Recently Business Insider reported press secretary Sean Spicer quoting Trump flipping on economic reporting. Apparently Trump believes the current jobs report is not phony. Perhaps reports he regards as favorable come from a special reporting system that is more reliable than those he sees as unfavorable. Notwithstanding the childish naivety of this stance, it is alarming the GOP leader would believe such a fluid grasp of reality is acceptable. However, it underscores the much more pervasive issue of GOP hypocrisy.
Nowhere is this hypocrisy more evident than religion. Trump’s presidency has begun to shine a light on the real and large gap that exists between Republican values and the actual teachings of Christ. This is important because for years the GOP has pretended to be the party of Christian values. In fact, a Pew Research Center analysis just after the election showed overwhelming Christian support for Trump particularly among white evangelicals and Mormons. Furthermore, it is widely believed this support passes into the GOP in general.
Given the apparent warmth of this relationship, it stands to reason that GOP values would be closely aligned to tenants of Christianity easily found in The New Testament. If you believe this, you should probably read the text again. Falling in behind Trump, the GOP has endorsed and supports leadership that reflects a lifestyle and vision wholly in opposition to Christian values.
For example, real Christians do not trade spouses like used cars. In fact, The New Testament is clear that being able to maintain marriage is key to being qualified for church leadership. Trump’s endorsement of violence against women and declaration of being above the law also do not reflect core Christian values. The hypocrisy of this is glaring.
Certainly the issue of pro-choice played a role. The GOP has cultivated a strong, ignorant myth of bigotry around this issue regarding democrats. They have also used this controversial issue to mask the steep divide that exists between what they stand for and the teachings of Christ.
For example, real Christians know that building a wall and becoming a fearful isolated nation is the EXACT opposite action and attitude Christ called for in his disciples. Instead, Christians are called to go forth and boldly proclaim Christ, teaching and demonstrating the love of God throughout the world. Service and sacrifice are core Christian values, not military might and accumulation of wealth. It is clear the GOP measures human value by wealth and considers helping the poor and the sick as appropriate if conveniently affordable.
Even mentioning universal healthcare draws a foaming, rabid rebuke of “Socialism!” Why? Because it is un-American?!? It may be un-republican to oppose profiteering on the misery of others, but it certainly is Christian to place the needs of people ahead of money. While republicans readily chant “America First!” real Christians put only one word in front of “--- first,” and it is most definitely not America. Furthermore, real Christians know that just after it come the part about loving your neighbor as yourself.
If you are looking for a bright spot in the Trump presidency, perhaps it is the one that is currently shining on the blatant hypocrisy of the republicans’ “alternative” relationship with Christianity. Perhaps soon Christians will return to the teachings of Christ and realize they have nothing in common with republicans.
Nowhere is this hypocrisy more evident than religion. Trump’s presidency has begun to shine a light on the real and large gap that exists between Republican values and the actual teachings of Christ. This is important because for years the GOP has pretended to be the party of Christian values. In fact, a Pew Research Center analysis just after the election showed overwhelming Christian support for Trump particularly among white evangelicals and Mormons. Furthermore, it is widely believed this support passes into the GOP in general.
Given the apparent warmth of this relationship, it stands to reason that GOP values would be closely aligned to tenants of Christianity easily found in The New Testament. If you believe this, you should probably read the text again. Falling in behind Trump, the GOP has endorsed and supports leadership that reflects a lifestyle and vision wholly in opposition to Christian values.
For example, real Christians do not trade spouses like used cars. In fact, The New Testament is clear that being able to maintain marriage is key to being qualified for church leadership. Trump’s endorsement of violence against women and declaration of being above the law also do not reflect core Christian values. The hypocrisy of this is glaring.
Certainly the issue of pro-choice played a role. The GOP has cultivated a strong, ignorant myth of bigotry around this issue regarding democrats. They have also used this controversial issue to mask the steep divide that exists between what they stand for and the teachings of Christ.
For example, real Christians know that building a wall and becoming a fearful isolated nation is the EXACT opposite action and attitude Christ called for in his disciples. Instead, Christians are called to go forth and boldly proclaim Christ, teaching and demonstrating the love of God throughout the world. Service and sacrifice are core Christian values, not military might and accumulation of wealth. It is clear the GOP measures human value by wealth and considers helping the poor and the sick as appropriate if conveniently affordable.
Even mentioning universal healthcare draws a foaming, rabid rebuke of “Socialism!” Why? Because it is un-American?!? It may be un-republican to oppose profiteering on the misery of others, but it certainly is Christian to place the needs of people ahead of money. While republicans readily chant “America First!” real Christians put only one word in front of “--- first,” and it is most definitely not America. Furthermore, real Christians know that just after it come the part about loving your neighbor as yourself.
If you are looking for a bright spot in the Trump presidency, perhaps it is the one that is currently shining on the blatant hypocrisy of the republicans’ “alternative” relationship with Christianity. Perhaps soon Christians will return to the teachings of Christ and realize they have nothing in common with republicans.