Lesson 1: Jesus’ Teachings in the Election Campaign

Many of us have become very upset watching politicians weaponize Christianity as the political debate has become a political war. People claim their party speaks for Christ. Some churches even consecrate a candidate supposedly chosen by God to save our nation. We find ourselves in a situation where the way you vote determines whether you are a real Christian or not.

Hoping to gain some insight and perhaps some direction, I decided to review what Jesus actually taught. Reading through the four gospels in one sitting seemed a good way to start.

The first thing that jumped out was totally expected. Jesus does not address our most controversial issues. For instance, he says nothing about abortion or homosexuality.

I was also reminded that Jesus hardly teaches any specifics about what following him entails. His message focuses on following God’s will and that this means completely changing your life.

When he describes this new lifestyle, Jesus talks of character much more than particular actions. Good trees are needed if you want good fruit. He calls for loving, forgiving, and sharing without defining what that might mean in different situations. He tells stories that leave a lot open rather than engaging in theological discussions.

I wasn’t ready, however, for my big takeaway. As I read over the characteristics that Jesus uses to describe God’s people, it was overwhelmingly evident they are exactly the opposite of those Donald Trump champions at his rallies and on social media. Trump could be regarded as the contrast every last time.

I came away with an undesired conclusion. In the past, I believed no candidate or policy completely represented Jesus. Christians were called to examine the issues carefully and then vote for the candidate whose policies they thought were closest to his teachings, with the emphasis on policy, not person. My assumption was that both parties worked for the common good.

Now, I have to think Christians are called, at least in this election, to make the person, not the policies, the deciding factor. And I think that makes the choice clear based on how Trump presents himself.

Of course, it also challenges the reasoning of those who say they do not like Trump but will vote for him because of his policies.

Quite frankly, I’m glad I don’t have to preach on this. It would be terribly difficult and probably very painful. It’s a lot easier to write as a retired, pensioned pastor in an online class. And that is what I intend to do in the coming weeks. Next week I plan to go over each of Jesus’ points.

Tags: Jesus and Trump, Jesus Teaches Character, Jesus Teaching and Election, Reading the Gospels in One Sitting, Voting on Person or Policy