Posted Oct 10, 2016 by Michael L. Brown

I’m not writing this to defend Donald Trump or to minimize the despicable nature of his comments captured on video in 2005. Not a chance.

Nor am I writing this to convince NeverTrumpers to vote for him.

My own wife, Nancy, has told me repeatedly that she could not vote for him, despite the possibility of Hillary getting elected. (Of course, she will not vote for Hillary either.)

Instead, I’m writing this to ask those who once supported Trump, like my highly esteemed, Christian brother Wayne Grudem, a fellow-professor and theologian, why the video tape changed things.

Prof. Grudem wrote, “There is no morally good presidential candidate in this election. I previously called Donald Trump a ‘good candidate with flaws’ and a ‘flawed candidate’ but I now regret that I did not more strongly condemn his moral character. I cannot commend Trump’s moral character, and I strongly urge him to withdraw from the election.”

Certainly, I commend Prof. Grudem for his integrity and for acknowledging what he now feels was an erroneous endorsement of Trump. In fact, just a few days ago, I wrote a piece questioning whether I will endorse another candidate in the future, having previously endorsed Sen. Cruz.

But my issue is simply this: Why the surprise now? Did any of us really think that the Donald Trump revealed on that tape was not related to the Donald Trump of 2005 (and, in all likelihood, after that as well)? Did any of us think that he didn’t sexualize women, that he didn’t lean into his star power, that he didn’t boast about his many (alleged) sexual trysts? Why the outrage and shock now?

Even if Trump changed in certain ways since 2005 – perhaps he has been more faithful to Melania and more involved with their kids – the character he displayed throughout the election process indicated some very deep, moral flaws, making him the least likely poster boy for the evangelical right.

During the primaries, I issued numerous words of warning and concern about Donald Trump, in writing, on radio, and on video, also making clear that these warnings were in the context of the primaries, when we had other, more viable candidates for president. (Obviously, this was simply my opinion.)

Once it came to Trump vs. Hillary, my posture has been that I cannot vote for Hillary but that Trump could earn my vote, and that remains my position until today.

I would like to be able to vote for him, and I do hope that he will heed the godly advice that is being given to him and learn to humble himself before God and people. But his failings and flaws are such that I still have concerns about helping to elect him as president, despite the dire possibility of a Hillary presidency.

But these are just my personal opinions, and I do not write this to persuade or to influence. My purpose in writing is to ask those who once backed Trump but do so no longer: Why the surprise at his past conduct? Weren’t his weaknesses and flaws shouting aloud to the nation over the last year via tweet and spoken word?

I never for a moment bought into the “Saint Donald,” rhetoric, questioning other Christian leaders who embraced him as such. (I don’t mean to deny that he has helped people privately and has a compassionate, caring side. I simply mean that to present him as a wonderfully Christian man is to be self-deceived.)

And I understand the convictions of the NeverTrumpers, although I have never identified with this group. (I once used the hashtag in a tweet but decided not to do so again.)

My issue is with the political leaders and Christian leaders who endorsed Donald Trump and who worked to help elect him but are now distancing themselves from him in shock and dismay. Who did you think you were dealing with?

I know he can be gracious and humble in person, and there are surely many positive qualities about him.

But if you’re going to endorse him, do so with your eyes wide open, or don’t endorse him at all.

The man who once boasted about his adulterous encounters with famous women and who opened a casino with a massive strip club inside but felt he didn’t need to ask God for forgiveness is the man you endorsed for president.

Had he renounced with shame his past life, that would be one thing.

Had he not insulted and degraded his political opponents (and other perceived opponents) in the most vile and cruel ways, crushing them at any cost so that he could advance politically, that would be one thing as well.

But he did not renounce his past or change his public ways, because of which, the only issue with the 2005 tape should not have been the tape itself but rather how he responded to it today.

I have colleagues who believe that God is raising up Trump the way He raised up Cyrus, pointing out that Cyrus was used by the Lord although he was a pagan king who did not know the God of Israel (see Isaiah 45:1-6, and note carefully the phrase “although you do not know Me” in vv. 5-6).

I have no problem with this concept at all. As the old saying goes, let God be God (in other words, let Him do what He chooses to do in His way and for His purposes). So be it. As I’ve written before, I personally hope it’s true.

But for those who are having cold feet about Trump now, I ask again: Wasn’t it clear from day one that this was the man you were endorsing?

For all of us, then, from here on in, the lesson is simple and clear: Whatever we do, let’s do it with our eyes wide open and with our trust in God alone.

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Jarloz posted a comment · Oct 14, 2016
I only vote for parties I agree with 100%. In my country that means the Anti-abortion party. If I were an American, I would either "waste" my vote and vote for another than these to candidated, or not vote at all
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Herald of God posted a comment · Oct 12, 2016
Thank you Rev. Randy for your thoughtful response, I appreciate and respect your position. I agree with you that either Mr. Trump or Mrs. Clinton will become president. However, at this point I have to invoke that great reformer Martin Luther, he stated simply "to go against conscience would be neither right nor safe". As such to vote for either would be neither right nor safe for me. Democracy affords us choices, and while I am certain my choice many not be popular, it's a choice I feel compel to make. Blessings to you Sir, continue to be a beacon of light and hope as you teach faithfully the word of truth. Acts 20:32.
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Rev. Randy K. posted a comment · Oct 12, 2016
First of all Herald of God, I can't stand Donald Trump and I never could. I was a strong supporter of Ted Cruz from the beginning--who Dr. Michael Brown endorsed. I agree with you in asking the question of how so many evangelicals could be such staunch supporters of Donald Trump--as far as the primaries were concerned--rather than Ted Cruz. I have no respect any longer for people like Jerry Falwell Jr. who was adamant before the primary was even held in his state that Donald Trump is truly born-again. What utter nonsense. I would have really liked to asked Falwell Jr. (and others like him) why in the word he couldn't support Ted Cruz--who is not only actually born-again, but a Baptist like Falwell himself. It makes no sense whatsoever. In answer to your question of why Christians are supporting Trump now, I will simply say what I said earlier. The ONLY reason, and I do mean ONLY reason, to vote for Trump is simply because he is the lesser of two evils. Of course, this is nothing new at all in American politics. This has often been the situation Christians have had to face for quite a few years now. However, this is by far the most difficult presidential election for a Christian to have to cast a vote in. I honestly do understand where you are coming from and why you prefer to vote for someone besides either of them. However, the reality is that there are only 2 people who have a chance of winning the election--Donald Trump and HiLIARy Clinton. Therefore, to vote for someone other than Donald Trump--the lesser of the two evils--is at best to throw away your vote, and at worst, a vote actually for HilLIARy Clinton. I have wrestled with this for years, but this is why I have come to this decision. My vote for Trump is not so much a vote for Trump as it is a vote against Clinton. Polls suggest that that is the case for many people voting for either candidate--they are not voting for the person (Clinton or Trump) as much as voting against the other one. How tragic it is that our country has come to that. But I see it as simply a sign that God's judgment is upon America like never before. Again, I do understand your position Herald of God, and I do respect it. I hope I have answered your question(s).
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Herald of God posted a comment · Oct 12, 2016
Just a correction @ Rev Randy, I meant to say dereliction of your Christian duty.
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Herald of God posted a comment · Oct 12, 2016
Thank you for your comment Rev. Randy, but to be very clear I never said I was a Hillary Supporter (and I will not vote for her), nor am I compare the killing of unborn babies to (TALK) sexual assault, they are both despicable atrocities, both are to be repudiated. Last time I check there are at least four individuals on the ballot and we also have the ability to write-in someone. So what puzzles me is the constant insistence by some evangelical leaders that we must support Mr. Trump. Rev. Randy I say this with the utmost respect for your office, and I mean no disrespect to you Sir, please hear my heart. Leaders lead, and it is incumbent upon you as a minister of the Word to lead in the direction of righteousness, and without any equivocation Mr. Trump is not that direction. To do otherwise Sir, MAY be a dereliction of your Christian. To vote for him is to affirm him directly or indirectly, and that’s unthinkable. Lastly a cursory inquiry into any of Mr. Trump dealings will positively demonstrate that he is pathetically unqualified for the office he seeks and no amount cognitive semantics would change that.
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Rev. Randy K. posted a comment · Oct 12, 2016
Let me get this straight. As despicable as it is for Donald Trump to TALK sexual assault, that is far worse than Hillary Clinton DOING something to keep it legal to keep killing innocent unborn babies just before they are born? Really? Just how far have we sunk in this country anyway? As a Senator, Hillary Clinton voted AGAINST prohibiting partial birth abortion and late term abortion! Are you actually tell us Herald of God, Glen Beck, and all the rest of you HilLIARy supporters that killing innocent babies just before they are born or even during the birthing process isn't as despicable as TALKING sexual assault?
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Informant posted a comment · Oct 12, 2016
Where does accusation stop and forgiveness begin. I am not saying that I condone such talk referred to as Locker Room Talk but can we be real for a moment. Who has not sinned - who is walking such a pure and holy walk with God that they can stand in judgment over Donald Trump? I say let him who is without sin cast the first stone. When will politics ever get out of the bash routine and on with the issues and who can do what needs to be done.? That to me is the question I want answered because as many times as Hillary Clinton has changed her mind I have a hard time trusting that. No real convictions except what ever will sway people her way. While we spin this whole subject of what Donald Trump said years ago what about all of the stuff the Clintons have done. It seems to me that there is the possibility that there is a demonic force working behind the Clinton. Personally I think that needs to be completely exposed if they are going to crucify D.T.. To me its a shame and an afront to God that we want an imperfect King to rule us instead of him.
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Herald of God posted a comment · Oct 11, 2016
I am reading all these comments, but everyone seem to be missing that Mr. Trump is boasting about SEXUAL ASSAULT, come on people and using his position to look at naked women , whatever happen to our stands. Sexuality is very scared to our God. Is there any thing that Mr. Trump can't do, this is madness. At some point Christians have to draw the line some where, and like it or not to vote for Mr. Trump is to affirm him. Glen Beck say it best, we just cannot do that.
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Rev. Randy K. posted a comment · Oct 11, 2016
The ONLY reason, and I do mean ONLY reason, to vote for Trump is simply because he is the lesser of two evils. Of course, this is nothing new at all in American politics. This has often been the situation Christians have had to face for quite a few years now. However, this is by far the most difficult presidential election for a Christian to have to cast a vote in. I see it as a clear sign that God has decreed judgment for America. Judgment may be stayed for a season longer under Trump than Clinton, but nevertheless, it is coming. Actually, it has already started. For example, when the Supreme Court took the Bible and prayer out of the schools, they were replaced with guns. It is a tragic state of affairs that Americans have chosen these two major options for president. It only shows just how back-slidden the church is in America. Many who call themselves Christians have staunchly supported both of these two candidates. What utter nonsense. Apparently there are a lot of people calling themselves Christians who are clueless about what it truly means to be born-again.
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Dena4 posted a comment · Oct 11, 2016
I will not vote for Clinton and having a hard time voting for Trump. If I vote for Trump, besides the issues, am I endorsing his crude and immoral behavior?
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Peggy Jaeger posted a comment · Oct 11, 2016
In light of an 11 year old revelation of Trumps locker room crudeness, it was then an extremely good thing that no one made a big publicity stunt about the Kennedys, Ted, JFK, and Bobby...all who had outside marital affairs that weren't really very secret to Washington insiders. None of them would ever had been elected to dog catcher, let alone Senators and POTUS. For crudeness,,it's a good thing no one publicized Lyndon B. Johnson or Harry S. Truman's failings that weren't all that private, just not nationally known. And Nixon's double dealing and underhanded dealings. Nor F.D. Roosevelts supposed mistress all during his marriage and illness and Presidency. And how many others who failed sexual morality or civil relations who nonetheless were POTUS. Ah yes, except for Nixon, most of these scandalous things weren't brought out until after these guys had been elected or had died. I doubt that many of the former Presidents would have passed all morality tests of those who think we're voting for a National Preacher instead of a POTUS which has much different demands than Preacher. We're longing for Jesus,,the one perfect person who ever trod this earth...but He is Not Donald Trump nor anyone else in politics. And God knows,,most of us sure hope he,Trump, never gets before the people of this country and declares he is our 'savior'. He may be our saver but never our Savior,,right? And just have to say, I have lightly investigated the charges of other accusations the Dems and hill booby's supporters have,,as it turns out, twisted and perverted and misused things that Trump said, cut and dropped them into a bits and pieces in a salacious advert as if it were Every Word true... as They applied it to a picture advert. People change over periods of 10 years and Trump has claimed he has changed a lot since he has been out in the company of just every day folks. I believe our prayers have brought a new accountability to his conscienceless. And I believe he's not without morals by the compassionate things it's been revealed he has done. I believe his business acumen will be challenged in the office of POTUS but I believe he's up to doing the job. Be careful who you vote into Congressional seats too. A houseful of obstinate leftist liberals will not help any of us either.
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Herald of God posted a comment · Oct 11, 2016
I think the fuss is simply because Mr. Trump was boasting of sexual assault. While we knew he was a playboy, boasting about sexual assault takes it to another level. That's why all the fuss.
Dan1el posted a comment · Oct 10, 2016
re: "too lazy" Obviously this doesn't characterize 100% of those who refuse to vote for Trump (because the other choice is Hillary); my point is that if they really were so keen on having a "man of God" in the White House they ought to have started pouring their lives into that goal 40 years ago--that since they, by and large, have not they have no right whatsoever to complain now.
Dan1el posted a comment · Oct 10, 2016
Would God really condemn people for voting for Trump? SOMEONE is going to be President--if it isn't Trump it's going to be Hillary. Because of that, how do conservatives who refuse to vote for Trump not see that what they are doing is nothing other than helping to elect the candidate who, on so many levels, represents death (Hillary)? I can't understand what these people think they're accomplishing. If they wanted a pastor for their President. and didn't get one, they have only themselves to blame--either they were too lazy in prayer, too lazy in activism (including the "activism" of raising up men of God to run for public office) or what ever--and now that we are given a Trump they spit on him? Excuse me? We need to take what we have and run with it. We'll iron out the wrinkles as we go along. Trump is the best candidate since Reagan--perhaps in the last 100 years, but these picky eaters are complaining because their vegetables are touching their mashed potatoes. GROW UP! If all we have is a Trump it's our own fault--now let's work with what we've got to get to where we need to be instead of dreaming in of what should be like some 400lb man dreams of being in shape. If Trump isn't voted in, we very well may not have a US--you know, the entire framework that gives us the freedom to defend our Constitutionally-recognized God-given rights--left. The TPP is said to be a mere "business matter", but the EU (whose member-countries have no say in their own laws--whose laws are rammed down their throat by unelected and unknown bureaucrats) started out in the same way--a mere "business matter". That's just one of the crucial issues that are (though it's been said in the past, it's never been more true--who doesn't see the rate of change has picked up pace) going to decide the fundamental nature of this country going forward.