Posted Jan 11, 2021 by Michael L. Brown

As things are ending very badly for Donald Trump’s presidency and some of his close associates are abandoning him, the question for Christian conservatives is this: Did we sell our souls by voting for Trump? Did we make a deal with the devil that was bound to end in failure and disgrace?

Someone asked me on Twitter shortly after the storming of the Capitol, “If you knew how things would end, would you have voted for Trump?”

That, of course, is an intriguing question. But it is, ultimately, unfair and unhelpful.

If you knew you would be involved in a fatal car crash on your way to work, would you have gone to work that day? If you knew that, after 20 years of marriage, your spouse would leave you for another lover, would you have gotten married? If you knew that your first child would die of cancer at the age of four, would you have had children at all?

We can only make decisions based on what we presently know. This includes being able to make projections and predictions as well, but we cannot do that perfectly.

When it came to voting for Trump, many of us knew we were walking on treacherous ground. He could do a lot of good, and he could do a lot of bad. Would the former outweigh the latter? Or in the end, would he do more harm than good?

And what of our witness and our integrity? What would be the lasting effects of our association with Trump? Perhaps we would see some policy advances, but at what cost?

Those were the questions many of us wrestled with, and that’s one reason I opposed Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries, as did many of you. We thought there were much better choices. (As for those who chose Trump over the other Republican candidates, that’s another discussion entirely.)

But when it came to Trump vs. Hillary (or, more recently, Trump vs. Biden), we felt conscience-bound to vote against the left. We knew there were inherent dangers in our vote, given the type of person Trump was. But he got our vote nonetheless. The alternatives were simply too scary to consider.

And right now, as we watch “the Purge” taking place, with the potential banning of conservative voices and platforms by Big Tech, we remember one reason we voted for a political outsider and fighter like Trump. Take him out of the picture now, and we face some very precarious times.

On the flip side, had Trump responded differently to his loss to Biden (be it by fraud or not) and not undermined the Republican party in Georgia, we would likely be looking at a GOP majority of 52-48 in the Senate, thereby holding back the radicality of the left.

So, on the one hand, Trump won some short-term victories and also appointed many lifetime judges. He did much good on the national and international scene. On the other hand, we are now left with a real, national mess, with the balance of power shifting dramatically left, and with the country as a whole vulgarized in many ways by the Trump presidency.

But what of our Christian witness? Did we sell our souls by voting for Trump?

To this moment, I believe we can justify why we voted for him in the general elections and do so without shame, especially given the choices. (For the record, though, I have always respected those who could not vote for either candidate out of conscience before God. I differ strongly with those who voted Democrat rather than vote for Trump.)

Like some of you, as a Trump voter, I often expressed my concerns about the president, sounding many warnings along the way. (See, for example, this article from June 30, 2017 titled, “Don’t Sell Your Soul Defending the Words of President Trump.”)

Like some of you, I cringed over many of his tweets and saw the real danger of his reckless words (after all, this was the most powerful man on the planet demeaning and degrading others in the sight of tens of millions).

Like some of you, I saw real truth in the damning criticisms that were brought against Trump, all while recognizing how he was unfairly savaged by the leftwing media.

Yet, to repeat, when it came to voting for him or Hillary or Biden, the choice was clear for us.

We had absolutely nothing in common with the white supremacists and other fanatics who stormed the Capitol last week. We were not xenophobes or racists or misogynists. But we were staunchly opposed to where the radical left might take us, hence our vote for a very flawed man.

Many of us also hoped that some of the godly leaders who surrounded him would be able to help him make some deep, fundamental changes as they spoke into his life with clarity and truth. And so we cast our vote.

Did we sell our souls in doing so? Did we compromise our values in the process?

For many of us, the answer is no, and we don’t need to go on an apology tour for our vote. Even if some of our friends were more prescient than we were, seeing that things would end badly, we acted with sincerity before God and man. And if in the years ahead, our worst fears are realized and our country lurches even further to the far left, we will remember why we voted as we did.

That being said, many of us did sell our souls and compromise our values. There is no doubt about it whatsoever.

We diminished the importance of a leader’s character and integrity. We became apologists for the president’s sins and shortcomings. We mirrored his worst characteristics. We justified the unjustifiable. We put our trust in a man to fight our political and cultural battles. We became better known as “the Trump people” than as “the Jesus people.” The list goes on and on.

To the extent that applies to any of us, we need to do some serious, private soul-searching along with some honest, public repenting, not in reaction to the attacks from the left but out of reverence before God.

Either way, however, we voted, the reputation of Jesus has been trashed before the nation. What can all of us do to see His name lifted up again?

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Comments

truthforce posted a comment · Jan 22, 2021
Trump did nothing good, He was a liar, and anybody who couldnt see that was dam dumb. Yes, he spoke against the deep state and against the swamp. But a man's character is shown not by his words (unless you perceive that by his lies, he is not to be trusted), but by his actions. Could you people not see he was a lying, bought opportunist? He was a tool of the deep state himself, he rid no swamp creature, he closed the nation, he gave 6.2 trillion dollars to the bankers, and yet you all supported him right to the end. This is not an election question. It is a character and vision question. Why was this creep supported by Christians right until he was no longer able to be in office? The words against your actions are not strong enough-it was not a matter of voting, it was that you continued to support an obviously evil and corrupt deceiver as long as you possibly could. You didn't sell your souls by the vote. Your souls have been long gone, and I really see little in Christians to trust. There is not enough humility or honesty here. You have NOT addressed it with enough remorse and repentance, Brown. YOU have NOT spoken truth. YOu have been white washing the sickness of the faith.
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Dees posted a comment · Jan 16, 2021
When casting my vote it is with consideration of pertinent moral issues. Presidents who take office may be immoral or amoral in their personal life but if standing against abortion, against human trafficking, and are pro-Israel I will vote for that person. My vote does not justify their immorality but rather shows where I stand on moral issues that face this nation. A childless widow (of low income) I gain as I can say to my Lord, "I did not sell my soul."
scottwierenga posted a comment · Jan 15, 2021
Actress, singer and songwriter Dale Evans Rogers (1912-2001) and her husband Roy were known as a very godly, high profile couple in the community of believers. Often she was urged to run for public office. Evans replied that her past life was tainted by a sinful youthful lifestyle which enemies would not hesitate to use against her during a campaign. Donald Trump knew the same thing would happen to him if he ran for president, yet he knowingly threw himself to the wolves in an effort to save our nation from widespread corruption. It’s time for polite church people to stop behaving like wolves when a new believer like Trump tries to make up for past failings.
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rickdalbey posted a comment · Jan 15, 2021
Yes, we did a deal with the devil. We elected the most immoral, corrupt man to ever sit in the Whitehouse knowingly. Three marriages, children out of wedlock, cheating on every wife. A man who pays Porn stars and Playboy bunnies thousands to gratify him. A man who brags of grabbing women by the puxxy. We did it in exchange for access to power. We did it believing the ends justify the means. We wanted to buy favor for the church. This is a man with no character, no ideology, who lies constantly. Who is the father of lies? I believe this was a test and we failed. It was always justified by saying he was better than Hillary. Really? He was impeached twice. He sponsored an armed insurrection against the US Capitol building. His lies got 5 people killed. Now every capitol in every state in the US is being defended by the national guard because his brainwashed followers are threatening violence and murder. Can it get any worse? Trumpists turned Hillary into the boogyman. She is not deserving of the demonizing. Qanon claims she murders children and drinks their blood and organizes pedophilia rings. Trump supports Qanon. Dr. Brown, look at what your waffling and support of Trump has done. It has brought our country to the brink of civil war. It gave cover and empowerment to Qanon. Dr. Brown, do something really rare, admit your error. Help undo the damage.
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DaveGravo posted a comment · Jan 15, 2021
I am so sorry but when I tried to pay out backspaced to the unedited un spellchecked version and posted. Here is the true one, ignore the other. Trump had faults. But things are not ending badly because of those or white supremacists. They are finding more videos from before the Capitol Hill riot that those people made praising Antifa and BLM. They have found social media planning the event. Dr Brown is very premature with calling them white supremacists when he doesn't know that for a fact. Trump hardly coarsened the national debate and Dr Brown is clearly sheltered if he thinks. And every Christian I saw was lifting up Christ. It was more atheist conservatives who certified Trump. But Dr Brown, lifting up Christ is hard when they censor you as they have for a long time. And the Name of Christ stunk before the national stage veggie Trump ever came because the media wants to erase Him as Ps 2 tells you. But when you send your big brother in against the bullies, you lose the right to critique what he does. How hard her pounds the bullies depends on the bullies ue the left. And they were determined to continue to pound. He wasn't being sent in there too be Godly. He was more pro life and more pro Israel and more pro letting us spread the Gospel to get people saved for eternity than any president ever. How does any Christian even CARE abbott his tweets? Given Life, Israel, Gospel Spreading, do you think GOD cares? God knew the Jehuish person Trump was when He let him do this. He sends who He wills, not who we will. Admit it, if Trump had defeated the cheat you'd be happy with his efforts to fight and you know it. I will happily talk to you on the phone Mr Brown because this is wishy-washiness, not serious reflection. I'm sure you won't. In spite of what you seem to think, almost all Christians knew who their God was and it wasn't Trump. The narrative you're giving was a media creation. Maybe you some spend enough time with ordinary people. And so disappointing you believe the already-disproven media narrative about the riots. You used to bre better. Again, not bashing from the anonymity online, I'll happily talk to you personally. Reply to this message to get it started.
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DaveGravo posted a comment · Jan 15, 2021
Trump had faults. But things are not ending badly because of those or white supremacists. They are finding more videos from before the Capitol Hill riot that those people made praising Antifa and BLM. They have found social media planning the event. Dr Brown is very premature with calling them white supremacists when he doesn't know that for a fact. Trump hardly coarsened the national debate and Dr Brown is clearly sheltered if he thinks. And every Christian I saw was lifting up Christ. It was more atheist conservatives who certified Trump. But Dr Brown, lifting up Christ is hard when they censor you as they have for a long time. And the Name of Christ stunk before the national stage veggie Trump ever came because the media wants to erase Him as Ps 2 tells you. But when you send your big brother in against the bullies, you lose the right to critique what he does. How hard her pounds the bullies depends on the bullies ue the left. And they were determined to continue to pound. He wasn't being sent in there too be Godly. He was more pro life and more pro Israel and more pro letting us spread the Gospel to get people saved for eternity than any president ever. How does any Christian even CARE abbott his tweets? Given Life, Israel, Gospel Spreading, do you think GOD cares? God knew the Jehuish person Trump was when He let him do this. He sends who He wills, not who we will. Admit it, if Trump had defeated the cheat you'd be happy with his efforts to fight and you know it. I will happily talk to you on the phone Mr Brown because this is wishy-washiness, not serious reflection. I'm sure you won't. In spite of what you seem to think, almost all Christians knew who their God was and it wasn't Trump. The narrative you're giving was a media creation. Maybe you some spend enough time with ordinary people. And so disappointing you believe the already-disproven media narrative about the riots. You used to bre better. Again, not bashing from the anonymity online, I'll happily talk to you personally. Reply to this message to get it started.
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DLM posted a comment · Jan 15, 2021
You spent almost the entire article to support your reasons for voting for Trump. You spent 2 paragraphs acknowledging short comings. REALLY? Four years of division in all forms and there is only 2 short paragraphs. Why isn't there more about the unbelief in God's providence during all this time. We are to be light to a people and all you've been has been the red light district. Fawning over a man that has no qualities of being sent by God. But yeah, as long as the church can legislate morality, then we're all in!! If you really follow Jesus, you go the the brokenness of the people and be healers. Yes, i was not happy with a lot of things under Obama, but I can say this, his policies saved this country from financial ruin and we did not nearly become socialist in the process. And you can't say that the people at the insurrection were not Christians. What do you think "Christians" have been showing for the last 4 years. And yes, that statement goes to liberals as well as Conservatives. For all that have proudly voiced their support should do the same in there fall. Isn't that what repenting calls for.
OT posted a comment · Jan 13, 2021
"Timothy Stewart-Winter points out, Obama will likely be remembered as the “Gay Rights President,” in honor of the astonishing progress toward LGBTQ rights made during his years in office." @@
OT posted a comment · Jan 13, 2021
OBAMA is the reason for the season America finds herself experiencing, Trump ran for office! as a result of Obama/Biden presidency example - cause and effect!
OT posted a comment · Jan 12, 2021
Swkh310 remember history won't "forget" all the reasons Trump ran for President ! stick that in your pipe and sMoKe it ! ______Obama opened the door and unveiled the way to Sodom-n-Gomorrah 2.0 just saying! "Obama"s world apology tour" just saying! so It is unequivocally Obama's Fault Trump ran for office ! You say it was not, could not be a course correction for America inspired by God! Then Obama inspired the "ORANGE" monster as you call him! who or what else could have been the reason!
OT posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
Thank You Dr Brown! I welcome your point of view ! it is needed in this chaotic, vitriolic! angst filled season ! come Lord Jesus Come!
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RAS posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
I can't stop myself from commenting on this. Dr, Brown, you are right, some people did not sell their souls, some people did. As far as voting goes, this quote from Noah Webster encapsulates my belief: - "[L]et it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good, so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands and elect bad men to make and administer the laws"
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RAS posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
In the 2016 primaries I fought hard against Trump fearing he might destroy the only party left where we had influence in the direction of the nation. When he won the nomination; many people who opposed him, embraced him. Although I respected their decision, I could not follow. Hillary, I knew would destroy the country, but I feared Trump might forever destroy our future influence in the direction of the nation. I thought maybe Hillary would be so egregious, we would mount enough support to stop her and bounce back; but, if Trump was a disaster, we were done. Thus, I could not in good conscience vote for either. I was saved from the dilemma by being in Texas, knowing Trump would win my state in 2016, I had the privilege of copping out to my conscience. However, when Trump won, he proved himself on many things over the next 4 years, and though he had character flaws, in 2020 I could vote in good faith for him against Biden. I don't regret it. If Christians made a mistake, it was in the 2016 primaries. After that, what were our choices? The cake was baked. When Trump beat Hillary, I knew it was for God's purpose. That was not suppose to happen. Maybe we got a 4 extension on freedom? I still don't know all the work God is doing. As Solomon said, "though a man think to know it, he shall not find it out." God has a plan, all of this will work toward the fulfillment of it, the good, the bad and the ugly.
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RAS posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
“Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world.” ― Daniel Webster [This is what we currently face. God gave us America, I dread a world without righteousness guiding America. When America falls, virtually all the world goes with it.]
OT posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
Swkh310 IT REALLY IS LOST ON YOU! ("deep sigh")
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RAS posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
“There is no nation on earth powerful enough to accomplish our overthrow. Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence. - I must confess that I do apprehend some danger. I fear that they may place too implicit a confidence in their public servants, and fail properly to scrutinize their conduct; that in this way they may be made the dupes of designing men, and become the instruments of their own undoing.” ― Daniel Webster
OT posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
Swkh310 - when the Iron Curtain - cycle & hammer are your new crest! I will not ask God that you be the first casualty ! I just won't.............
OT posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
Swkh310 "YOU NEED TO BE CENSORED" Oh Yea" Dr Brown doesn't censor people for for bombastic " oration "
Swkh310 posted a comment · Jan 11, 2021
Yes, Dr. Faust, you knowingly and willingly sold your soul by voting for Satan, and you continue to do so with your ongoing support and defense of him.