AN OPEN LETTER TO AMERICAN EVANGELICALS IN IOWA
The Iowa caucuses are about to open the Republican primary calendar. It is frigid and snowy in the Hawkeye State. A large percentage of Iowa voters identify as Evangelical Christians. Here are some thoughts for them as they prepare to vote.
Dear Evangelical Voters,
Do you really think Trump cares about the hard-working farmers of Iowa? Are you kidding? The man lacks empathy. He's running for president so he can avoid going to prison. He faces 91 felony charges across four criminal cases and two civil lawsuits.
I know you don't want to hear this, but you are being used by Donald Trump for political purposes. All he wants is your money and your vote. It is astounding that conservative Christians, who are well-schooled in Biblical verse, can support someone whose values and views are completely at odds with those of Jesus. Trump is man whose policies and beliefs constantly violate the basic tenets of Christianity.
I live in Canada, so I do not get the opportunity to speak to many Trump evangelicals. You are most welcome to email me and refute my arguments, but I don't see how you can square Trump's words and deeds with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
* Jesus built bridges.
Trump builds walls.
* Jesus preached love. He said "Love thy neighbour."
Trump preaches hate. It is no secret that he and his extreme right-wing followers harbour nothing but hate for immigrants, women, Blacks, Muslims, homosexuals etc.
* Jesus preached forgiveness. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," according to the Lord's Prayer. In Matthew 18:22, Jesus rejects the teaching of religious leaders who restricted forgiveness to three times. For followers of Jesus, forgiveness should be generous and unlimited.
Trump is vengeful. His goal is to exact revenge on those whom he feels have wronged him or don't agree with him, especially Democrats, liberals, non-supporters and other critics.
* Jesus said that you can't serve two masters, God and mammon.
Trump's wealth and lavish lifestyle tales precedence over everything with him. He worships at the altar of the almighty buck.
* Jesus showed respect and love for women such as his friends Mary and Martha, the Samaritan women at the well, the adulterous woman who was being stoned, and Mary Magdalene.
Trump denigrates women. He objectifies them and rates them by physical beauty. In the infamous Access Hollywood tapes, Trump bragged about groping women. In addition, a Manhattan jury found trump liable of sexually abusing and defaming magazine journalist E. Jean Carroll. Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages.
* Jesus suffered an ignominious death. He was mocked, tortured and crucified.
In Trump parlance, Jesus would be considered a "loser." After all, Trump insulted the late Senator John McCain for injuries he suffered while he was tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
I can't for the life of me understand how you, as people of faith, can support such a man as Donald Trump. It is beyond me.
Sincerely,
Joanne
