St. Paul's Letter to White American Evangelicals

I wonder what the Paul the Apostle might think of what's become of this odd American branch of the Church? Here's what I imagine he might tell them in a letter

A Letter from Paul to the Christians in America

Paul, commissioned by the will of God as a messenger of Jesus Christ, to the church of God in the United States - to those whom Christ has made holy, who are called to be God's men and women, to all true believers in Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours — grace and peace be to you from God the Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ!

I write to you, not with joy, but with a heavy heart.

I have heard reports of troubling behavior among you, and it grieves me deeply. Many of you, who call yourselves followers of Christ have embraced values and actions that are utterly at odds with the gospel of our Lord. It is not mere disagreement on matters of doctrine, but a grievous compromise with the world, one that threatens the witness of the church and the purity of the faith.

Brothers and sisters, how is it that so many of you have chosen to support a man who embodies all that is contrary to the teachings of Christ? I speak of Donald Trump, a leader you have exalted despite his open contempt for the truth, his arrogance, his immorality, and his oppression of the vulnerable.

Have you forgotten the words of our Lord, who said, “You will know them by their fruits”?

What fruit do you see in this man that is worthy of your loyalty and your defense?

I appeal to you, dear ones, do not be deceived by the allure of power and worldly success. Many of you have followed after this man because he promises you influence, control, and victory over your enemies. But what fellowship does the light have with darkness? Do you not remember the warning of the apostle John, who said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world”?

You have embraced a man who has repeatedly shown himself to be a liar, a deceiver, and one who bears false witness. He twists the truth to suit his purposes, and many of you, my beloved, have been complicit in this sin by defending his lies, excusing his deceit, and dismissing his critics as enemies.

But I tell you, the Lord detests lying lips, and we are called to speak the truth in love, no matter the cost. By supporting such a man, you have abandoned the way of truth and righteousness.

It is written that “no one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes” Yet many among you have tolerated — even justified — the sin of this man, Donald Trump. You know his reputation — his arrogance, his sexual immorality, his abuse of women, and his treatment of others as objects to be used for his own gain.

How can this be acceptable to those who bear the name of Christ?

Have you forgotten that our Lord commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to care for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed? How is it that you can support a man who mocks the weak, who exploits the vulnerable, and who shows no regard for the dignity of all people?

Do you not remember the words of our Lord, that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”? Yet you have looked away from his cruelty, his racism, and his indifference to justice. Worse, you have celebrated it.

Many of you have said, “We do not follow him because he is perfect, but because he defends our faith.” But I ask you, what faith does he defend? Is it the faith of our Lord, who humbled himself to serve others, who welcomed the outcast, who preached repentance and forgiveness? Or is it a false faith, one that seeks power, wealth, and dominance in this world?

I fear that many of you have become like the Pharisees, whom our Lord rebuked, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence”

You speak of morality, of defending Christian values, yet you align yourselves with a man whose life is filled with greed, pride, and lust for power.

How can you claim to follow the One who said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,” and yet celebrate a man who is boastful, who seeks revenge on his enemies, and who shows no mercy or humility? How can you proclaim the gospel of peace while supporting a leader who sows division, hatred, and fear?

Brothers and sisters, this is not the way of Christ. I call you now to repentance. Repent of your idolatry of political power. Repent of your defense of lies and corruption. Repent of your failure to love your neighbors as yourselves, especially those who are different from you, those who are vulnerable, and those who suffer under injustice.

Return to the gospel of our Lord, who calls us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to seek first the kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world. Remember the words of the prophet Micah: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”

If you persist in this path, I fear for your souls. The judgment of God is coming upon those who align themselves with the forces of evil, who turn a blind eye to injustice, and who refuse to repent of their complicity in sin. Do you not remember the words of Peter? “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household.”

Therefore, I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to turn away from this path of destruction. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Stand firm in the faith, and let no one lead you astray from the pure and simple devotion to Christ.

Seek not the favor of men, nor the power of this world, but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Walk in the light, as He is in the light, and let your lives be a testimony to the truth, the love, and the justice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, and may you turn from error to embrace the truth that sets you free.

In Christ’s service, Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.

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