See the Q&A Series here
Q: You say, ‘Faith is not based on what is seen, but on what is believed …without, and in spite of physical evidence. (Hebrews 11:1)’ Folks who believe in Trump’s ideology (Trumpism), cultural and racial supremacy, etc. have faith that they are righteous, despite evidence of his and their terrible misdeeds committed openly, in plain sight. So could [blind] FAITH be where the real issues lie?
A: Thanks for your very pertinent question. I will do my best to answer it from a Biblical perspective.
I do not believe faith, per se, is on trial in this situation. Rather, it is the object of folks’ faith that should be, and is on trial. Throughout The Bible, The Lord admonishes us to live by faith in Him, His Word promises, His nature and character, more than anything or anyone else. Similarly, throughout The Bible and world history, only a precious few folks have demonstrated the ability, commitment and courage to do exactly this, and they generally paid high prices of various kinds for their faithfulness. The majority, however, rebelled against The Lord’s command, and many simply demonstrated errant understandings of what He requires. Though He held societal leaders (kings, priests and prophets) accountable for their errant teachings and role-modeling, when The Lord’s Grace expired (as it always does without repentance), most folks were caught in the grip of His judgments, and at times, and even righteous folks suffered collateral effects of their nations being judged, (See Jeremiah 29 for a letter The Lord inspired Jeremiah to write to Judean captives in Babylon. Daniel and friends became slaves in Babylon, yet they were favored and protected; Daniel was promoted to high positions in kings courts in Babylon and Persia, and Esther became the Queen of Persia after it conquered Babylon. See also: Collateral Damages or Blessings? (Poem))
Some within the so-called American ‘religious/political far right’ seem to believe (have faith) they are called to turn the tide of what they account as sinfulness across America by political or even violent means, and a few have proposed adoption of ‘Christian nationalism’, a quasi-theocratic approach to national governance. This they do with a blind eye or myopia on their own sinfulness. The concept of Christian nationalism in modern times clearly goes against what Christ called His believers to do and to be. In history, He only established one nation as a theocracy, ancient Israel, which later split into 2 nations (Israel and Judah). They failed in meeting their call, so He destroyed those nations via military invasions, and scattered a remnant of the peoples across the world, just as He had promised through Moses in Deuteronomy 32. [FYI, The Lord promises to regather Jews from across the world back to the promised land, and then to establish His own global theocratic kingdom, The Millennial Reign of Christ with His resurrected saints from across the ages of time. At that time, the whole world will be a theocracy!! Imagine that. For more on this, search this blog for that topic.]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Ezekiel 14:12-23 reveal The Lord’s promised judgments on to ANY land (not just Israel!) and people (not just Jews!) who demonstrate persistent, un-repented sinfulness. Comparing these verses with what He declared through Moses, in Deuteronomy 32, reveals very close overlaps. Thus, any cursory review reveals that world history clearly aligns with exactly what He promised! That’s the hard evidence (not faith) that human history is essentially the seeds and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies.
So what did Jesus call His faithful followers to be and do?
Jesus only called His followers to be:
(1) ‘preserving [spiritual] salt’ in societies that tend to rot, socio-culturally, under their weights of increasing sinfulness, and
(2) valid, demonstrable witnesses of His saving Grace to the onlooking, unbelieving world.
The notion is for us to demonstrably be exemplars of, and to share His life transforming Word, as opportunities arise. Our test (Jeremiah 17:10) is to do these things, and to TRUST/LEAVE THE RESULTS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I believe most within the so-called American religious political far right tried this. It is possible that, not seeing results they desired within their own timeframes, many may have decided to 'take matters into their own hands', and to vie for significant influence over the political levers of our nation’s governance, something The Lord never called bona fide Christians to do. Many aspects of Trump’s life were reportedly despicable to them, socio-culturally, but they believed he could help to achieve their political objectives, so they reportedly ‘pinched their noses’ and voted for him, many twice!
Please see: Laodicean Lackadaisicalness - Part 7 (Poem) for a picture and discussion that captures this notion. The broader Laodicean Lackadaisicalness (Series) addresses what may well be the predicted state of the Church, worldwide, during the last days of this current age, the 3rd age of The Lord's multi-millennial strategic plan for humanity. Written in the closing years of the 1st century AD, Revelation 3:14-22, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3, on which this series is based, accurately capture the state of the Church, worldwide, today.
It is always helpful to remember in ALL things, even in our sinfulness, The Lord works out His independent will.
Bottom line: It appears many within the so-called American religious/political far right may have been deceived, thinking they could accomplish ‘The Lord’s Will’ via means other than those He specifically assigned to His followers. I believe the key relevant lesson is whenever we fail to keep our ‘eye on the right(eous) ball’, we will always/ALWAYS be tempted to focus on carnal ways and means to address the issues of life, including … a man, thus making him an idol.
I trust this adequately addresses your question. See also: The Big Lie (Q&A) and also Gas-lit (Poem)
