Politics makes strange bedfellows, as the marriage of Donald J. Trump and the Christian right proves

Fact:  White, conservative, self-identified devout Christians comprise the most trustworthy and loyal voter block for Donald Trump.

Depending on how individual voters are categorized, it’s 60, 70, even 80%. Why is this happening when there is such a disparity between what Christians say they are and what Trump has demonstrated he is? The Book of Matthew says “judge not” and this isn’t a judgement on Trump’s spirituality choices (illustrated by the public domain photo above, posted on wikimedia commons). It’s curiosity about the connection between these strange bedfellows.

Recent news involving the 10 Commandments triggered a flood of easy-to-write, clearly on point, and often really funny lists of Trump actions paired up with each commandment violated. Some might argue about the matchup with all 10, but it’s hard to think of any presidential party nominee who has a verified history more in violation of these Christian rules — rules demanding obedience.

Consider another Old Testament Bible concept: Has there ever been a major party candidate more easily identified as a personification of the “seven deadly sins?” Greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, lust, wrath and pride. The opposites would be unselfishness, generosity, moderation, hard work, self-control, kindness, and humility. Heard about any of those things at a Trump rally? It seems unlikely many of those patriotic citizens in the red hats are there to hear about kindness.

Now, look at the New Testament. Much Christian worship involves scripture in the “Sermon on the Mount”? It’s regarded as a summary guide teaching believers how to live as true Christians. If you haven’t read it lately, google it for a review. Then, imagine a speaker at the upcoming Republican convention pushing those ideas with enthusiasm.

“BOO!!!!!!”

Yes, it would be hooted off the stage.

Another contrast: White conservative Christians spend a lot of time in church. Trump? Christmas and Easter maybe, but perhaps not.

Why, with these obvious differences, are these white conservative Christians lined up to deliver huge majorities supporting Trump? He has chosen to not be one of them his entire life. Even President Joe Biden’s most ardent supporters wouldn’t say he’s lived in accordance with all the admonitions of the whole sermon either, but it’s self-evident he’s a lot more compliant than the other guy.

Let’s disregard a comparison to Biden or any other person. Given the vast difference between the Trump life history and fundamental Christianity, why is he embraced by these churchgoers as if it’s a crusade?

Do they hope to redeem him? I don’t see sons Eric and Donald Junior organizing a “born-again” intervention soon. Trump is what he says he is, and yet this loyal base is willfully oblivious.

Is it all about abortion?  That’s the most prevalent explanation and such single-issue voting can be a legitimate strategy. Seems quite a leap, though, to swallow all the other contrary stuff in order to win this one point. Is it fear of LGBTQ people? Gun rights? Have they always been Republicans and won't change for any reason?

Or, is the decisive descriptive adjective for these religious folks not “devout,” but “white”? If the motivation is a desire to make things “great again” by elevating white supremacy … what a damning thing to believe about church people. We do know that non-white, devout voters also inclined to oppose abortion are not followers of this faithful Christian Trump culture.

Whatever the explanation, this is undeniable: We live in a country where a huge majority of “religious” voters are faithfully committed to electing the least “religious” candidate in history.

George Orwell would regret that he didn’t think of it first.

Mike Levsen is a former mayor of Aberdeen and a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard.