Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump seems to be the favoured choice of evangelical leaders because of his stance against abortion. But Greg Snyder, professor of religion and chair of the religion department at Davidson College, thinks this should not be the case since Trump's values are actually in stark contrast to Christian beliefs.
Trump once said that he does not deserve the support of evangelicals, and Snyder cannot help but agree.
"He does not deserve the support of Christians, not simply for reasons of lifestyle, but because his values are fundamentally opposed to Christian commitments – commitments that Jesus urged in word and deed, principles for which he laid down His life. These values constitute the Kingdom of God, the heart of Jesus' message," Snyder writes for The Charlotte Observer.
Snyder says God condemns those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the way." Trump showed disregard to those in need when he proposed a ban on Muslim immigrants in the United States, citing terrorism as a reason, he says.
During his time on earth, Jesus told a rich man who wanted to follow Him: "Sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me." But Snyder wonders what Trump is doing with his wealth, and if his business practices even align with the ideals laid down by Jesus.
Jesus also said that "those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." But Trump, who constantly promotes his self-interests, does not seem to reconcile with the teachings of Jesus, Synder says.
"Many Christian voters object strenuously to abortion, and support Trump in the hope that he will appoint Supreme Court justices sympathetic to their cause. The weight of this real and persisting moral issue cannot be denied. But should this one issue, important though it may be, cause Christians to jettison the manifest teaching of Jesus on all other subjects?" Snyder asks.
He says there will never be a perfect candidate, but he hopes Christians would decide now which imperfect candidate is the better kind of politician, and which is worse.
