I find it very curious that so many folks have enthusiastically thrown their support behind Donald Trump in 2016. But I’m particularly amazed at evangelicals who have fallen head over heels for Trump, both those in the pews, as well as noted evangelical leaders such as Jerry Falwell, Jr., Robert Jeffress and more. As I’ve listened to these men trumpet their praise for Donald, much of their rationale is based on the billionaire’s perceived business acumen and his supposed fiscal credentials.
In his statement endorsing Donald Trump, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr, called Trump, “a successful executive and entrepreneur.” And Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of 11,000 member First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX, stated on FoxNews that evangelical pragmatists say, “Let’s find the most conservative person we can. Let him concentrate on fixing the economy… pragmatists are basically going towards Donald Trump.”
The sentiments by Falwell, Jeffers and millions of other “pragmatic” evangelicals prioritizing the economy and fiscal matters is quite puzzling and got me wondering whether other values of an individual should be ignored? Do a candidate’s positions on other issues matter? What about his personal behavior and life — is that fair game? Or should we simply remain focused on fiscal issues, as if strengthening the almighty dollar should be our nation’s singular priority?
Let’s consider another businessman who, by any measure of economic standards, has achieved extraordinary business success. In 1953, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, struggling to find his place in the world, invested $600 of his limited capital to launch a monthly periodical. The first issue was an instant success, selling out all 53,991 copies at 50 cents per copy. Over the next several years, the magazine’s circulation grew to over 1 million by 1960, and it continued on a rapid upward trend, peaking at over 5 million copies monthly in 1975.
Boosted by his rapid success, the young entrepreneur ventured into a number of related business ventures, including casinos and night clubs. With his growing success, the periodical he founded attracted mainstream authors and secured interviews with noted personalities, including presidential candidate Jimmy Carter and even Donald Trump.
Despite falling on hard times in the 80’s, the following decade the business regrouped under the leadership of his daughter. As a result, the enterprise that began as a men’s magazine nearly 40 years earlier successfully launched a TV channel and soon after that a membership only website. Fast forward to 2015 and the founder of that first fledgling periodical in 1953 now boasts a multi-billion dollar global operation. And this entrepreneur’s own personal net worth is estimated at $50 million… which all started with a $600 investment.
Obviously, from the title of my article you can already surmise our mystery entrepreneur is none other than Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy, one of the most economically successful men’s magazines of all time. Yet, by any measure of wholesome and upright values, Hugh Hefner is someone who has preyed on women and capitalized on the sexually degenerate appetites of men. Hefner is a man whose values have served to hasten our nation’s slide into the abyss of moral degradation and depravity. The door Hefner’s Playboy dared to crack open has ultimately served to proliferate an industry that has become so mainstream that many simply shrug their shoulders as it leads millions of young men down a dead end trail of remorse and regret.
Like Hugh Hefner, Donald Trump has achieved extraordinary business success and it’s this success that he touts when he claims, “I’m running for office in a country that’s essentially bankrupt, and it needs a successful businessman.” There is no doubt that America’s fiscal condition is dire with up to 40% of all federal expenditures being funded through increasing our national debt as it bursts through the $20 trillion mark. But driving this fiscal threat is our bankruptcy as a nation relative to our adherence to the Constitution and the principles of our founding fathers, including those Judeo-Christian values upon which America was founded.
Given these truths, we are faced with a chicken and egg type dilemma. Do economics drive a person’s values or do a person’s values drive their economics?
I believe all that we do flows from our core values so while evangelical leaders like Falwell and Jeffress appear to base their endorsement of Trump on his fiscal prowess, I believe one cannot and should not ignore the values behind Trump’s financial successes. So, let’s look very briefly at just a few of Trump’s “values” that would be at odds with the values many evangelicals and conservatives claim as their own:
- Trump boasts in his book “The Art of the Comeback” about his numerous extra-marital exploits: “If I told the real stories of my experiences with women, often seemingly very happily married and important women, this book would be a guaranteed best-seller.“
- Trump said in 1999 “I am very pro-choice” and he would not ban partial birth abortion. He claims to have changed his views in recent years.
- Trump said he is open to the idea of continuing federal funding of Planned Parenthood for their “good aspects… and the things they do properly and good” but he would not fund the abortion part of their business.
- Trump supports ethanol subsidies.
- Trump supported President Obama’s Stimulus plan in 2009.
- Trump supported the 2005 Supreme Court Kelo vs City of London dealing with eminent domain that authorized public authorities to seize private property for economic development by investors.
- Trump supported TARP
- Trump supports a universal healthcare system similar to Canada’s government-run system and the government would foot the bill for those who could not pay.
These are just a few highlights of Trump’s views that clearly conflict with conservative values. To find out more about the issues Trump supports, that should concern conservatives, go to Conservative Review here and here. Additionally, for evangelical conservatives, these articles by CNN and The Daily Beast provide additional areas of concern.
At the end of the day, I believe that one’s core values will ultimately influence every other decision a person makes. And while our nation certainly requires some drastic fiscal reforms, there are still matters that should trump the dollar, even when it comes to Donald Trump. And finally, we should all remember the words of Jesus when He said, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” At this crucial time in our nation’s history, are we more concerned in gaining the world or losing our souls?
As my fellow evangelicals head to the polls, I pray they will not only ponder their answer to this question, but I encourage them to read the Resolution on Moral Character of Public Officials.
Mark,
I believe that Donald Trump is not the answer to all of our ills (& hopes), but he is standing hard on the core issues of illegal immigration and the terror threat. He is also not a professional politician. We have elected “conservatives” to a majority in the house and the senate and have seen no return on our investment. Ted Cruz speaks wonderful things on the campaign trail, but his inaction in Washington tells a different story. He is an establishment politician who has proven that he cannot be trusted. We don’t have a Ronald Reagan today, so, to many, Donald Trump is the next best thing. He says it plain and doesn’t back down. Americans are not happy. They want a president that will do what he says. Donald is not pusillanimous in any sense of the word. While he may not fit everyone’s definition of a ‘true’ Christian, he will stand firm for Christian’s rights and will not beat up Christians like our current CIC. He is a proud American.
I have very real issues with Donald Trump’s understanding of eminent domain. I have very real issues with his ideas on health care. But the far more important issues are immigration (and the unwillingness of the current administration to insist on the rule of law) and terrorism and the impending battle that we MUST fight.
It is sad, that two thousand years after humanity killed Christ, that we still crucify (in the public) the best candidates & hail the criminals to rule over us.
Mark…I have to admit that I am in a place of confusion and maybe even paralysis on the upcoming election. I am not on the Trump train, and I agree that moral integrity should play a role in selecting a leader, but is it THE determining factor? We have seen men of high moral character who were not particularly good leaders (Jimmy Carter, Mitt Romney, etc). Plus, in this day of digital personas, who really knows who is actually of high moral fiber versus those who project the image of high moral fiber? It has never been easier to hide one’s heart and intentions from others.
I suspect I am very typical…really unsure who to support…no one who has ever worked with Cruze seems to like him, and the shenanigans he pulled in Iowa against Carson has me wondering about him. Speaking of which, would most of us agree that Carson seems to have the highest moral fiber of any candidate….but it appears he does not have money or moxie to make it happen, so just more confusion and paralysis for me!
Billy,
Great thoughts and concerns and you express no doubt what many are struggling with. We have been let down so many times by so many leaders over the last many decades that to question anyone and everyone is not only natural, but it’s wise, in my opinion. But as you know as a business owner, one of the best ways to predict what a prospective employee will do and how they will behave is to look at their track record. The best predictor of future results is past behavior.
In the case of Trump, if past record is a good barometer, then any conservative, who is rational and objective, should be extremely concerned. Look at the few items I cited in my article. And then click on the links in the article for a more extensive list of Trump’s track record, all verifiable. Then compare that with his words in recent weeks or months. They are in total contradiction. So can Trump be trusted? You’ll have to make that decision but it’s no question for me.
You raised Ted Cruz and wondered about why those he worked with don’t seem to like him. The real question, in my view, is whether those who elected Cruz like him — they are his employers. And for the record, one of the most solid Constitutional Conservatives in the Senate, Mike Lee, unabashedly stated, “Ted Cruz is my friend” in this article: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/02/06/mike-lee-ted-cruz-is-my-friend/
I think we should ask though why don’t many of his fellow senators not like Cruz? In my view it’s because, unlike nearly every Senator up there, Ted Cruz takes his word to his voters and his oath to the Constitution seriously. He has been consistent in standing for the principles he said he believed in. On the flip side, consider Marco Rubio. He is well liked, by not just his own party but also by Dem. Senator Chuck Shumer and others on the left. And why is that? Because Marco quickly forsook his pledge to stand against amnesty, when he rallied tea party supporters (including me) to help him defeat the Republican establishment candidate. Now in that scenario, which man stood true to his word? Cruz. And which do the establishment reject? Cruz.
That said though, there are examples where Cruz has rallied support from both sides of the aisle on very critical issues. I can provide that if you’d like. But more often than not he has been the strong principled conservative and that has exposed many who are “conservatives” in word only.
As far as the Carson matter, are you aware that the Cruz campaign simply repeated a report from CNN? For that he has been brutalized by the media, Trump, Rubio and more. I have read about this issue extensively and I’d encourage you to read this report that lays out the facts: http://theresurgent.com/suck-it-up-ben-carson/
Finally, many do not realize the vast experience, credentials and track record of Ted Cruz. He has done much more than simply get elected to the Senate. I’d encourage you to review his “resume” here: http://www.youngcons.com/ted-cruzs-resume-is-very-impressive-should-make-him-standout-amongst-other-candidates/
At the end of the day though, let me thank you for your deliberate research and your concern about who to vote for. Our nation is in a dire scenario, and in my view, unless we return to our founding principles, we may not recover from the tail spin we are in.
Hello Mark,
Thank you for the article and your sincere love for our Savior and our country. I agree 100% with what you are conveying. The Truth is, the Lord said; He would shake not only the earth, but the heavens also.That He would shake all that can be shaken, so that, that which can’t be shaken will remain. One thing certain about all this, is that Sovereign God, the Creator of all Heaven and Earth, has always and will always be in control. He also says that; He raises kings (meaning rulers) up and puts kings down. Nothing is outside of His Sovereign control. Thats good news to those whom believe on His Name. King David wrote; Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. Everything on this earth is orchestrated for His purposes. To bring Him glory. And nothing supersedes His authority. With that being said, It is my priviledge, Mark, to hold high with you, the banner of Truth that will prevail over all in the end; when our Sovereign Savior folds this age up like a garment.
But “religious leaders” and “evangelicals” whom would support a candidate with economic promises, that he may or may not be able to keep, rather than one standing on the founding principles and moral values and integrity, which made this country great to begin with, is an abandonment of their faith in the only One that can fix this. No man can fix this! I dont care who he is! But one thing a man can do, is cry out to God for His mercy and forgiveness of our many sins as a nation and declare that with God’s grace, we will again be One Nation Under God!!! So yes, it has EVERYTHING to do with where we stand on the Everlasting Truth of God’s Word; because God said Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My Word will last forever. The Holy Spirit narrated to the Apostle Paul in the letter to Timothy, that in the last days; perilous times will come: BECAUSE men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despiser of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying it’s power. He then says; Do not affiliate or align yourself with such people.
God will do what He said He will do, and that’s clean this mess up, whether we like it or not…it’s our choice whether we will be for Him or against Him. Let’s not be fools, but let us pray for our nation; His mercy and forgiveness, because His love is greater than His anger, He proved that in Christ. Let’s be on the winning side, and pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His will be done in us as it is in Heaven. And if God chooses to allow this nation to fall, then at least we will have stood on the principles of His Word and we will come forth as pure gold.
Thank you Mark, also, for the forum you have created on this website.
Well said Joe. You hit the nail on the head and at the end of the day, we are not called to “win” during our “four score and ten” here on the earth. Rather, we are called to obey. That for a believer is winning.
Mark,
Promise to be my friend even if I vote for Trump? This is a very insightful article but comparing Mr. Trump to Hefner is a little extreme.
Anyways I’m looking forward to the election. Every election I take a lot of time to decide on my candidate and I took a lot of time to think about this one too. And you are right I’m not voting my faith I’m voting for the strongest possible candidate who can restore this country back to its glory days.
It is the end times, who knows what the world is going to look like 4 years from now.
I love Trump and Cruz. May the best man win. Who knows it may be a Trunk-Cruz campaign
Santhosh, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Respectfully though, I think you missed the point of the comparison between Trump and Hefner. The point, as referenced in the post, was that if the two evangelicals leaders who endorsed Trump (Falwell and Jeffress) were basing their support of Trump as a result of his business acumen, and ignoring his many other problematic values (which were illustrated amply in the post), then what would be the reason to disqualify another businessman who has proven his success economically? Of course the illustration was an extreme one, but it was meant to point out the huge flaw that exists in evangelicals embracing a man like Trump to lead our nation.
If evangelicals believe the verse, “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people” then this should influence their decision and choice for POTUS. I’m curious if you read the link in the final sentence of the post that references the document entitled “Resolution On Moral Character Of Public Officials?” If not, I would encourage you to read it and then to prayerfully consider if Trump possesses the leadership qualities reflected in that document? Finally, I would remind you of the qualifications Moses sought for leaders in Exodus 19:21 – “select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers…” Again, does Trump fit the bill? Does he fear God? Is he a man of truth? Would you suggest he hates covetousness?
Hello Mark,
Again, I agree 100%. The shaking that God says He will do, will also involve the “Church”, for they’re those that have a form of godliness but deny the Power thereof. It’s times like these that shake us all. But anytime there is a “shaking”, God is doing it for a reason, and the reason is to wake us up, corporately and individually, to expose what is not of faith, because without faith it is impossible to please Him. Also, that which is not of faith, is sin. (Heb.11:6; Rom. 14:23). It all boils down to one thing….in whom do you believe? But let God be True and every man a liar.(Rom. 3:4). But the good news is….God’s got this!!! We must believe on Him for our own sakes and the sakes of others; namely our loved ones, and do our part to vote with a conscience toward God. Only then, can we have unadulterated hope for our nation, and our eternal future.
What kind of politician is Donald Trump? He is a PROGRESSIVE! A classical charismatic PROGRESSIVE.
And, we can reasonably expect him to behave in office just like the other PROGRESSIVE Presidents such as Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover, FDR, and, of course, Barack Obama. Those who like those Presidents will certainly love Donald Trump.
What is a Progressive?
1. All progressives are philosophical monopolists.
2. All progressives are condescending toward those who have other ideas.
3. All progressives are unpredictable and will strategically change their philosophy without notice.
4. All progressives believe progress flows out of central superiority.
Mark, thanks for an exceptionally well written and informative article.
Over sixty ago Ayn Rand used her novel, Atlas Shrugged, to repeatedly make this point about Progressives:
-Progressives only win when they can obtain the voluntary support (sanction) of their victims.-
Good comments…Mark when I said that I guessed that I am fairly typical of the confused and maybe disillusioned voter, I think some of the differences in our views, say for example on Cruz, is that I am not passionately committed to the ideologies of conservatism. As David points out in his comment, electing those who promise to be the the most conservative has not brought about much change (hence my disillusionment). I am sure we can all find articles pros and cons on each of the candidates, but I am looking (still looking?) for a leader that I can trust. Cruz has jettisoned some of his staff to try and save his damaged image as a dirty player…that sounds so typically political to me. But I heartily agree with Joe in that God is not outside of any of this, and at the end of the day, our nation, like all nations are destined to come and go, while His kingdom is forever.