AI Says...
The support of many evangelical Christians for Donald Trump, despite his blatant disregard for several biblical commandments, illustrates a striking contradiction between religious faith and political opportunism. This phenomenon is part of a broader trend in which religious groups, while advocating spiritual values, support leaders or policies that violate these fundamental principles. This instrumentalization of religious dogma for political purposes finds parallels in other contexts, whether in Hinduism in India, radical Islamism, or the role of the Orthodox Church in Russia under Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s Major Transgressions Against the Ten Commandments
Although supported by a majority of white evangelicals in the United States, Donald Trump has repeatedly violated the commandments they claim to uphold. Here are some major transgressions:
"You shall not commit adultery"
Trump had multiple extramarital affairs, notably with Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, which he attempted to cover up through secret payments. His behavior with women, including accusations of sexual assault, is entirely contrary to the ideal of marital fidelity preached by evangelicals.
"You shall not steal"
While not theft in the traditional sense, Trump engaged in numerous financial frauds, including through Trump University (which was convicted of fraud), and other dubious practices that deceived investors and taxpayers.
"You shall not bear false witness"
Trump is a pathological liar. During his presidency, he was documented as having lied more than 30,000 times by The Washington Post. His false claims about a rigged 2020 election are a glaring example, leading to the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
"You shall not kill"
Although he has not killed directly, his political decisions have led to the deaths of many innocent people. His abandonment of the Kurds in Syria in 2019 enabled a bloody Turkish offensive. His mishandling of COVID-19, downplaying the pandemic and promoting irresponsible policies, likely cost thousands of American lives.
"You shall have no other gods before me"
Trump sees himself as a quasi-divine figure. His narcissism and cult of personality have led to an adulation that borders on idolatry, even among evangelicals who view him as a political "messiah."
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife"
His comments about women, notably in the Access Hollywood recording where he boasted about grabbing women by their genitals, directly violate this commandment.
Why Do Evangelicals Support Trump Despite Everything?
Political Pragmatism
Trump championed policies favorable to evangelical Christians, such as appointing anti-abortion judges to the Supreme Court, defending so-called "family values" (ironically), and offering unconditional support to Israel.
The Myth of the "Imperfect but Chosen Leader"
Some evangelicals see Trump as a divine instrument despite his flaws. Biblical figures like King David (who committed adultery and murder) are cited to justify the idea that God uses sinners to fulfill His plans.
Obsession with Power and Influence
Christian Zionism and anti-progressive policies take precedence over personal morality. Evangelicals accept Trump as a "necessary evil" to secure their influence over the country.
Other "Unholy Alliances" in Religious Contexts
1. Hinduism and Violence in India
The BJP, Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party, instrumentalizes religion to justify violence against Muslim and Christian minorities.
Hinduism preaches non-violence (ahimsa), yet radical militias like the RSS organize lynchings of Muslims under the pretext of protecting sacred cows.
The real objective? To maintain hegemonic power in India by exploiting religious rhetoric.
2. Radical Islamism and Suicide Attacks
The Quran explicitly forbids the killing of innocents (Surah 5:32), yet Islamist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda justify their massacres in the name of jihad.
Suicide bombings, contrary to fundamental Islamic principles, are used as political tools to establish a caliphate or terrorize populations.
Once again, religious ideology serves the goal of power and control.
3. Putin’s Russia and the Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church, supposedly advocating peace and charity, supports the war in Ukraine and blesses soldiers sent to massacre civilians.
Patriarch Kirill even justifies Putin’s aggressions as a "divine mission."
Here too, religion is manipulated to legitimize dictatorship.
Dogma: A Tool for Power and Mass Control
Whether in evangelical Christianity, radical Hinduism, Islamism, or Russian Orthodoxy, the same dynamic is at play:
Religion Becomes a Political Instrument
Dogma is used to legitimize authoritarian regimes and justify violations of these very beliefs.
It is no longer about spirituality but about domination and mass manipulation.
Believers Are Mobilized Through Fear and the Promise of Salvation
Trump and evangelicals stoke fear of progressivism and "atheist socialism."
Islamists radicalize followers by promising paradise if they fight for their cause.
In Russia, the Church claims that opposing Putin is opposing God.
The Ultimate Goal Is Always Power
Regardless of religion or ideology, they are merely tools to control populations and secure political dominance.
Conclusion: Religion as a Tool of Domination
The alliance of evangelicals with Trump, just like those of radical Hindus with Modi, Islamists with jihad, and the Orthodox Church with Putin, illustrates a historical constant: religious and ideological beliefs are often perverted to serve political interests and ensure elite domination.
It does not matter that Trump violates the commandments, that Hindus lynch Muslims, that Islamists kill innocents, or that Russian priests bless war crimes. The essential goal for these leaders is maintaining power by manipulating the faith of the masses.
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