moral obligations as Christians. For example, if a law, like one permitting abortion, violates their moral obligations, they can and should become dissidents. God is King—not the American government, not our president, and not Trump or Biden. Christians' loyalty is to Christ alone.
To further understand the unwavering support some Christians have for Trump, it’s important to delve into the Christian belief in good versus evil. Christians believe that the world is a battleground between good and evil forces. This worldview significantly impacts their political beliefs and actions.
Christians see themselves as part of a spiritual war against evil, which they believe manifests in various forms, including political corruption, moral decay, and societal injustices. This belief system influences their political choices, often leading them to support leaders who they perceive as fighting against these evil forces, even if those leaders are flawed.
For instance, many Christians support Trump because they see him as standing against what they perceive as moral and societal decay promoted by the political left. They believe that supporting him, despite his flaws and convictions, is a way to combat greater evils.
Another key aspect of Christian belief that influences political views is the understanding that God continually uses broken people to further His cause. Throughout the Bible, God often chose individuals with significant flaws to lead and accomplish His purposes. This pattern provides a powerful context for understanding why some Christians support leaders who may have personal failings.
These examples illustrate that God’s work is not hindered by human imperfections. In fact, God’s strength is often highlighted through the weaknesses of those He chooses to use. This belief underpins why many Christians can support leaders like Trump, viewing his flaws not as disqualifying, but as an opportunity for God’s grace to manifest.
By recognizing that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or their failings, Christians may see their support for Trump as consistent with the biblical narrative of redemption and divine purpose. This perspective helps bridge the gap between those who question how a Christian can support a convicted criminal and those who view such support as a natural extension of their faith.
Understanding the Christian conservative perspective on Trump’s conviction requires a deep dive into their worldview and religious beliefs. From the historical context of government distrust to the biblical examples of God using flawed individuals for His purposes, it becomes clearer why some Christians support Trump despite his legal troubles. Their support is not about condoning crime but about seeing the bigger picture of redemption, grace, and the ongoing battle between good and evil. By acknowledging these factors, we can better understand the complex and often misunderstood reasons behind their political choices.
Please do not speak for all conservative Christains. I am a conservative Christian, and I don't agree with many of your reasons. I did vote for Trump, but I do not equate Trump to Jesus, Moses David, Peter, or Paul. I don't actually care for Trump or appreciate his most used tone. But, if my only two options are Trump, and a democratic party that continually turns a deaf ear to the needs of our nation, then I will choose Trump.
Harris is pretty far left, and when she decided to choose a vp that was even further left instead of more centrist, she sent a message that she was not interested in what the current majority of Americans wanted. While I understand that many of Trumps supporters are extreme right, those of us more to the center still had to make a choice, and unfortunately the deaf ears of the democratic party made that choice fairly easy.
What does it say about the Democratic Party, when they can't even beat a felon? Maybe instead of attacking the voters values, they need to reassess their ability to listen and respond to the American people. Just imagine how badly the Dems would have lost if Trump had less flaws.
For the last 10 years, the Democratic party agenda has slipped further and further away from the needs of the average American. The 2020 election was super close, and if the pandemic would not have evicerated Trumps economic gains and given the Dems a platform of fear to campaign on, Trump would have won by a great margin.
In 2025, the Dems are without power in the house, senate, and White House. The Supreme Court is also conservative. All 3 branches of government are out of the Dems control. Hopefully the Dems can start to see how far off they have become and maybe instead of continually doubling down with deaf ears, they will re-think and re-shape some of their agendas and leaders to allign more with the will of our nation.
Thank you for your reply. We do not speak for all Christians, we do speak for ourselves though. And where did we say Trump is God? We did not, infact we made it clear he is NOT God. We already have a savior, we do not a second need one. However, we can vote for an imperfect person without feeling shamed or guilt or like it goes against our values. Becaue God continuelly uses very broken people to further His kingdom. He uses me, He uses you, He used King David, and he can use Trump. That's the message you are missing here. And, we will continue to speak up and use our 1st ammendment rights despite you asking us to not speak.
Trump may be a "felon" in your eyes, but he was convicted of a "crime" where there were no victims. The alleged victims actually testified on his behalf, stating they were not harmed and that they would be happy to do business with him again. What he did was not a crime, rather this whole case was contrived for the purpose of election interference.
Trump may technically be a felon according to man's law, but he is not a criminal according to God's laws. There are just laws and unjust laws. The laws used to convict him were unjust laws, or at least they were applied unjustly. Calling him a felon is disingenuous, and misleading, and I'd respectfully ask you to refrain from it.
I am a follower of Jesus. I believe that Christ rules over Nations and is sovereign. I believe the WILL of the Father will play out here on Earth, regardless of my opinion. However, I believe my faith requires me to vote and to be informed. I am thankful that I got to vote for President Trump for the 3rd time. He has endured political and personal persecution that would destroy most people. He has endured being lied about and viciously slandered at every turn, as well as his family. Those who hate him tried to silence him, impeach him, bankrupt him, imprison him and finally, when nothing else worked they tried to assassinate him, twice. He was shot in the face. The only thing you have to say about Trump is a ‘convicted felon’? He has done more to save this country from tyranny than anyone the modern era. Most men would have crumbled under NINE years of being called Hitler, a Nazi, the scum of the Earth. Most men would have gone insane. But instead, Trump took a stand for his belief in America, that we could once again return to a thriving, safe, free America. So, as a Christian I think you need to ask yourself why you NEED to call President Trump a Convicted Felon. Is that all you see? The trial in NYC you refer to was a sham…a ‘show trial’. Biden’s corrupt DOJ used political operatives (corrupt judges & prosecutors) to try and imprison him. There was no crime. There was no victim. Even if there was, the statue of limitations on such things had long run out, and the prosecutors knew it. We all know it was lawfare and NOT, how our justice system was intended to work (justice is blind, remember that? ). So maybe instead of labeling Trump supporters as ‘extreme right’, and off handily labeling Trump as a felon…be thankful he was just reelected. I see the hand of God upon this man. I believe America has wounded the heart of God and with this election HE granted us mercy and a second chance. I believe we are at war…this is a Spiritual War, not just a cultural war. I believe that God is using President Elect Trump to accomplish HIS will for America. It’s up to Christian’s to stand in the breach…to speak truth…and the truth is President Trump is not a felon. In the coming months and years I hope you use your faith to lift up those who are trying to save this nation.
Since we disagree, I'm wondering if I can ask YOU not to speak? Is that OK of me to do? Maybe I should have declined your comment, and not allowed you to post it? Should all people that disagree with you, also not speak? How far should we take this not speaking thing because you disagree?
I believe you have every right to disagree with me as Christian, and to challenge me. However, you have ZERO right to ask me not to speak on my own website- that I made with my own experience and time- and that I pay for. Just because we disagree, does not mean you are right. It certainly does mean I am right, but one thing I can tell you is you're the only one so far that has disagreed with message of this post. The audacity and balls it took to tell someone to not speak their opinion on their own website, just because you disagree -is a bit much for me.