By John Q. Hosedrinker I left my church when the pastor started praising Trump and bashing Biden. It was a turning point for me when I realized that when Trump is brought up in church, it stops being a place of worship. Many Church Leaders are actively part of the Trump Cult, so it is no wonder that church members are opting out. Growing up in a church where hateful right-wing rhetoric was spewed, completely contrary to the teachings of Christ, killed any chance of me passing on the faith to my children. Jesus would want nothing to do with the Republican Party, filled with individuals trying to shove camels through the eyes of needles.
I remember letting a priest have it after speaking negatively about immigrants, reminding him that Jesus would be at the border ministering to these people. It is disheartening to see my grandparents, who have been incredibly religious for years, leave their church of 60 years because it became a Trump cult. And I can’t help but feel proud of them for standing up for their morals in the face of a toxic ideology that has poisoned churches to the point of driving out genuine believers.
American Christianity’s ties to conservatism, focusing on older, reliable voters, is causing a loss in the younger demographic. When church leaders align themselves with repression, hatred, and all sorts of -isms antithetical to Christ’s teachings, it’s no surprise that the pews are emptying out as the congregation ages and dies. The correlation between the GOP and the church has led to a decline in attendance, particularly as the church’s involvement in politics becomes more pronounced.
The infiltration of churches by the Trump cult has revealed the hypocrisy and manipulation present within certain religious communities. People claim to be Christians but do not embody Christian values, instead using religion to justify their beliefs and actions. The fact that the Christian right has embraced a man who embodies everything contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ is a clear indication of how far off track certain religious institutions have strayed.
The trend of right-wing extremism within the church has been a longstanding issue, pushing many individuals away from religious establishments that no longer uphold the values they claim to represent. The toxic mix of politics and religion has driven a wedge between believers and their faith, causing a mass exodus from churches across the country. It’s time for a reckoning within the church community to address the harmful influences of Trumpism and realign with true Christian values.
In conclusion, the intertwining of Trumpism with religious institutions has led to a crisis of faith for many individuals, myself included. The toxic rhetoric, hypocrisy, and manipulation present within certain churches have driven away members who seek genuine spiritual guidance and community. As we navigate this tumultuous time in American politics and religion, it is essential to reevaluate the core principles of faith and ensure that they align with the teachings of love, compassion, and acceptance espoused by Jesus Christ. Let us strive to create inclusive and welcoming spaces of worship, free from the divisive influences of political extremism and intolerance.