Fear Over Faith: Christian Post Trumpatic Stress
Fear Over Faith: Christian Post Trumpatic Stress
This week on our podcast, we dive into the complexities of Christian support for Donald Trump with Rev. Edwin Perez. The conversation unpacks what this political alignment says about American values and how it impacts the broader faith community.
Christian Support for Trump Despite Contradictions
Over 80% of white evangelical Christians voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. This unwavering support persisted despite Trump’s criminal record, multiple bankruptcies, and representation of greed. Many religious leaders framed him as a defender of Christian values, focusing on single-issue topics like abortion while sidelining broader principles such as compassion and care for the marginalized.
The Vote Against Marginalized Groups
Overlooked Principles
Many voters aligned with Trump’s policies, prioritizing political gains over the foundational Christian values of love and inclusion. This decision has harmed marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Youth
Religious condemnation fosters “Christian PTSD” among LGBTQ+ youth, leading to higher rates of depression and suicide. LGBTQ+ youth from highly religious families are twice as likely to experience mental health challenges compared to those from supportive families (The Trevor Project, 2022).
Abandonment of Inclusivity
This focus on exclusionary policies has led to widespread disillusionment, with many young people leaving Christianity due to perceived hypocrisy.
Anti-Immigrant Stances and the Caste System
Voting for Trump often reinforced a perceived social hierarchy, pushing immigrants further down the “caste ladder.” A 2020 Pew study found that 60% of white evangelicals view immigrants as a “burden.” Despite biblical teachings about welcoming strangers, many Christians supported policies that alienate Latino and immigrant communities.
Hate or Economic Self-Interest?
Economic False Promises
Trump’s economic policies, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017), primarily benefited high-income earners, leaving little for middle- and lower-income families. This has raised questions about whether Christians prioritized personal financial gain over community welfare.
Tariff Warning
Trump’s proposed tariffs could drive significant inflation, increasing costs for goods like clothing, electronics, and groceries. These changes would disproportionately impact low-income households, further amplifying economic inequality.
The Exodus from Christianity
Youth Abandoning Faith
The stark contrast between Christian teachings of love and the exclusionary rhetoric against LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants has driven many young people from the faith.
Christian PTSD
Religious trauma caused by condemnation and judgment has alienated LGBTQ+ youth, contributing to the rise of “nones” (those with no religious affiliation).
This Week in History
Harvey Milk Elected (1977): The first openly gay elected official in California, a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation.
End of the Bracero Program (1964): Shaped immigration policies and impacted thousands of Mexican laborers.
Susan B. Anthony Votes Illegally (1872): Her defiance became pivotal in the women’s suffrage movement.
Closing Reflections
Christian support for Trump reveals troubling contradictions within the faith community. By prioritizing exclusionary policies and personal gain, many Christians have diverged from the core values of compassion and justice. As Rev. Perez highlights, this moment calls for self-reflection on what Christians prioritize and how their choices shape America’s moral fabric.
Listen to the full discussion now. 🎙️