In the following quote, Kelsey Grammar explains why he is voting for Donald Trump:
“For me to be anything else would be a problem,” he replied. “I don’t go along with a lot of what is preached in Hollywood. I go along with what is preached in Christianity. I go along with do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
“And I believe in all people: I believe in their desires and their lives and their worth. I want to make shows about that. I don’t want to hate anybody.”
Let us dissect the above in relation to the perceived overlap by Mr Grammar of Donald Trump and Christianity.
Christianity, a faith rooted in love, compassion, humility, and the pursuit of justice, stands as a guiding beacon for millions. The teachings of Jesus Christ, which include concepts such as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12), underscore a framework of moral and ethical conduct that challenges believers to lead lives of selflessness, empathy, and service. Yet, in recent years, the world of American politics has been profoundly affected by a figure who stands in stark contrast to these values: Donald Trump.
The following explores how Donald Trump’s actions and public persona contradict fundamental Christian teachings. It dissects his rhetoric, policies, and leadership approach through a Christian lens, raising questions about how Trump’s conduct aligns—or fails to align—with the faith he has so often claimed to champion. We will also consider the paradox of Trump’s support base, a significant portion of which comprises evangelical Christians, in light of his divergence from Christian principles.
The Teachings of Jesus and Trump’s Antithetical Actions
The Sermon on the Mount is one of Christianity’s most cherished discourses, providing foundational teachings on humility, compassion, forgiveness, and altruism. Jesus’ instructions in this sermon compel believers to show mercy, seek peace, and reject materialism, greed, and pride. However, Trump’s public life appears to embody precisely these latter qualities, making him appear, to many Christians, as the antithesis of Christ’s teachings.
1. Humility vs. Pride
Christianity venerates humility. Jesus Christ exemplified modesty, consistently placing others before himself. This value is echoed throughout the Bible, particularly in Proverbs 16:18, which states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Christians are warned against arrogance and encouraged to avoid the trappings of self-centeredness.
In contrast, Trump’s self-aggrandisement and overt displays of pride are widely recognised. Known for his use of superlatives when speaking about himself, Trump often depicts himself as “the best,” “the greatest,” or “the only one” capable of resolving the country’s issues. His unapologetic self-promotion defies the core Christian tenet of humility, reinforcing a personality that centres on self rather than service.
2. Love Thy Neighbour vs. Division and Exclusion
The command to “love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39) encapsulates the Christian approach to compassion and inclusivity. Jesus welcomed the downtrodden, extending compassion to outcasts, and he cautioned his followers to embrace others without prejudice.
Trump’s tenure, however, was marked by divisive rhetoric that often stoked fear and animosity. His policy on immigration, which included a travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries and family separations at the US-Mexico border, represents actions that directly contradict the Christian commandment to care for strangers and those in need. Many Christian organisations spoke out against these policies, describing them as cruel and antithetical to the faith. Jesus’ words, “For I was a stranger, and you took me in” (Matthew 25:35), highlight the importance of embracing those from all backgrounds, an approach that Trump’s exclusionary policies directly undermined.
3. The Golden Rule vs. Retaliation and Hostility
A foundational tenet of Christianity is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This directive encourages empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. Kelsey Grammer, known for his role as Frasier and a professed supporter of Trump, spoke about this principle, stating, “I go along with what is preached in Christianity. I go along with do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” His words highlight an ideal of interaction that is conspicuously absent in Trump’s conduct.
Trump’s style of communication often contradicts this ethic. Known for his incendiary tweets and inflammatory language, he frequently used his platform to belittle and insult others. From calling his critics derogatory names to mocking individuals based on their appearances, Trump’s behaviour reflects an approach that is more akin to retaliation than respect or empathy. His interactions with political opponents, foreign leaders, and even members of his own party were often marked by hostility, contradicting the Christian encouragement to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and demonstrate kindness.
4. Forgiveness vs. Grudges
Christian doctrine places forgiveness at the heart of human relationships. Jesus’ teaching to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22) highlights the boundless capacity for forgiveness that Christians are encouraged to adopt. Holding grudges or seeking vengeance is seen as destructive, harming both individuals and society.
Trump’s political and personal behaviour has demonstrated a persistent unwillingness to forgive. Known for holding grudges, he frequently launched attacks on those who challenged or criticised him. From refusing to acknowledge former adversaries to repeatedly criticising journalists and political rivals, Trump’s tendency to harbour resentment starkly contrasts with the Christian principle of forgiveness. Rather than seek reconciliation, Trump often used public platforms to attack those he perceived as enemies, deepening divisions rather than healing them.
Christian Charity vs. Trump’s Materialism
Jesus’ teachings emphasised the dangers of material wealth and the spiritual necessity of caring for the poor. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, “You cannot serve both God and money,” underscoring the Christian belief that spiritual wealth holds far greater value than material possessions. Christianity teaches its followers to prioritise generosity and avoid idolising wealth.
Trump’s reputation as a wealthy businessman with a penchant for luxury stands in clear opposition to this teaching. His public image often emphasises opulence, and his leadership style has placed significant focus on economic success as a primary indicator of worth. While economic growth is not inherently un-Christian, an overemphasis on wealth and materialism directly conflicts with the Christian call to seek spiritual over material riches. Furthermore, Trump’s tax policies, which disproportionately benefited the wealthy, seem to clash with the Christian ethic of supporting the poor and vulnerable.
The Paradox of Evangelical Support
Despite these contradictions, Trump has enjoyed substantial support from the evangelical Christian community in the United States. This backing has perplexed many observers, who question how a figure whose values appear so at odds with Christian doctrine could gain such fervent endorsement from a faith-based group. Several factors may explain this paradox.
1. Single-Issue Voting
For many evangelical Christians, single issues, particularly those concerning abortion, hold tremendous weight in determining political allegiance. Trump’s alignment with conservative stances on issues like abortion has made him an appealing candidate for evangelicals despite his otherwise un-Christian demeanour. By pledging to appoint conservative judges and support pro-life policies, Trump positioned himself as a defender of traditional Christian values on these single-issue grounds, allowing many evangelicals to overlook other aspects of his character.
2. Perception of Persecution
Many conservative Christians in the United States feel that their beliefs are increasingly under attack in a society that they view as growing progressively secular. Trump’s rhetoric about defending religious freedom and pushing back against “political correctness” resonated with a segment of Christians who feel marginalised. This perception of persecution fostered a bond with Trump, whom they saw as a defender of their faith—even if his lifestyle and actions were incongruent with Christian principles.
3. The Appeal of Strength
Trump’s brand of leadership, marked by an “America First” mentality and a seemingly unshakable confidence, appealed to a cultural archetype of strength that many Americans, including Christians, found compelling. His brash approach made some feel that he could bring about the restoration of traditional values. However, this view is at odds with the image of leadership promoted by Jesus, who taught that true strength lies in humility and servanthood. This paradox highlights a shift within some Christian communities, where strength is now often seen in terms of power rather than moral integrity.
The Witness of Christianity and Trump’s Impact
Christianity, particularly within evangelical circles, has suffered an image crisis due to its association with Trump. The support that a vocal contingent of Christians gave to Trump, despite his controversial behaviour, led to increased scepticism about the integrity of American Christianity. This perceived hypocrisy—where believers support someone whose actions contravene the very teachings they profess—has been noted by young people and non-believers, driving some away from the faith altogether.
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus speaks of believers as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Christianity’s role as a moral compass and a beacon of hope for others depends on the integrity of its followers. When Christians align themselves with values or individuals that starkly contradict their teachings, it compromises their witness. Trump’s tenure, marked by divisiveness and scandals, risked tainting Christianity’s reputation by association. As a result, Christians who wish to preserve the essence of their faith are now called to reassess the criteria by which they choose their leaders.
Therefore, what we can conclude is this. Donald Trump’s public life, rhetoric, and policies stand in stark opposition to the principles of Christianity. From his pride and materialism to his divisive rhetoric and refusal to embrace humility, Trump represents a personality that challenges the very core of Christian teaching. His leadership style, which often prioritised self-interest over public service, is the antithesis of Jesus’ example of sacrificial love and humility.
The paradox of Trump’s support from the evangelical Christian community raises complex questions about the current state of American Christianity. How does a faith that teaches forgiveness, compassion, and humility reconcile its support for a figure whose conduct so often opposes these values? Ultimately, Christianity’s credibility hinges on its commitment to these teachings, even when that commitment requires difficult political decisions. A return to the teachings of Christ, rather than allegiance to any political figure, may be the path forward for Christians seeking to embody their faith in both word and action.
Ultimately, our overall deduction is this: Kelsey Grammar must be an imbecile.
