Deteriorating Faith

Sometimes, the most significant truths are overlooked. A principle known as Occam's Razor suggests that the simplest explanation is often the correct one. This wisdom seems lost on many within Christianity today, who have begun to ignore the evident truths about their faith and instead view Trump as its greatest advocate.

In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Trump epitomizes self-interest, driven by four primary motivations:

• Self-preservation
• Self-promotion
• Self-enrichment
• Self-gratification

For those who believe Trump acts in their best interests, it's time for a reassessment. His actions serve his interests, and he shows little concern for the consequences.

Why, then, does he draw such fervent support? What compels individuals to defend him even in the face of insurrection, as seen on January 6th? The answer lies in the intersection of faith and politics.

The Bargain

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a long-sought victory for many Christians and Evangelicals was achieved. This shift in women's reproductive rights was a bargain made to empower Trump, contributing to his continued popularity among religious circles.

Religious leaders often view this trade-off as a necessary step in their battle against what they perceive as moral decay. However, many Christians have compromised their foundational beliefs in pursuit of a singular goal.

The hypocrisy is glaring:

> "Christians are willing to sacrifice nine Commandments to enforce the one they feel most strongly about."

Despite my background in Catholicism, which instilled in me an understanding of the Ten Commandments, I question the prioritization of these teachings. If "Thou shalt not kill" is the most critical commandment, why is it not placed first?

The belief that all commandments hold equal weight is essential. If one were to argue for hierarchy, the first commandment would command the most significance, diminishing the impact of others, including murder.

Universal Sinfulness

Sin is a universal human experience. None of us are exempt, and it transcends demographics. Consider these sobering statistics regarding Christians and the Ten Commandments:

• "Thou shalt not steal": Research indicates that nearly a third of churches have experienced embezzlement, with 27% of such incidents going unreported.
• "Thou shalt not commit adultery": Infidelity accounts for approximately 37% of Christian divorces.
• "Thou shalt not bear false witness": A Pew Research survey reveals that 67% of Christians believe honesty is essential to their identity.

Additional data highlights:

• 45% of Christians oppose abortion, yet nearly half believe it should remain legal.
• 61% of the general population supports legal abortion.
• The seven most peaceful nations are also the least religious.
• The safest states tend to be less religious.
• Religious participation in the U.S. has been declining for decades.

For a group that prides itself on Christian values, a shift toward action over rhetoric may be in order.

Tradition vs. Modernity

The Bible, a remarkable book, contains tales of resurrection, divine intervention, and extraordinary events. Its enduring popularity stems not only from its religious significance but also from its rich narratives and profound teachings. However, interpretations of the text have evolved.

The Bible consists of two sections: the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament recounts the creation and early stories of humanity, filled with prophecies and historical accounts. Yet, much of its content has become less applicable in modern times.

When humanity strayed from God, a great flood was sent to cleanse the earth, save for Noah and his family. Following this, God promised never to destroy humanity again, signified by a rainbow. Unfortunately, humanity returned to its sinful ways.

The New Testament represents a pivotal shift in this narrative.

God’s love for humanity led to the introduction of Jesus Christ, who offered a path to redemption through peace, love, and inclusion. His teachings emphasized forgiveness and compassion, providing timeless wisdom:

• "Turn the other cheek."
• "Love thy enemy and pray for those who persecute you."
• "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
• "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
• "Let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone."
• "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
• "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

If Christians truly embraced Jesus's teachings, where has the disconnect occurred?

A Troubling Timeline

The decline of Christianity's moral compass can be traced back to significant events, particularly after 9/11, when hate crimes surged amid confusion and fear. Over the years, incidents of hate crime increased, exacerbated by political narratives surrounding immigration.

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 marked a critical juncture. He capitalized on fear, labeling immigrants negatively without substantiation. This rhetoric gained traction, leading to a polarized society.

Once in office, Trump’s agenda became evident: dissenting voices were labeled as enemies. His conduct towards various groups was openly derogatory, and his persistent dishonesty eroded trust in leadership.

The Unraveling of Faith

The aftermath of 9/11, the immigration crisis, and Trump’s presidency reveal a troubling trend that threatens Christianity. Deep-seated racism and prejudice, previously hidden, found a voice through Trump, causing societal rifts.

Where, one might ask, are the Christians during this upheaval? Why haven’t religious leaders condemned the divisive language and actions propagated by those who would harm others?

The support for a leader who promotes violence and dishonesty raises profound questions about true Christian values. The pursuit of one political agenda has led many to forsake the broader teachings of Jesus.

In their quest to overturn abortion rights, many have strayed from the essence of their faith, focusing solely on one commandment while disregarding the others.

Time for Reflection

The foundation of Christianity lies in the teachings of Jesus, which should take precedence over all else. Jesus embodies peace, love, and inclusion, essential qualities that must guide the faith.

Christians must not cherry-pick scriptures to validate their views; it’s time to embrace the full message of the New Testament. Many have created a version of Christianity that aligns with their beliefs, but this is a distortion of the faith.

The call to action is clear:

• Stop lying and tell the truth.
• Stop believing in dishonesty and uphold all truths.
• Stop infidelity; focus on relationships.
• Stop fearing the unfamiliar.
• Stop imposing your will on others.
• Stop harming one another.
• Start helping each other.
• Start promoting peace and love.
• Start including others, regardless of differences.
• Start listening rather than dominating conversations.
• Start modeling behavior after Jesus.

In honoring the legacy of Jesus, this is the least one can do to preserve the integrity of Christianity.

For more inspirational stories about self-improvement, mental health, and wellness, join my free newsletter.

I’m available for work.