By David Ettinger
A Justified Question
On February 5, 2020, at a press conference the day after his acquittal from impeachment charges, President Trump used an expletive to describe the Russia probe. Disappointed, I stopped watching.
Many unbelievers and non-evangelical Christians criticize Bible-believers for supporting President Trump, noting he is oftentimes profane, rude, vindictive, and insulting, all things the Bible teaches believers against. This is true – President Trump is all of these – and those who question evangelicals as to their support of him are justified in doing so.
They deserve an answer.
Trump’s Spiritual Condition
There is a segment of the evangelical community which regards President Trump as “God’s anointed” – that the Lord actually “called” President Trump to be president of the United States. Those who endorse this belief are adamant in their devotion to the President, and really do see him as “God’s man.”
I, on the other hand, do not prescribe to this viewpoint. I don’t believe there is anything “divine” or “ordained” about his being in office. I believe he came to the presidency through human circumstances, and fairly and indisputably won the 2016 election.
I also don’t believe President Trump is a Christian. This is just my opinion, of course, but I truly don’t see any hint whatsoever that he has accepted Jesus Christ into his life. I certainly pray he will do so, confessing Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.
Having stated this, I nonetheless support the President, pray for him, hope for his re-election, and want the best for him.
Similar Worldview
So yes, when President Trump displays the worst of his nature – cursing, belittling, bullying – I cringe. But – and this is what those who criticize evangelicals need to understand – I still support what he stands for. And what President Trump stands for – regardless of how he behaves and what he truly believes – is a biblical worldview.
Evangelical Christians see the world through the lens of the Bible. We see the Bible as divine and as the expression of God’s will for the human race. This molds our thinking on morality, conduct, and conscience. Our biblical perspective shapes our attitudes toward issues such as abortion, free speech, sexual practices, and domestic and foreign policy.
Evangelicals, for instance, are predominantly pro-life, and naturally abortion is at or near the top of our concerns. Regardless of President Trump’s true feelings on abortion, he has come down very strongly politically on the side of the unborn. He has spoken boldly on behalf of the unborn, and has backed up his words with policy. Though many Democrats are good and decent people, their support on abortion makes it impossible for evangelicals to uphold them.
Evangelicals also support the Bible’s teaching on sex, which is exclusively intended for marriage between male and female spouses. Though there is no legislation to enforce this, at least President Trump is not promoting policies which enforce acceptance of non-biblical practices and lifestyles.
Evangelicals also know the importance of a Christian education. Though many of us do not send their children to a Christian institution, we believe that just as federal and state monies help fund public school education, some of these funds – which come from taxes we contribute to – should go to private education. President Trump supports these values as well.
And on a personal note, I very much back President Trump’s Israel policies.
In Conclusion
So, yes, there is the frequent offensive behavior of President Trump, and the policies of President Trump, which are often diametrically opposed. Though his demeanor irritates and even inflames many on the evangelical side, we realize he is a President who supports our biblical worldview.
Some of us may wish for a President who acts more civilly, but this is not the way things are. Also, the alternative – from the aspect of Christian worldview – is decidedly worse, that being the Democratic Party’s platform.
There are no perfect candidates. Most people have a worldview. For Evangelicals, that worldview is biblical, and as such we support those who support our biblical worldview. President Trump – for all his imperfections – supports, policy-wise, a Christian, biblical worldview, and this is why Evangelicals support President Trump.
EttingerWriting.com 
Ryan Callahan
February 6, 2020
Trump can definitely be rough around the edges, but I agree. I support him for the same reasons. I’ve told people before that I didn’t vote for him because he was some super Christian. I voted for him because he was the fist we needed to fight back against the wicked liberal agenda. I do believe he was placed in power by God just as Romans 13:1-2 says that the authorities are established by God. I believe he was raised up for this time to give us a chance to keep our sovereignty and freedom. It’s just great to have a President that actually loves our country and is fulfilling his promises in fighting for us. God bless sir!
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
It will be fascinating to see what the rest of this year begins. One thing regarding President Trump, for or against: There’s never a dull moment!
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
February 6, 2020
You missed an excellent tribute to the men and women who fought so hard to keep our Republic.
Honor to whom honor is due.
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seekingdivineperspective
February 6, 2020
Three thoughts on this:
1. Trump may not be a true believer, but many evangelicals have compared him to Cyrus, King of Persia, described as God’s servant, who blessed Israel with his policies of religious tolerance.
2. As I told friends who didn’t want to vote for “the lesser of two evils,” if you don’t vote for the lesser of two evils, you let a vote for the greater of two evils go unchallenged.
3. An analogy I just came up with today: Suppose I lived in a small town that had just two auto repair shops. One has a friendly, polite, charming staff that knows next to nothing about fixing cars, but they’re pleasant to deal with. The other has repairmen that are rude, smelly, and slovenly, but they have one thing going for them: They really know how to fix cars. Suppose my car breaks down. Where would I take it if I really wanted it fixed? Of course, I’d rather deal with pleasant people who know what they’re doing, but when you can’t have it all, you have to decide what’s more important.
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dettinger47
February 6, 2020
I like that analogy. Another good blog for you to write!
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annj49
February 7, 2020
Yes!!!
Exactly!!!!!
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mrsmariposa2014
February 6, 2020
Thank you for a very well-thought and refreshing post, David! I have acquaintances and family on both ends of the spectrum- for them, Trump is either God’s anointed or the devil himself. Very little in between. It has been quite the challenge to express a balanced view with them, unfortunately. I cringe at his demeanor, don’t have a sense of he’s a believer, either, but, I do appreciate several of the stands he’s made and definitely cannot embrace the alternatives! As I have prayed for the leaders that came before him and as I’ll pray for those who come after, should the Lord tarry, I pray he’ll truly receive the Lord and humbly be led by Him.
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
Amen to everything you wrote, Marisa!
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seekingdivineperspective
February 7, 2020
AMEN, Marisa! I pray that every night. Praying that when he truly believes, there will be such an obvious transformation in him that the whole world would see it. How he could glorify God…!!!
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
Well said. Amen!
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mrsmariposa2014
February 7, 2020
Yes! That’s my heart exactly! How great it is to know there’s others praying the same! ☺
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annj49
February 7, 2020
David, you have hit the nail right on the head with this one!
Thanks so much for your God given courage in writing it and publishing it!
I must share and reblog!!!!
It has been hard for me to express publicly what I think and feel about the man, Trump, but this IS my feeling!
I believe God is using a Trump in a mighty way, despite his failings…..
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
Thank you, Ann!
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annj49
February 7, 2020
Reblogged this on Ann’s Corner and commented:
I have fought against public expression of my views and feelings about President Trump, for one reason or another, but here David Ettinger expresses them exactly and this i am not reluctant to share this in a puclic format.
Thank you, David!
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
I appreciate it, Ann!
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Bruce
February 7, 2020
I had some serious hesitation about responding to this post of yours David, due to recent disagreements I encountered when voicing some of the observed character traits of President Trump on line. Having touched on this subject previously with you, where both of us have remained civil and courteous with one another, I am hoping that my intrusion is personally acceptable to you, noting that I have chosen my words prayerfully and carefully and that it is not my deliberate intent to offend any of your readers.
First off I would like to thank you for having the courage to write this David, and while I have some serious doubts about the reasoning behind why President Trump is an advocate for Christian morality and freedoms, and accompanying concern about the damage that is being cast upon the Christian church as a whole, due to Christian ethical credibility considerations, I can at least understand and have empathy with, your perspective.
One would also hope that President Trump’s stated preference for “an eye for an eye” retribution versus Jesus advocating that we should love our enemies, as he articulated during the recent Presidential Prayer Breakfast, is not his final stance, when He stands before our Lord. Were I an American, which I am not, I would also have to vote for him and state the basis for my decision, much like you just have, although I would probably need to clarify that I support “some” of what he stands for. Difficult times and difficult decisions.
If you choose not to publish my comment David, I sincerely have no problem with that.
God’s continued grace and blessings on you and yours my friend.
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
Hi Bruce. Excellent insights and well stated. Most certainly welcome! In fact, we’re having a nice discussion on my Facebook page, if you would like to cut and paste this comment over there, I’d be appreciative.
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Bruce
February 7, 2020
I’ll do that David and thank you.
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mrsmariposa2014
February 7, 2020
Bruce, just to chime in here, you definitely didn’t offend me. Your points here are very well-stated and many mirror thoughts I have had.
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
I concur!
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Bruce
February 7, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to let me know, sincerely appreciated. Had I exercised some better thought out discretion on my part, in the instance where I did run into opposition, I hopefully could have avoided it. Intolerance for differing opinions and how one changes that to tolerance can be dicey. Blessings.
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mrsmariposa2014
February 7, 2020
You’re welcome, Bruce! I have had similar experiences. Definitely understand! Blessings to you as well!
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vicklea
February 7, 2020
I agree. I cringe every time he has a press conference or Tweets because he has no filter. His filter should be Jesus Christ, but it’s not there. My husband says he’s a relatively new Christian. If that’s so, he needs to keep Christian advisers close to him and reading his speeches and Tweets before he releases them. I support his policies but not him as a man. And I feel bad for Melania and Barron every day.
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dettinger47
February 7, 2020
Well said, Vickie. I think you speak for many Christians.
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seekingdivineperspective
February 7, 2020
I get the feeling he is not very open to advice and “filters.” He says what he wants to, and the rest of us cringe…
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Sealed in Christ
February 8, 2020
For me it boils down to this, I support the platform of the Republican Party in opposition to the DNC. Because I am a Christian I cannot and will not vote for a Democrat, regardless if that person seems to be a great candidate with great ideas. In the same way, I will vote for the Republican candidate, regardless of their personal demeanor. Because a vote for a Democrat, any Democrat, is a vote for everything that party stands for as an entity. I don’t personally believe refraining from the vote is an option because that is essentially a vote for the other guy or gal. Whoever that other guy or gal might be.
That said, I don’t believe any leader comes into office by purely human means. That certainly is not what the Bible teaches, i.e. God raises up leaders and puts leaders down. And not all leaders are good leaders. I do believe God placed Trump in office, just as He does every leader, to accomplish His purposes whatever they may be. He is not divine, nor does he deserve to be hailed as such. I personally hoped for a rival Republican this year, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Nevertheless I will be voting Republican.
God bless! Thanks for posting. 😊
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dettinger47
February 8, 2020
Thank you for the excellent insights. Regarding the second part of your post, I think the verse your are referencing, Romans 13:1, regards a general rule. I mean, there are hundreds of elections every year throughout the world, does God appoint EVERY single leader. Did He appoint Hitler and Stalin.
I think the verse refers the general principle that God established government as a way of keeping order in the world. Yes, He raises up leaders and brings them down, but that does mean EVERY single leader who ever lived. I just don’t buy that.
Otherwise, your points are certainly valid, and I am 100 percent with you on your first paragraph. Spot-on!
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Sealed in Christ
February 8, 2020
Thanks David. You bring up some good points. I’ll ponder that and do some reading and get back with you. Have a great day!
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Dee ❤ Sealed In Christ
February 2, 2021
Hi David. I thought about what you said in your comment above, did some reading, then wrote out this reply, but somehow overlooked getting back with you.
Romans 13:1 was not the verse I was referring to, but a few other verses:
-Daniel 2:21, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings”
-Daniel 4:25, “the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes”
-Proverbs 8:14-16, “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly.”
To your point that God doesn’t appoint every single leader (i.e. Hitler and Stalin), I don’t believe any of us can definitively say. But I believe the Bible is clear, God does establish and remove kings at His will and for His purposes. And not just in a general sense; rather, He bestows power on “whomever He wishes”. And when it comes to national and world leaders, He seems to have a more vested interest and involvement. The Bible bears this out through many accounts in the Old Testament.
But back to your question. Did God raise up Hitler, Stalin, etal? Let me ask it this way, did He exercise His sovereignty by removing them before they could murder millions of Jews and other innocent people? History shows that He didn’t. So, what should we assume this means? That God isn’t sovereign–or maybe that He is, but doesn’t care? We would never say either of these things because they aren’t true. The only conclusion we can come to is that God is sovereign, and He exercises His sovereignty for His own purposes. Purposes that we may not always understand in this lifetime.
I’m definitely not one of those groupies that thinks Trump is God’s man of the hour to ‘make America great again’. Nor do I think Biden has the power in himself to destroy America. But in terms of God’s sovereignty and purposes I do believe it’s possible, even likely, that God has allowed (appointed?) each of these men to power, even against the will of the people at large in both cases, to accomplish His purpose and plan for America. In any case, based on what I find in the scriptures, I’m still not comfortable saying either of these came to the presidency purely “through human circumstances”.
Thanks for ‘listening’ to my thoughts. 🙂
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Stephen
February 8, 2020
I find it odd that people seem to think that anything has changed under this presidency. A whole lot of lip service and fanfare, but essentially, the world is still doing what the world does and christians are still saying and doing what the world does.
I can assure you that the abortion rate will not be changed regardless of what any administration says or does nor will anyone’s right to say or do what they want, secular or religious. Nothing has changed.
There is no difference what so ever, the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep allowing themselves to be divided over illusions and delusions. One side is moved by social justice and the other side by religious justice and it just keeps getting more polarized.
The only True justice is repentance, Jesus could of made it happen while on earth as He can today. But Jesus chose and chooses to leave the world as is. He told us that those who belong to Him would be in the world but not of it. Repentance does come to some, it’s the work of God, not government, not legislation, not a christian worldview or lip service, but by God Himself.
It is a rather sad time indeed.
That being said, very good insight into the political situation. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings
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dettinger47
February 8, 2020
Great insights, Stephen, and I agree entirely. I’ve written similarly (to you) in other posts. Good job.
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Lady Quixote/Linda Lee
February 11, 2020
I am so grateful for this post. I keep coming back and rereading it. About three weeks ago, I was beaten up very badly in a long string of comments by a Christian blogger, simply because I had made a comment saying that I cannot understand how Trump was the best candidate the Republican party could come up with. I said I wished I could vote for Pence for President.
The long string of increasingly angry comments that this particular blogger put under my comment were so hurtful, I had total strangers reaching out to me on my blog, asking if I was okay. And I still feel emotionally like I have been beat up.
So, if God commissions every person in authority and commands us to obey their authority, if Hitler were elected right now, would this mean we would have to do whatever Hitler told us to do? Up to and including shoving our neighbors into a fiery furnace? I don’t think so!
“Rough around the edges” doesn’t begin to describe it.
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dettinger47
February 12, 2020
Great points, Linda. I saw that string of outrageous attacks. Just one guy going nuts. Try to let it go.
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Lady Quixote/Linda Lee
February 12, 2020
Thank you. Yes, I am, indeed, doing my utmost to prayerfully “let it go.” The problem with letting it go, for me, is that I am on 100% disability for severe PTSD. That string of comments caused me to flashback to the horrific years that I lived with daily verbal and frequent physical abuse, abuse that I literally barely survived. I went off of Facebook ten years ago, because my PTSD could not handle all the arguments. I have found the blog world to be a much kinder, gentler, safer place, for the most part.
Thanks to modern brain imaging technologies, it has been proven that extreme trauma actually changes the structure and function of the brain. Therefore, PTSD is a real, physical injury, and trying to force yourself to think positive thoughts will not magically make PTSD go away, any more than positive thinking, alone, will get rid of cancer.
The good news is that brain imaging technologies have also discovered that the injured brain can heal, thanks to neuroplasticity, albeit very slowly, and only with the right kind of healing interventions. However, when a traumatized person is re-injured, a certain amount of relapse is inevitable. This is especially true when you have also had a serious head injury. I have been knocked unconscious four times in my life, three of which were due to violent abuse. So I have multiple TBIs, in addition to severe PTSD.
It did not help that the comment war began on a day after I’d gotten only about one hour of sleep, because my daughter was having major surgery. Sleep deprivation, and worry about our daughter, on top of multiple TBIs — and then having my PTSD triggered by all those hurtful comments — caused me to lose my temper. I was ANGRY! And then I said some things in my replies to those comments, that I now very much regret. Then I went through several days of beating up myself for not being the perfectly loving, forgiving, gracious Christian lady that I aspire to be. I thought I was healed better than that. Augh!
I want so much to delete all my comments there, especially the ones I made after my PTSD was triggered. But I can’t. Those comments are going to live on WordPress forever. Talk about a permanent record!
So yeah, I am, indeed, working on “letting it go.” But I am not going to beat myself up for not being able to do that perfectly, either. 😀
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord. He is a God of love, mercy, and grace. Praise the Lord! I a daughter of the King of Kings. I am forgiven. I am loved. And I am covered by His grace. This is where I find my peace. In the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus.
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dettinger47
February 12, 2020
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Linda Lee. I am sorry that this condition has caused you so much trauma over your life, and I pray the Lord will bring daily healing to you.
Regarding the comments which can’t be rescinded, I love a particular verse, Lamentations 3:22-23, which reminds us how each day is a new day: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
The Lord’s richest blessings upon you!
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Lady Quixote/Linda Lee
February 12, 2020
Praise God, I love that verse. Thank you!
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dettinger47
February 12, 2020
Thank you as well, Linda.
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